Posts with the tag biden

To Him Who Overcomes

Annette Buchanan-Phillips — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:49:29 EST

To Him Who Overcomes...

Many people in the Civil Rights Era, sang a theme song, an anthem if you will, of "We Shall Overcome" and that old Baptist Hymn, inspired and galvanized the movement.

When President Obama & Vice President Biden were elected in November, 2008; to the surprise of some and the regret of others; it was a manifest destiny of equal rights prayers having been answered.

Yet we all know that the Presidency is not the man or woman that occupies it, but it is the living tradition of American Government, in continuity, and if God will it, in perpetuity.

I asked a question of those "Big Think" experts and contributers: "Where is the place in the whole world that has the best quality of life for Black people?" Not one reply. The silence spoke volumes, of world wide oppression, and economic suppression of a people. The truth is that we are already here. In most countries even the right to ask the question could mean a death sentence. ...But we have elected a diverse Government of representation of every group ever factionalized in our culture.

What looms on the horizon may very well be; the sunrise of the only ethnicity that we think of no matter what color or costume, or religion is presenting is "I am an American."

When our point of origin is less important than our current state of being; then we truly have "Overcome." Then every division, and every prejudice has melted away like so much ice in a springtime sun. The winter of our disconnection is soon to be over...and our connection has begun. The content of our character, and the quality of our interactions will be what truly matters.

We will still be myriad colors, and have a kaleidoscope of experiences, but sharing the same light of unity, within our right to diversity. I don't want a homogenized world; do you?

Instead as the French say: "Viva le difference..." and it really is okay to be different and still be respected, and respectful of the difference of others. We are all in this country together, and hurt to one, ultimately hurts all, because injustice tends to have a cumulative negative effect.

Thanks for reading my blog; and thank God for the United States of America.

Forward to the Past

James — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:14:39 EDT

We are not living in a period where lies are told, and deceit committed, without discovery. No, we are living in a time where those things are done, witnessed and even re-stated, then denied....and the denial is accepted as valid. We all understand that recorded history is not entirely accurate. We know that history is often recorded by people, and in ways, that change the perspective of what really happened. Television, one might have thought, and modern video, would have changed all that. But it has not. We are 'taking back' things at an inordinate rate, as well as denying that they ever happened. Has this happened because of the influence of television? Probably not. Television just makes it easier to understand that it is happening because we can actually go back and check it out. Let's look at some recent examples:

1. A month ago a very noted columnist, named Seymour Hersch, came out and stated that he had confirmed evidence that Dick Cheney was, while V.P., the head of a domestic assassination squad who's mission was to take out people who acted as a threat to the administration for which he worked. Seymour said that there was also evidence that this squad was formed under Richard Nixon and operated under the table in every administration since. This information was noted in the New York Times and on television. The video is still available out there. A few weeks after Seymour stated this and offered to make his evidence known to defend it, he recanted. He came out and stated that what he meant to say was that there were assassination teams run by the military to take out terrorists discovered in Iraq and Afghanistan. What was he talking about and where was the evidence he discussed? Gone, as if it had never been. Seymour was not even required to statw why his original proposition was so different from what he finally stated. Then Seymour disappeared from being in front of the media, probably for some time to come. Denied. Gone. Accepted by the public.

2. Joe Biden, with respect to the supposed Swine Flu, stated that people should stay away from contained areas, like airports and airplanes. Instead of admitting that he has stated that on television, he simply denied he had said it, by using the device of "What I meant to say was..." Accepted by the public.

3. Back during fresh Post 911 days, do you recall the passport? The one that the police found, supposedly at the base of one of the towers. It purportedly belonged to one of the terrorists onboard one of the aircraft that slammed into one of the towers. The television showed us close-ups of that passport, all burned around the edges. When engineers and 'experts' a few days later stated that no paper products whatever could have survived the intensity of heat, fire and explosions from those events, the passport was denied. It was not denied that there was a passport, but it belonged to somebody else. It was too late for that. They just denied that there ever had been a passport. We all saw it. Gone. Just like that. Accepted by the public.

4. Forty-seven people saw a streak of light go up from the sea toward the jet liner that was destroyed in the air over New York. The final report stated that there was no streak. Forty-seven separate people were simply wrong. The jet-liner just blew up on its own. Denied. Gone. Never was. Accepted by the public.

5. Back a bit further, we have the Kennedy thing. We all saw the Zapruder film over and over again. It still runs through my mind. His head was hit in the front, with debris flying off the back, with his head and body rocking back. We know what happened. We saw it. You know the final report. Denied. Gone, Never happened. Accepted by the public.

6. Torture. We all know, unless our head is made of homogeneous rock, that waterboarding is not the slow dripping of water over a subjects mouth. We drown people. Then revive them. Then drown them again. Over and over, until they are beat down into almost nothing. You cannot get real data, the way the torturer's see it unless the person thinks he or she is going to die. There are no rules if you are going to kill the subject anyway. But, instead of any truth, like what some of the surviving subjects are saying and even some political people are admitting, we just get denials. Even Abu Graib, with its obvious shots, was basically denied. Is basically denied. Gone. Did not happen that way at all. Accepted by this public.

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What is happening has happened before. We have all been shown the truth, and then by the television and video. We do not believe that what we see is valid, later on, if our belief system is powerful enough to overcome the facts. The facts are all there, in graphic detail, and we still deny them. We want to deny them because we are made to want to deny them. We are given a belief system to induce that denial. And it works amazingly well. We all know, for example, that there is no longer one member of Congress (House and Senate) that is not a millionaire. Obama is a multi-millionaire. So is Biden. So are the Clintons. And so are all the announcers on the news. Yes, all of them, down to the local level. The television anchor in Milwaukee makes 3.7 million a year, for God's sake! They have a vested interest, all of them, in you believing the mythical presentations they create and propagate. They are insulated and they want to make sure they keep it that way.

So, what good does knowing all this do you, as a citizen, a non-millionaire, a person with a regular job, or maybe no job right now? Am I writing this to simply give you a feeling of glum despair, or to make myself famous? Neither. I am too small to become famous, and I will remain so, even if you buy my books en masse. It takes more than that. No, I am writing this so you will reflect, watch, observe and think. You see, this whole thing spins off of you. You have just been led to believe that it does not. Your thoughts percolate through the system. Your actions have meaning, as small and hidden as you may think that they are. Talk to others. Look for kindred observers. You are not out to look for lies and deceit. I sure wasn't with respect to the Kennedy assassination or 911. I wanted to believe. i don't really know what happened in those situations but I know it is not what I have been told. You know it too. Just open your mind and watch, and think, and then talk to one another. It is so very important if we are ever to take the next step in humanity's development. We are stuck here, mired in these applied lies, stuck in a mud field of deception. We will not get out without great ambition, effort and endurance.

Njanraj

Unknown user — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:21:34 EDT

Nabahe acaeka

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Yabheai

Unknown user — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:20:30 EDT

Uanshay

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My First Time Hosting an Event

Obama for President — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:46:17 EDT

Hello friends,

I am just going to let you how my first time as an event's Host went. To tel you the truth it was not like I expected it to be, but I learned from it, and next time I will be more prepared. We went to a K-Mart store located in Bellflower on Rosescrans and McNab , CA and we could not hand out pledges because for them to let us do so, we have to contact their headquaters, and since it was week-end headquaters was close. Also I expected 8 people who sign up for the event, , and only 6 peoples showed up, only 3 was from the signed up list. and I am wondering if there is something that I did wrong or if the event was not advertized enough. How do people actually get more people. The weather was not favorable so we could not really do much. but it was my first time I guess, I hope next time will be better. I am counting on any of your advises, strategies in how you made your event more successfull. I will be reading your post with interest.

Thank you

Salma

Obama St. Patricks Day t-shirts, Updates, and Nobody Messing With Joe

Homeboy — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:25:07 EST

It's been quite a while since I updated this blog, but felt like enough has happened recently that an update is due. I've been busy following all the recent events with the economy and of course I watch Obama's speeches when they happen. This past one inspired me to not only create some stuff around the whole "nobody messes with Joe" slogan, but also made me start a new blog devoted to all the products that end up being created when events like that happen.

My most recent blog is about another seemingly popular topic that comes around this time of year. I remember last year, Irish Obama stuff was all over the place during St. Patrick's Day. I don't see things slowing down in regards to this love of both green beer and Obama, so I wrote an article on Barack Obama's St. patrick's Day t-shirts. It's interesting that on the site I use for all my designs, "Obama Irish t-shirts" are the very first thing you see on their St Patricks Day t-shirts page. He's got to be poplular if he's getting that much attention. It makes me with I had designed some shamrock'ed out designs myself. Maybe next year :/

In other news, I think Obama's first 4 days of being in office were sensational. There were so many reversals of Bush's laws that happened in such a short period of time that it was amazing to witness. The fact that he jumped in and changed things right off the bat makes me think more and more that he's got an idea of the direction he wants to take things toward. I think Bush not only lacked direction, but with what direction he had, he was poorly misguided.

Obama's Change.gov is also another major shift in the way of government. There's something truly beneficial to having all the expenses of government in the close scrutiny of the eyes of its citizens. My only hope is that not only do they keep the information public, but that they also make a way to comment and/or submit feedback on various expenses. I have a feeling the large US population will be able to spot waste more efficiently than a handful of people in the whitehouse.

I'm going to try to update this more often as I get the time, but until then, I wish everyone who reads this the best in these crazy times.

AMERICA...the Pain Begins...TELL ME YOUR REALITY...tell me your story, I'll listen and reply...someone that really hears you and cares enough to respond to your thoughts, ideas, feelings and concerns...YOUR REALITY that YOU are LIVING WITH TODAY

Citizens for Change in America! — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:57:36 EST

JUST the Beginning... this is just beginning...it will not be going away...more people are hurting than anyone knows...now it is starting to openly show...rich, poor, middleclass, republican, democrat, independent, black, white, tan, red, pink or purple with pink pock-a-dots...it just doesn't really matter...the pain is broad and getting deeper daily...AMERICA must wake up and come out of this stopper... REALITY...America is in REAL PAIN... ALL AMERICANS...tell me your story and I will hear you! If you have a story...tell about the effect on you, your family, friends, neighbors, relatives... tell me about your story and the effect it is having...tell it to me today!

THE TRUTH HURTS...reply

Citizens for Change in America! — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:37:56 EST

The Truth HURTS…
This economic problem has always been about choice…what you decided to do with your money in the past and in the future is your choice that you have everyday of your life…AMERICA faces these choices and ALL of the AMERICAN PEOPLE will have to decide…
FACT: you paid off your house
FACT: you paid off your car
FACT: you paid off you credit cards
FACT: you paid off your investments
FACT: you paid off your bills
FACT: you paid off your expenses
FACT: you paid off your children’s educational expenses
FACT: you paid off you children’s college bills
FACT: you paid off your taxes
FACT: you paid off everything
FACT: DID YOU REALLY PAY and then some…so everyone can do WHAT EVER they desire…even for WRONG THINGS…for other peoples houses, cars, sunroofs, tinted glass windows, gas, tires, trucks, options, investments, summer homes, time shares, tips, trips, vacations, heat, electricity, clothing, food, college, medical, insurance, stocks, interest, bank loans, credit card bills, EVEN WRONG business CHOICES…did you…make these choices…take these risks…live this lie of fake prosperity.
The banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies and government offices…
all are having fun making choices with other peoples money…
yes everyone…especially those that might be considered too big to fail?
REMEMBER the BASICS (part of the costs of doing business is loss in theft, shrink and bad accounts…this is in all business models as experts are taught by experts…PROFESSORS teaching MBA’s and CPA’s for CEO’s and Presidents)
All the experts…
take their pay for whatever good or bad decisions and answers they tell you…
TALK IS CHEAP…but YOU PAY for all the CHOICES
YOURS…THEIRS…and everyone else in between…
every person not living by the Facts…
but by the MYTH…
Is sold on the idea to fill up every living Mystical Fantasy and Desire…
that is the Prophecy of EXPERTS…
fed to the people on both ends of AMERICA
Economic and Political
FACE the MUSIC…
BROKE is BROKE…
Do not hand me your meal ticket…I did not eat your lunch!
I did not own your business, bank, brokerage company, bakery, battery company, best shop or basket case…
do not give me your bills…
I didn’t get any of your pleasures, profits or perks…
I didn’t benefit from any of your lavish life style…
I didn’t get any thing before…
I don’t want anything now…especially, not any of your bills!
YOU went broke…not me…
You didn’t pay any of my bills…
You didn’t worry about feeding my children or sending them to school…
YOU KEEP YOUR OWN choices to yourself this time too…
IT'S YOUR CHOICE to keep the TRUTH...
PAIN FREE!

OBAMA YOU HAVE THE POWER

WS — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:33:21 EST

"MR. OBAMA" IS THE "POWER" OF THE USA..

FOR ALL OF US..

SO TO GET MONEY INTO THE GOOD OLD USA..

WHY WITH ALL THE POWER THE PRES. HAS....

WHY DOESN'T "MR. OBAMA" TELL ALL THE BANKS TO PUT ALL HOME LOANS AT 3% STARTING MARCH 1ST.2009..

THINK OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WOULD GO BACK INTO THE USA...

ALSO THE BANKS STARTED THIS MESS ....

WITH "GREED" AND PASSED IT DOWN TO ALL OF US???

BILLION'S WOULD POUR INTO THE USA AND FAST...

THEN WOULD ALLOW TIME TO FIX THE BANK PROBLEM..

ASLO CREDIT CARDS TO BE SET AT 0%........................

AND CHANGE THERE GREED........

WE NEED MORE CHANGE....

HELP.......... MR . OBAMA...

Millions in Tax goes unpaid..defrauding the IRS and Georges is asking for an Tax audit and no response from IRS?

Georges from Beverly Hills, CA — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:44:42 EST

Georges Marciano who has been begging the IRS to audit him for over three years states that he owes IRS in the millions .....yes I said millions. I have emailed the IRS, we have sent letters. He has received a refund check from them and at the same time they sent him a letter stating he never filed? Georges has sent all the documents to the IRS, FBI, Los Angeles Sherriffs department, Beverly Hills police department and yet nothing....they have not even assigned anyone to the case....

http://irstaxneverfiled.wordpress.com/ on this site it shows the absolutely rediculous documents from the IRS . The question is why do they make such a big deal over Daschle and Geithner and their taxes and yet the Georges Marciano who actually wants to pay his taxes they are ignoring?

Middle Class Task Force

Jill 4 Obama — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:47:38 EST

THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 10:01 am About the Task Force

About the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families: The Task Force is a major initiative targeted at raising the living standards of middle-class, working families in America. It is comprised of top-level administration policy makers, and in addition to regular meetings, it will conduct outreach sessions with representatives of labor, business, and the advocacy communities. The Task Force will be chaired by Vice President Joe Biden. The Vice President and members of the task force will work with a wide array of federal agencies that have responsibility for key issues facing the middle class and expedite administrative reforms, propose Executive orders, and develop legislative and policy proposals that can be of special importance to working families.

Members of the Middle Class Task Force include: Vice President Biden, Chair; the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Commerce, as well as the Directors of the National Economic Council, the Office of Management and Budget, the Domestic Policy Council, and the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors.

Goals of the task force:

Expanding education and lifelong training opportunities
Improving work and family balance
Restoring labor standards, including workplace safety
Helping to protect middle-class and working-family incomes
Protecting retirement security

We’d like to hear from you. Over the upcoming months, we will focus on answering those concerns that matter most to families.

What can we do to make retirement more secure?

How can we make child and elder care more affordable?

How do we improve workplace safety?

How are we going to get the cost of college within reach?

What can we do to help weary parents juggle work and family?

What are the jobs of the future that we can begin to create?

Please share your story with us and give us ideas for how to get the middle class going again.

Transparency: The Task Force will operate in a transparent fashion, in an open, two-way dialogue directly with the American people. Any materials from meetings or reports produced will be made available to the public at www.AStrongMiddleClass.gov.

Biden

Robert Strunk — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:17:02 EST

A great speech by Joe Biden as he is ready to board the train to Washington. The people are showing up in great numbers even as the cold weather hangs around 0 degrees with little sun. It is amazing to watch this event here in Indiana and see the thousands of people who are seeing history as it's made. Washington is almost ready for the 20th and so are all of us. The day's of hope are upon everyone who has worked so hard for this.

Joe Biden reminded all that the work has just begun but the middle class will be salvaged and will again be a force in all of the economy. He didn't speak long before introducing President-Elect Obama and Michelle. A roar could be heard in the background as the people sang Happy Birthday to Michelle Obama. The President-Elect and his family almost feel like friends we have had for years. They still remember all of us who helped him become the 44th President of the United States.

Obama reminds all of us where Joe Biden came from and how he know swhat we all are feeling and how he will fight for us. Joe Biden was elected to congress at the age of 30 years old and the terrible events that happened shortly after that. Biden has been where many of us are and he will fight for us all. The fact that Joe Biden rides home every night on the train so he can be with his family and enjoy watching his kids grow up. Like President-Elect Obama he will work to change Washington and the government that is no longer for the people.

President-Elect Obama knows of many individuals whose personal stories represent what we are all feeling in this time of economic crisis. Obama continues to build the excitment as he moves across Delaware and Maryland on his way to the house we built. The responsibility of all of us is to continue to back the President and help turn this country around. Obama is looking for everyone to do their part. We must stand side by side, Republican or Democrat, and work hard to heal this country.

Bring the Inauguration to Your Community

Jacques Macaire — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:28:53 EST

Bring the Inauguration to Your Community You don't have to be in Washington, D.C. to be part of this historic inauguration. There are plenty of ways to get involved in your own community, from joining the January 19th National Day of Service, to hosting your own Neighborhood Ball.

Watch the video and sign up to get involved.

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=7eUnTTwrxmc

Happy to Get My Engraved Invitation to Presidential Inauguration

Devans00 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:16:32 EST

Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal

Earlier this week, I got a very official looking invitation to the Presidential Inauguration coming up in 11 days (YaY!). It includes a fancy embossed metallic seal on cardstock. You can tell it's the real deal because the back is pressed in.

Back of Embossed Metallic Engraved Seal

I wish I could be there, but no way could I hang in a crowd of an estimated 1 million to 5 million people with only a few port-a-potties sprinkled around. In the snowy cold no less. True, watching the first African American being sworn in person is a once in a lifetime, never to be repeated again event, is worth the hassles to plenty of people, but I'm not one of them. Although some of the goings on look really good and I hope they show the events on TV.

Envelope for Presidential Inauguration Invitation

Embossed Cardstock Presidential Inauguration Invitation

Monday and Tuesday Events related to the Inauguration.

Hazen designed artwork inspired by Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for the Manifest Change competition and exhibit.

Lance Wyman designed art piece inspired by Barack Obama’s campaign.

Hello Baltimore... where is Barack and Joe?

Randy Conyers, Candidate for HD-73 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:47:18 EST

I've been trying to find the "what and where" President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden are going to be stopping in Baltimore.

As of yesterday I was unable to find out.

I could sure use some help in finding their itinerary for Baltimore. I'll be in Baltimore that day and really don't want to miss it.

DC is going to be a little crowded. I've got the "heads up" on the Jumbo Screen on the west side of the Washington Memorial and its more than likely that's where I'll be.

I was really counting on Baltimore.

Thanks much!

Turning Red to Blue

THE OBAMA - BIDEN PLAN

The SABLE CIRCLE GROUP — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:31:14 EST

Our country faces its most serious economic crisis since the great depression. Working families, who saw their incomes decline by $2,000 in the economic "expansion" from 2000 to 2007, now face even deeper income losses. Retirement savings accounts have lost $2 trillion. Markets have fallen 40% in less than a year. Millions of homeowners who played by the rules can't meet their mortgage payments and face foreclosure as the value of their homes have plummeted. With credit markets nearly frozen, businesses large and small cannot access the credit they need to meet payroll and create jobs.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to revitalize the economy.

Immediate Action to Create Good Jobs in America
Immediate Relief for Struggling Families
Direct, Immediate Assistance for Homeowners, Not a Bailout for Irresponsible Mortgage Lenders
A Rapid, Aggressive Response to Our Financial Crisis, Using All the Tools We Have

1. IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CREATE GOOD JOBS IN AMERICA

The economy has lost 760,000 jobs this year -- and some forecasters expect the unemployment rate to exceed 8 percent by the end of next year. Addressing the financial crisis will help prevent the most severe loss of jobs from the crisis. But taking direct steps to create jobs will also strengthen the economy and help with the financial crisis. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's overall economic agenda is pro-jobs, including their plans to eliminate America's dependence on foreign oil and bring down healthcare costs. But Obama and Biden believe we must take additional aggressive steps to jump-start job creation right now:

A New American Jobs Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will provide a new temporary tax credit to companies that add jobs here in the United States. During 2009 and 2010, existing businesses will receive a $3,000 refundable tax credit for each additional full-time employee hired. For example, if a company that currently has 10 U.S. employees increases its domestic full time employment to 20 employees, this company would get a $30,000 tax credit -- enough to offset the entire added payroll tax costs to the company for the first $50,000 of income for the new employees. The tax credit will benefit all companies creating net new jobs, even those struggling to make a profit.
Raise the small business investment expensing limit to $250,000 through the end of 2009: Obama and Biden will give small businesses an additional incentive to make investments and start creating jobs again by providing temporary business tax incentives through 2009. The February 2008 stimulus bill increased maximum Section 179 expenses to $250,000 but this expires in December 2008. This provision will encourage all firms to pursue investment in the coming months, but will particularly benefit small firms which generally have smaller amounts of annual property purchases and so choose to expense the cost of their acquired property.
Zero capital gains rate for investment in small businesses: Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that we need to encourage investment in small businesses to help create jobs and turn our economy around. That's why they will eliminate all capital gains taxes on investments made in small and start-up businesses. They also want to cut taxes for the small businesses that create jobs but are struggling with restricted access to credit on top of skyrocketing health care and energy costs.
Save one million jobs through immediate investments to rebuild America's roads and bridges and repair our schools: The Obama-Biden emergency plan would make $25 billion immediately available in a Jobs and Growth Fund to help ensure that in-progress and fast-tracked infrastructure projects are not sidelined, and to ensure that schools can meet their energy costs and undertake key repairs starting this fall. This increased investment is necessary to stem growing budget pressures on infrastructure projects. In addition, in an environment where we may face elevated unemployment levels well into 2009, making an aggressive investment in urgent, high-priority infrastructure will serve as a triple win: generating capital deployment and job creation to boost our economy in the near-term, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the longer term, and improving the environment by adopting energy efficient school and infrastructure repairs. In total, Obama and Biden's $25 billion investment will result in 1 million jobs created or saved, while helping to turn our economy around.
Partner with America's automakers to help save jobs and ensure that the next generation of clean vehicles is built in the United States: Senator Obama pushed for $50 billion in loan guarantees to help the auto industry retool, develop new battery technologies and produce the next generation of fuel efficient cars here in America. Congress passed only half of this amount -- it is critical that the administration speeds up the implementation of the first half and that Congress move quickly to enact the second half. In addition, Obama and Biden believe that with the tremendous uncertainty facing the auto industry, and the small and medium business suppliers who depend on them, it is critical that we keep all options on the table for helping them weather the financial crisis.

2. IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR STRUGGLING FAMILIES

Even when the overall economy was growing, most American families were not sharing in this growth. The typical non-elderly household saw its income decline by more than $2,000 from 2000 to 2007 as expenses skyrocketed. Weekly wages, adjusted for inflation, are now lower than they were a decade ago. Barack Obama and Joe Biden's overall economic plan will relieve the squeeze on families and foster bottom-up growth. But they are proposing that we implement several measures immediately:

A tax cut for 95 percent of workers and their families -- plus seniors: Barack Obama and Joe Biden propose a permanent tax cut of $500 for workers and $1,000 for families. A first round of these tax credits could be mailed out quickly by the IRS based on tax returns already filed for tax year 2007. In addition, Obama and Biden would extend these expedited tax credits to senior citizens who are retired as a down payment on his plan to eliminate taxes for all seniors making up to $50,000.
Extend unemployment insurance benefits and temporarily suspend taxes on these benefits: Millions of Americans are looking for work but unable to find it in the weak economy. Today, more than one in five unemployed workers has been out of work for more than half a year -- the highest level since early 2005. Obama supported extending unemployment insurance this summer, but already 800,000 jobless workers have exhausted those benefits and are being left without any unemployment compensation. Obama and Biden believe Congress should immediately extend unemployment insurance for an additional 13 weeks to help families that are being hit hardest by this downturn. In addition, they believe we should temporarily suspend taxes on unemployment insurance benefits as a way of giving more relief to families.
Penalty-free hardship withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s in 2008 and 2009: Many families are going to be facing unique economic hardship over the coming year. To help these families pay their bills and their mortgages and make it through these tough times, Obama and Biden are calling for legislation that would allow withdrawals of 15% up to $10,000 from retirement accounts without penalty (although subject to the normal taxes). This would apply to withdrawals in 2008 (including retroactively) and 2009.
Instruct the Treasury to allow seniors to delay required withdrawals from 401(k)s and IRAs: Currently seniors are required to start withdrawing from their 401(k)s and IRAs at age 70 1/2 and every year thereafter over their lifetime. But the explicit requirement that withdrawals continue on an annual basis -- and the related requirement that the amount withdrawn be based on currently much higher year-end 2007 asset values -- is based on Treasury regulations, not the statute, which has a less specific mandate. That means the Secretary of the Treasury has authority to change its regulations to protect seniors from being forced, at this critical time, to sell their investments and "lock in" their losses just after market values have plummeted in an almost unprecedented fashion. Obama and Biden are calling on Treasury to temporarily suspend the required withdrawals for retirees over age 70 1/2. Because retirees often make these required withdrawals late in the year, there is still time to help millions of affected seniors -- but only if done promptly. In addition, because lower-income seniors may have no choice but to take withdrawals this year and in 2008, Obama and Biden will exempt any withdrawals made up to the required minimum amount from taxation. This will give seniors the flexibility they deserve -- to forgo withdrawals if they choose or to take those withdrawals tax free if they need those resources to pay their bills.
Funds to counteract high heating costs this winter: Obama and Biden are calling for supplementing the recently passed LIHEAP funding to ensure that cold-weather states can cushion the impact of high energy prices for their residents this winter. The Energy Information Administration said that consumers will pay a projected $1,137 to heat their homes from Oct. 1 to March 31 -- 15 percent more than last year's heating outlay during this time. Homeowners that use heating oil rather than natural gas could see increases of 23 percent compared to last year. As part of his $25 billion state fiscal relief package, Obama's plan will supplement existing LIHEAP funding to help state programs expand to cover more residents while continuing to provide a meaningful benefit.

3. DIRECT, IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS, NOT A BAILOUT FOR IRRESPONSIBLE MORTGAGE LENDERS

Over the past two years, Americans have lost 20 percent of the value of their homes. In some parts of the country home values have fallen by twice that amount. In combination with a rapidly deteriorating economy, that means more and more families are having a hard time meeting their monthly mortgage payments. At the same time, many states are considering property tax hikes that will burden homeowners still further. And millions of families who have seen the value of their homes fall below the cost of their mortgages need assistance in restructuring their mortgages to stay in their homes.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plan provides direct relief to help America's homeowners pay their mortgages, stay in their homes, and avoid painful tax increases while protecting taxpayers and not rewarding the bad behavior and bad actors who got us into this mess:

Instruct the Secretaries of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use their existing authority to more aggressively modify the terms of mortgages: Barack Obama was an early champion of the HOPE for Homeowners Act that passed over the summer. In addition, Obama insisted that the financial rescue plan Congress recently passed include authority for the Secretary to work with servicers to modify the terms of mortgages for homeowners who played by the rules. Obama and Biden believe that both of these plans should be implemented aggressively and comprehensively. In addition, Obama and Biden are calling on Treasury and HUD to develop a plan to work with state housing agencies to coordinate broad mortgage restructurings. The Dodd-Frank legislation gives states broader authority to help struggling homeowners, and coordination is essential to ensure that state and national efforts are working in concert to help as many homeowners as possible at the minimum cost to taxpayers.
Reform the bankruptcy code to assist homeowners and remove legal impediments to encouraging broader mortgage restructuring: Obama and Biden are also calling for legislation to close the loophole in our bankruptcy code that allows bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of mortgages on investment properties and vacation homes but not on primary residences. He also believes we should clarify the legal liability of mortgage servicers so that servicers who work with struggling homeowners to modify their mortgages will receive legal protections. And we should remove any tax- or legal-related impediments to encouraging shared-equity mortgages within the HOPE for Homeownership process.
Enact a 90-day foreclosure moratorium for homeowners who are acting in good faith: Financial institutions that participate in the financial rescue plan should be required to adhere to a homeowner's code of conduct, including a 90-day foreclosure moratorium for any homeowners living in their homes who are making good faith efforts to pay their mortgages. This will help create stability until the more far-reaching solutions are implemented and give both sides a chance to work out an agreement.
Provide $25 Billion in state fiscal relief to help avoid painful property tax increases: Budget crunches across the nation are putting our local governments in the untenable position of having to choose between raising property taxes and cutting vital services. Obama has proposed $25 billion in state fiscal relief that, coupled with the new emergency facility to address the state credit crunch, will help states and localities continue to provide essential services like health care, police, fire and education without raising taxes or fees.
Create a universal mortgage tax credit for homeowners: Barack Obama believes we should immediately enact a 10 percent refundable tax credit on the mortgage interest paid by hardworking American families who do not itemize their taxes. This credit will help offset the cost of mortgage payments for at least 10 million middle-class homeowners.

4. A RAPID, AGGRESSIVE RESPONSE TO THE FINANCIAL CRISIS -- USING ALL THE TOOLS WE HAVE

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that our deep systemic financial market crisis requires a systemic response. They fought to ensure that the recently-passed financial rescue package gave the Treasury the tools to stabilize the financial system, while protecting taxpayers and ensuring CEOs would not get rich in the process. However, this stabilization will only occur if the Treasury, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and other government entities use their authority and move quickly and aggressively to address the financial crisis.

It is now clear that our financial markets will not restart until financial institutions are lending again. Because of the extensive losses many of these institutions have suffered, they need more capital so that they will have the money to lend to families and businesses. Obama and Biden recognized this early, and were heartened by the Treasury's stated intention to use its recently granted authority to inject capital into our financial institutions. However, Secretary Paulson must turn this intention into action quickly and aggressively, in a manner that strengthens confidence in our banks, protects taxpayers, does not reward CEOs, and is strictly temporary.

In addition, our financial authorities must stand ready to take additional, complementary actions -- consistent with the systemic nature of this crisis -- to ensure this Treasury initiative is successful:

Be prepared, if necessary, for broader assurances for credit to banks: First, we must be prepared to provide additional, temporary assurances to achieve the effective functioning of financial markets. Depending on developing circumstances, these steps could include additional measures by the Federal Reserve, extending insurance to all deposits, or guaranteeing a broader range of liabilities of the banking system including overnight loans. Any such steps should be coordinated internationally where appropriate and feasible. They should be accompanied by additional oversight to ensure appropriate use of guaranteed funds and by the expectation that financial institutions taking advantage of these guarantees will raise more capital.
Extend asset purchases to unfreeze other critical sectors: Second, the Treasury should not limit itself to purchasing mortgage-backed securities under the financial rescue plan recently passed by Congress. The Treasury should use the authority it has under the new law to help unfreeze markets for individual mortgages, student loans, car loans, loans for multi-family dwellings, and credit card loans.
Make credit available to small businesses and state or local governments: Third, we should take immediate steps to support non-financial institutions including small businesses and states and municipalities. The Federal Reserve and Treasury have acted to preserve the availability of liquidity for financial institutions and, more recently, have created a program to purchase commercial paper directly from the large corporate issuers. Small businesses and state and local governments, however, are having serious difficulty obtaining necessary financing from debt markets.
- Address the credit crisis facing our states and localities: Barack Obama and Joe Biden propose that the Federal Reserve and the Treasury work together to design a facility to provide a funding backstop to the state and municipal government debt market similar to the recently announced program for the commercial paper market. The Federal Reserve should determine whether it has sufficient legal authority to establish such a facility on its own -- if not, it should work with Treasury and the Congress to achieve this goal. This new facility should be designed to protect taxpayer resources while ensuring that state and local governments can continue to provide vital services to their residents.
- Address the credit crisis facing our small businesses: To address the massive credit crunch that is threatening America's small businesses, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are proposing two immediate steps: (1) a nationwide emergency lending facility for small businesses that could be run through the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, which helped thousands of businesses in the wake of 9/11; and (2) temporarily eliminating fees on the SBA's 7(a) and 504 loan guarantee programs for small businesses, to help increase private lending for small businesses.

Trade

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the American economy and create more American jobs. They will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security.

Fight for Fair Trade: Obama and Biden will fight for a trade policy that opens up foreign markets to support good American jobs. They will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement that fail to live up to those important benchmarks. Obama and Biden will also pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements and stop countries from continuing unfair government subsidies to foreign exporters and nontariff barriers on U.S. exports.
Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement: Obama and Biden believe that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. They will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers.
Improve transition assistance: To help all workers adapt to a rapidly changing economy, Obama and Biden will update the existing system of Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to service industries, creating flexible education accounts to help workers retrain, and providing retraining assistance for workers in sectors of the economy vulnerable to dislocation before they lose their jobs.
End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas: Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that companies should not get billions of dollars in tax deductions for moving their operations overseas. They will fight to ensure that public contracts are awarded to companies that are committed to American workers.
Reward companies that support American workers: Barack Obama introduced the Patriot Employer Act of 2007 with Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill) and Sherrod Brown (D-Oh) to reward companies that create good jobs with good benefits for American workers. The legislation would provide a tax credit to companies that maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in America relative to those outside the U.S.; maintain their corporate headquarters in America if it has ever been in America; pay decent wages; prepare workers for retirement; provide health insurance; and support employees who serve in the military.

Manufacturing and Green Jobs

Invest in our next generation innovators and job creators: Obama and Biden will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies. The Fund will have a peer-review selection and award process based on the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, a state-level initiative that has awarded over $125 million to Michigan businesses with the most innovative proposals to create new products and new jobs in the state.
Double funding for the manufacturing extension partnership: The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with manufacturers across the country to improve efficiency, implement new technology and strengthen company growth. This highly-successful program has engaged in more than 350,000 projects across the country and in 2006 alone, helped create and protect over 50,000 jobs. But despite this success, funding for MEP has been slashed by the Bush administration. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will double funding for the MEP so its training centers can continue to bolster the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.
Invest in a clean energy economy and create 5 million new green jobs: Obama and Biden will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid. The plan will also invest in America's highly-skilled manufacturing workforce and manufacturing centers to ensure that American workers have the skills and tools they need to pioneer the first wave of green technologies that will be in high demand throughout the world.
Create new job training programs for clean technologies: The Obama-Biden plan will increase funding for federal workforce training programs and direct these programs to incorporate green technologies training, such as advanced manufacturing and weatherization training, into their efforts to help Americans find and retain stable, high-paying jobs. Obama and Biden will also create an energy-focused youth jobs program to invest in disconnected and disadvantaged youth.
Boost the renewable energy sector and create new jobs: The Obama-Biden plan will create new federal policies, and expand existing ones, that have been proven to create new American jobs. Obama and Biden will create a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that will require 25 percent of American electricity be derived from renewable sources by 2025, which has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. They will also extend the Production Tax Credit, a credit used successfully by American farmers and investors to increase renewable energy production and create new local jobs.

National Infrastructure Investment

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that it is critically important for the United States to rebuild its national transportation infrastructure -- its highways, bridges, roads, ports, air, and train systems -- to strengthen user safety, bolster our long-term competitiveness and ensure our economy continues to grow.

Create a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will address the infrastructure challenge by creating a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to expand and enhance, not supplant, existing federal transportation investments. This independent entity will be directed to invest in our nation's most challenging transportation infrastructure needs. The Bank will receive an infusion of federal money, $60 billion over 10 years, to provide financing to transportation infrastructure projects across the nation. These projects will directly and indirectly create up to two million new jobs and stimulate approximately $35 billion per year in new economic activity.

Technology, Innovation and Creating Jobs

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will increase federal support for research, technology and innovation for companies and universities so that American families can lead the world in creating new advanced jobs and products.

Invest in the sciences: Obama and Biden support doubling federal funding for basic research and changing the posture of our federal government from being one of the most anti-science administrations in American history to one that embraces science and technology. This will foster home-grown innovation, help ensure the competitiveness of U.S. technology-based businesses, and ensure that 21st century jobs can and will grow in America.
Make the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent: Barack Obama and Joe Biden want investments in a skilled research and development workforce and technology infrastructure to be supported here in America so that American workers and communities will benefit. Obama and Biden want to make the Research and Development tax credit permanent so that firms can rely on it when making decisions to invest in domestic R&D over multi-year timeframes.
Deploy next-generation broadband: Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we can get broadband to every community in America through a combination of reform of the Universal Service Fund, better use of the nation's wireless spectrum, promotion of next-generation facilities, technologies and applications, and new tax and loan incentives.

Small Business

Provide tax relief for small businesses and start-up companies: Obama and Biden will eliminate all capital gains taxes on start-up and small businesses to encourage innovation and job creation. Obama and Biden will also support small business owners by providing a $500 "Making Work Pay" tax credit to almost every worker in America. Self-employed small business owners pay both the employee and the employer side of the payroll tax, and this measure will reduce the burdens of this double taxation.
Create a national network of public-private business incubators: Obama and Biden will support entrepreneurship and spur job growth by creating a national network of public-private business incubators. Business incubators facilitate the critical work of entrepreneurs in creating start-up companies. Obama and Biden will invest $250 million per year to increase the number and size of incubators in disadvantaged communities throughout the country.

Labor

Obama and Biden will strengthen the ability of workers to organize unions. He will fight for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Obama and Biden will ensure that his labor appointees support workers' rights and will work to ban the permanent replacement of striking workers. Obama and Biden will also increase the minimum wage and index it to inflation to ensure it rises every year.

Ensure freedom to unionize: Obama and Biden believe that workers should have the freedom to choose whether to join a union without harassment or intimidation from their employers. Obama cosponsored and is a strong advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a bipartisan effort that makes sure workers can exercise their right to organize. They will continue to fight for EFCA's passage and Obama will sign it into law.
Fight attacks on workers' right to organize: Obama has fought the Bush National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) efforts to strip workers of their right to organize. He is a cosponsor of legislation to overturn the NLRB's "Kentucky River" decisions classifying hundreds of thousands of nurses, construction workers, and professional workers as "supervisors" who are not protected by federal labor laws.
Protect striking workers: Obama and Biden support the right of workers to bargain collectively and strike if necessary. They will work to ban the permanent replacement of striking workers, so workers can stand up for themselves without worrying about losing their livelihoods.
Raise the minimum wage: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs.

Mortgages, Homeownership, and Bankruptcy

Obama and Biden will crack down on fraudulent brokers and lenders. They will also make sure homebuyers have honest and complete information about their mortgage options, they'll give a tax credit to all middle-class homeowners, and they'll reform our bankruptcy laws to protect working people.

Create a universal mortgage credit: Obama and Biden will create a 10 percent universal mortgage credit to provide tax relief to homeowners who do not itemize. This credit will provide an average of $500 to 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom earn less than $50,000 per year.
Ensure more accountability in the subprime mortgage industry: Obama has been closely monitoring the subprime mortgage situation for years, and introduced comprehensive legislation over a year ago to fight mortgage fraud and protect consumers against abusive lending practices. Obama's STOP FRAUD Act provides the first federal definition of mortgage fraud, increases funding for federal and state law enforcement programs, creates new criminal penalties for mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud, and requires industry insiders to report suspicious activity.
Mandate accurate loan disclosure: Obama and Biden will create a Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit (HOME) score, which will provide potential borrowers with a simplified, standardized borrower metric (similar to APR) for home mortgages. The HOME score will allow individuals to easily compare various mortgage products and understand the full cost of the loan.
Close bankruptcy loophole for mortgage companies: Obama and Biden will work to eliminate the provision that prevents bankruptcy courts from modifying an individual's mortgage payments. They believe that the subprime mortgage industry, which has engaged in dangerous and sometimes unscrupulous business practices, should not be shielded by outdated federal law.

Credit Cards and Lending

Obama and Biden will establish a five-star rating system so that every consumer knows the risk involved in every credit card. They also will establish a Credit Card Bill of Rights to stop credit card companies from exploiting consumers with unfair practices.

Create a credit card rating system to improve disclosure: Obama and Biden will create a credit card rating system, modeled on five-star systems used for other consumer products, to provide consumers an easily identifiable ranking of credit cards, based on the card's features. Credit card companies will be required to display the rating on all application and contract materials, enabling consumers to quickly understand all of the major provisions of a credit card without having to rely exclusively on fine print in lengthy documents.
Establish a Credit Card Bill of Rights to protect consumers: Obama and Biden will create a Credit Card Bill of Rights to protect consumers. The Obama-Biden plan will:
- Ban Unilateral Changes
- Apply Interest Rate Increases Only to Future Debt
- Prohibit Interest on Fees
- Prohibit "Universal Defaults"
- Require Prompt and Fair Crediting of Cardholder Payments
Cap outlandish interest rates on payday loans and improve disclosure: Obama and Biden will extend a 36 percent interest cap to all Americans. They will require lenders to provide clear and simplified information about loan fees, payments and penalties, which is why they'll require lenders to provide this information during the application process.
Encourage responsible lending institutions to make small consumer loans: Obama and Biden will encourage banks, credit unions and Community Development Financial Institutions to provide affordable short-term and small-dollar loans and to drive unscrupulous lenders out of business.
Reform bankruptcy laws to protect families facing a medical crisis: Obama and Biden will create an exemption in bankruptcy law for individuals who can prove they filed for bankruptcy because of medical expenses. This exemption will create a process that forgives the debt and lets the individuals get back on their feet.

Work-Family Balance

Obama and Biden will double funding for after-school programs, expand the Family Medical Leave Act, provide low-income families with a refundable tax credit to help with their child-care expenses, and encourage flexible work schedules.

Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act: The FMLA covers only certain employees of employers with 50 or more employees. Obama and Biden will expand it to cover businesses with 25 or more employees. They will expand the FMLA to cover more purposes as well, including allowing workers to take leave for elder care needs; allowing parents up to 24 hours of leave each year to participate in their children's academic activities; and expanding FMLA to cover leave for employees to address domestic violence.
Encourage states to adopt paid leave: As president, Obama will initiate a strategy to encourage all 50 states to adopt paid-leave systems. Obama and Biden will provide a $1.5 billion fund to assist states with start-up costs and to help states offset the costs for employees and employers.
Expand high-quality afterschool opportunities: Obama and Biden will double funding for the main federal support for afterschool programs, the 21st Century Learning Centers program, to serve a million more children. Obama and Biden will include measures to maximize performance and effectiveness across grantees nationwide.
Expand the child and dependent care tax credit: The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit provides too little relief to families that struggle to afford child care expenses. Obama and Biden will reform the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit by making it refundable and allowing low-income families to receive up to a 50 percent credit for their child care expenses.
Protect against caregiver discrimination: Workers with family obligations often are discriminated against in the workplace. Obama and Biden will enforce the recently-enacted Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines on caregiver discrimination.
Expand flexible work arrangements: Obama and Biden will create a program to inform businesses about the benefits of flexible work schedules; help businesses create flexible work opportunities; and increase federal incentives for telecommuting. Obama and Biden will also make the federal government a model employer in terms of adopting flexible work schedules and permitting employees to request flexible arrangements.

Unify

ildavem — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:42:17 EST

I am not a "democrat" -- and I am not a "republican" --- If I had the choice of parties, I would go with a God focused agenda party. We have been "One Nation Under God" since we started. Exiting religious mandates, though, we are vowed to freedom of religion and we watch to not allow a single religion dominate or lesson our freedoms while respecting our fellow American's rights to worship or not worship as they so choose. I think this is how God would have it... we then truly have the freedom to make our own decision... that's the kind of love a father wants, no forced, but chosen. Regardless of where we stand in that decision, we are obligated to love (or at least respect) and allow each other's decisions. Most of us have common good goals and together we can make them happen. This is my hope for the Obama / Biden era. That we can collectively achieve goals which will make this world a much better place.

It is amazing what can be done when we unify. I plan to support my leadership by verbally and hopefully physically getting behind the positive agenda items which will continue to make this world a better place.

My hope is that we can break down barriers to other countries like never before and synergize efforts to wipe out things like hunger & people, drug, and arms traffiking while stimulating the world economy to allow everyone an opportunity to have a respectable trade or job.

May God Continue to Bless America

Dave

Let's Help Young Damon Get an Interview with President Obama

Crystal — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:53:28 EST

Damon Weaver is a go-getter and asks better questions than some of the grown-ups. Check out his video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akgYH6l9YYo) and read the Huffington Post article (www.tinyurl.com/damonw), even the Miami Heat got in on the action. CNN American Morning interviewed him, but I sent Twitter replies to Don Lemon (@donlemoncnn), Rick Sanchez (@ricksanchezcnn), Rachel Maddow (@Maddow), and Keith Olbermann(@keitholbermann) to interview Damon. You can also email Senate Gallery (Mike_Mastrian@saa.senate.gov, Obama's Transition Team (press@ptt.gov). More exposure he gets...better chance at an interview with President Obama.Cross Posted at iseecolor.com and crtnewsonline.blogspot.com

Obama is not eligible to be President

TimeToTellTheTruth.net from Monroe, LA — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:07:28 EST

Obama's father was not a U.S. Citizen, therefore Obama is not a "natural born Citizen" as required by the constitution. Congress needs to contest the Electoral Votes and name a President as the 20th Amendment allows. The U.S. Supreme Court should get involved if on January 8, 2009 Congress does not uphold their oath to defend the constitution.

President-Elect and Vice President-Elect Events on January 17, 2008

Jill 4 Obama — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:15:07 EST

President-Elect and Vice President-Elect to Host Events in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Monday, December 15, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that the President-elect, Vice President-elect and their families will travel - via railroad—to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 17th and host events along the way in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. The trip marks the final leg of a journey that began on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Illinois and will culminate on the steps of the United States Capitol.

“As part of the most open and accessible Inauguration in history, we hope to include as many Americans as possible who wish to participate, but can’t be in Washington,“ said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee. “These events will allow us to do that while honoring the rich history and tradition of previous inaugural journeys.“

In the tradition of past Presidents-elect, the daylong trip will include a series of events on the way to Washington, DC. Saturday morning, President-elect Obama and his family will hold an event in Philadelphia before boarding a train bound for Wilmington, Delaware, where he will be joined by Vice President-elect Biden and his family. Together, the families will travel to Baltimore, Maryland, and hold another event, before finally arriving in Washington, D.C. on Saturday evening.

In keeping with the theme of the 2009 Inauguration, “Renewing America’s Promise,“ the President-elect and Vice President-elect will hold events in some of the cities instrumental to that promise: Philadelphia, where that promise was realized; Baltimore, where that promise was defended, then immortalized in our national anthem; and Washington, where Americans of all backgrounds will gather over four days, united in common purpose and resolved to renew that promise once more.

Additional details of the inaugural trip, including information on each event, will be released at a later date.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help?

James Everitt — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:39:18 EST

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help? From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help?

T. Boone Pickens has a good program that will help all of us http://www.pickensplan.com/districtleaders/, if you are interested in being a District Leader for your Congressional District, email us at myenergy@pickensplan.com (please include your name, state and Congressional District in the body of your email). Pickens Plan District Leaders will take action in the following ways:

Be the point of contact for the official Congressional District group page on Push.PickensPlan.com.

Work with other members of the New Energy Army in your Congressional District to sign up 500 new members by Inauguration Day.

Host meet-ups with other members of the Army in your Congressional District to discuss ways you can take action and Push the Pickens Plan.

Get an op-ed or letter to the editor placed in your local newspaper telling everyone why you support the Pickens Plan.

If your Governor, U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative have not yet signed the Pickens Plan Pledge , then ask them to sign today!

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens
Boone here,

We’re six weeks out, and it feels like Inauguration Day is right around the corner. One thing’s for sure: our efforts are really starting to pay off. Let me give you a couple of examples.

Yesterday in New York City the Pickens Plan got another big endorsement. This time it was from the American Lung Association. Think about that. Here we’ve been talking about how developing renewable energies and using cleaner burning natural gas is good for our economy and creates jobs. Come to find out the Pickens Plan is good for your health! I love it. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also on hand. He’s been a real leader in using renewables and compressed natural gas in his city. I’m glad to have him on our team.

I also want to bring up my visit to Washington last week where I met with the Obama Transition Team. Like everyone else, I’ve been impressed with the way the President-elect has been preparing for his new administration. My father used to tell me, “A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day of the week.” Let me tell you: the Obama team is smart, and they have a plan. The President-elect wants to get us off Middle Eastern oil in 10 years. There’s only one way he can do that, which is why I’m confident that the Pickens Plan will play an important part in the stimulus package he and his team are crafting right now.

I know President-elect Obama is ready to make some big changes. Let’s make sure Congress is too. The Army is 1.37 million strong. Now we need to get ready in every Congressional district, and I need your help.

Over the next couple days you'll be hearing from Team Pickens about the District Leaders project - I need members of the Army to play a leadership role in their own Congressional districts. Click here to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.

I want you to join me in leading the New Energy Army as we take the Pickens Plan to DC next year!

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities. On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you.

Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now:http://my.barackobama.com/changeiscoming

To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Keep the Faith,
James Everitt

Hi Joe The Plumber meet Joe The Believer (Sneak peep from my upcoming book)

Joe The Believer — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:44:02 EST

After loosing the elections to Obama. John Mccain goes home with hope of having a wonderful Thanksgiving with his immediate family. Mccain flew into his hometown on his private jet but when he reached the airport, his usual guest didn’t greet him. There weren’t any balloons, the bands weren’t playing or crowds weren’t cheering. This was unusual, he didn’t even see Sarah Palin. He looked into the distance but all he could see was snow and his cold breath in the air. He looked at his secret service and even they looked shocked about what was happening. For 40 years his town greeted him every Thanksgiving, so WHAT HAPPENED.

He looked at his wife and gave her a smile then said, “Moneys been tight this year for everyone baby. Maybe the town couldn’t afford a celebration this year”

Mrs. Mccain looked at her husband with her devilish grind, “You’re probably right baby. Everyone can’t afford the things we have!”

Mccain grabbed his wife arm and helped her through the snow. He looked at his wife then said, “At least we still have our limo!”

Mccain’s limo was black and warm inside. The bar was filled with Champaign, just like years before. His secret service followed the limo in their black Yukon. Mccain could see despair in his wife’s eyes. He looked at her and said this while he rubbed her thigh, “Baby, I’m still your little P.O.W, right”

Mrs. Mccain’s wife batted her eyes then ran her finger thru Mccain’s hair and gave him a hug as he continued to rub her thigh, “You are my little soldier. Don’t worry!”

Mccain leaned back in his leather seats proud of what he just heard. But when he looked out his window it all disappeared, “What’s going on here?”, Mccain yelled.

Mrs. Mccain rushed to the window because she wanted to see. But what she saw she couldn’t believe, “Why do everyone in your town have Obama campaign signs in there yards!’

Mrs. Mccain looked at John and she immediately knew he was scarred. His eye lit up like a deer staring into your headlights, “I can’t believe it. My own people voted for Obama. What’s going on?”

Alarms kept ringing in John’s ears as he looked out the window and things slowly started to become clear. Most of the people he knew was in Obama’s below 250 thousand dollar tax bracket. While Mccain was trying to help the rich, he was forgetting about the poor. This is something that Republicans have done thousands of times before. As Mccain’s thoughts lingered as his wife started to scream.

Mrs. Mccain, “What the hell did you do? You lost to a black man. Now our lives are ruined. No one will ever remember you for being a prisoner of war. Now everyone will look at us and laugh. And our friends want come to our parties or to any of our functions because you were the first White Republican Man to loose to a Black Democrat.”

Mccain couldn’t believe what was ringing in his ears. He looked at his wife because he felt like he had to make things clear, “LooK!”, pointing, “This race wasn’t about color. I lost to a great man. A-----smart guy!”

Mrs. Mccain laughed, “You lost to a Smart Guy… You lost to a great man”, She paused, “You didn’t say that when you were running around calling him a terrorist. You didn’t say that when you made allegations that Obama was a socialist or he wasn’t fit to be President for the last 23 months”

John looked his wife dead in her eyes, “Now you listen here. I only said those things because your family was about to be taxed because of his policies, if your family loose money then I loose money. I didn’t marry you for only your body, Baby. I married you for power and your family seen me as an opportunity to increase their power.”

Mrs. Mccain was furious about what she just heard. Her eyes was red and her vision was blurried, “You little short dwarf. I know you are angry right now, so I’m going to act like I didn’t hear what you just said. But remember one thing! I made you and I’ll break you… Believe it..You had a chance to get power but you lost, I never lost and I can changed your world with a flick of the wrist”

John looked at her but he couldn’t figure out what he was seeing, “Who is this bitch”, he whispered. Like the old saying goes. Behind every strong man there is a stronger woman. Now while the Mccain’s argued the driver sat up front with his own ideas. He turned on his bullhorn so everyone outside could hear. Young kids threw snowballs as the limo riding by. An old lady with a walker stood on the sidewalk and held her middle finger up high. Other yelled, “Mccain’s a Liar!” loud and clear. Even the secret service trailed and started to cheer. The driver kept peeping from his ringside seats, hoping that the Mccains will continue to tickle his ears. When he notice nothing was happening he took a sudden turn. He knew where he could go and Mccain would burn. From uptown to downtown brick homes turned into projects then the silence finally cleared. The driver heard John whisper something in Mrs. Mccain’s ear, “I think we are in the ghetto. Be quiet. Maybe they want see us.”

The Acorn Distraction

Nervie — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:58:23 EST

FOUND IN MY FOLDER OF “Blog I need to fine tune”. LOH I have a lot on my mind today. . . . BIDEN’s MESSAGE: I received a short notice from Biden, he calls it a “Reality Check” like all other Obama Supporters, that Obama has established the largest field operation of any candidate, and I agree as a member of that 25th Congressional District field team (Note: Would love to meet the guy one day). Biden reminds us that Gore was 20 points ahead of Bush in 2004 and it didn’t stop Bush from marching all over Gore’s “people win” in the end. Well these aren’t exactly the words he chose, but it does conjure up Greg Palast’s claim that Florida in 2000 was planned and there is reason to believe that Ohio in 2004 was preselected as one of the swing states at the last minute. Lord knows what the next state or states will be McCain seems so desperate to me. I mean, did you take the time to watch the final debate last night. I swear someone was orchestrating McCain in the ear. He came on the set like he was “rapid” dog and determined to break Obama’s spirit. He would have been so much better off just saying to the American people, this is what I am going to do for you with the economy being in the shape that it is in. Come up with some samples of proof, and not sound like a character out of the grumpy old men movie series. I heard one commentator saying he reminded him of “Mr. Wilson” in Dennis the Menace. Boy did I get a hardy laugh out of that one. The Republicans are making this sound like it is the first time they have ever heard of individuals filling out federal or state forms in mass and in error. Didn’t the Democrats learn this from them? Didn’t sound to me that the culprits were that bright or they were even crafty in their pursuit. Where were their managers, OH yeah, this is coming on the wings of mortgage brokers, and real estate lenders, and banks approving bogus loans where it is now affecting the entire global market? Yes, the voter registration office has to work a lot harder to access the pattern, sounds like over time to me, but shouldn’t they have determined this months ago? I remember in 2000 when the same thing was done in Nevada but it was the republicans caught with their hands in the cookie jar and of course they fain they didn’t know the rules either. No, doing this doesn’t make it right, but if I recall correctly, the world is going into a massive recession and we are talking about 2,000 fathom voters who haven’t and won’t vote!! If we all just go a national two-day weekend off with pay, with proper identification, to go to the polls and pull the lever, hit the switch, color the dot, x the scratch, or write in our choice maybe everyone would take the time to go to their local poll. Other European countries do this, why can’t we? We get off for President’s day, we celebrate Valentine’s, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and other commercial madness, why not “President and Vice President of the United States Day”. Now Obama take this to you when you get in the White House. Let’s revise the manner that we vote as a nation. President Jimmy Carter has been raising Caine for years now on the ridiculousness and partiality of it all, even so much that The Carter Center said that international body of legal voting rights wouldn’t even approve what we are doing in the United States, so change this procedure immediately so we are practicing the democracy we crave and rave about. I’m sure we have a few geniuses at Harvard and Stanford that can figure this out. We can’t be complacent and assume because of what the polls are saying that this race is the “slam dunk of the month”. I remember the Bradley factor too. I don’t want to sound pessimistic either but let’s not forget history or it will surface again. Precautionary steps should be made to go back to every Obama supporters that told us that they were going to Vote for Barack and make sure those that had early ballots turned them in. Remind them that leaving them in the out box of their desks will get it to the Registrar’s office. Then we need to check in the local community for those that may need rides to the polls. I’ll be working ours so I’ll know by noon who didn’t show up at our location. At lunch time, I’ll be making phone calls and nagging the mess out of folks that “promised”. Our local Democratic chapter is even asking ladies to make calls at various locations. Sometimes a little nag motivates and make people fill loved! I don’t know about you but I don’t want to see another newspaper come out in three hours announcing to me that there is a discrepancy as to who has won the Presidency. I don’t think my heart can stand the excitement again three times in a row. I believe that ACORN is a distraction, if the person’s handwriting is that evident, pull all of the applications. But isn’t it a matter of who pulls the lever, punches the dot, scratches the dot and x the square that is the real determinant here, not who registered? Admonish the person or people who lied to get paid, and let’s move on. By the way, I don’t believe the guy filling out 73 forms to help the person get paid, could he really make up that many names? Someone had to have paid him under the table and beside, the number 73 doesn’t even ring true to me. And he said he didn’t know this was wrong, OK he got his 15 minutes of national radio and television. Give the rest of us a break!

* CONGRATS & TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT OBAMA *

Delores Chamblin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:55:48 EST

~*~ CONGRATULATIONS ~*~ PRESIDENT ~*~ BARACK ~*~ OBAMA ~*~

TRIBUTE:
http://www.africreations.com/Obama-Tribute.html

Black Designers Crafters and Artists for Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/BlackDesignersCraftersandArtistsforObama

Delores Chamblin

Hope, Trust and Faith

Marcia--One who believes in Dreams! — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:07:32 EST

Trust and faith is what we need to have right now for the men, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, we elected to lead our country. We carried this hope and determination all through the primary and the general election. We must hold on to that and believe in this magnificent team, President-elect Obama and Vice-President elect Biden. These are troubling times and it's easy to become disenchanted, but this is the time we must forge on and be positive and help in every way we can to reclaim our country. Change is coming. Please continue to carry the banner of hope, trust and faith!

I want to thank my 50,000+ Readers for reading me here and at X~Ray!

Josie from Riverside, CA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:30:07 EST

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA AND MR. BIDEN

I have supported all I can

Now with the financial crisis, I wonder if it's all worth it (Sir/Mam). I live on SSI/SDI you try living on $850.00 per month and in Calilf. Oh yeah that was tried and some Congressman couldn't do it.

I donated what I could here. $5.00 not much, but I Prayed and God answered my Prayer. President Obama won :) and Mr. Joe Biden is the VP :) Couldn't be more thrilled.... for you.

I guess I'm writing Sir/Mam (don't know who is getting this), to share that I haven't voted in years. I just got to the point after my illness, then fighting for SSI/SDI for years (my money by the by that I worked for) that Government only cares for them self. Quite frankly I still believe the same. But I like Mr. Joe Biden, and then when Mr. Obama picked him as VP, I delved more into what Mr. Obama was about. Rather like the uplifting message. If you followed my Blog here or at X~Ray my Site, my Readers most likely Voted for Mr. Obama (all 50,000). After securing even International help from my Members and their Sites, you got Votes and I know it.

So my job is done. I now sit here listening to BIG Business getting bail outs. Sitting here wondering have you guys lost your ever lovin minds, to even consider throwing money to more mismanagement? I'm sure I've not long to live, never expected to bury most of my adopted Family. Never expected to run through my savings, be in debt, or be under so much stress that God has to work overtime to keep me in remission. As I watch Gov Jerk Face of CA., deny renter's credit, rob us of 1.25% of SDI, and again no real cost of living increase for SSI because the Government takes from that tooooooo.... I actually look forward to going Home with God. But you see I can't.

Somebody has to hang around, and watch you guys. Why? Because you seem to forget who got you into a job that pays good money. You seem to forget who loved your idea and supports your idea... that can be inclusive of all Americans if you just knock of the partisan BS. You seem to forget where YOU came from as well, and once upon a time YOU may have been broke, busted, and disgusted. So though I am grateful God Answered my hard work., I wonder what now?

What now for all of us who only had $5.00 or ten bucks to give? What now for us who are financially strapped? What now for those who gave the last ounce of faith that we had to give? Will Government really change? No, I really don't think so. Your gonna have to prove it to me and many others. As the TARPS fly around to (yet again the wealthy who can't manage their money or their lives) where is the relief for the truly financially concerned, the disabled, the workers who build the Market and is the true stimulants of the Market?

Who helps the persons who actually watch every dime? Who helps the persons that care where their money goes to, and why? I don't know, thank God that God hasn't closed His doors because truly that's all we have. Small but steady miracles. Miracles of friendship, miracles of love, miracles of care. Please Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden... don't forget.

With Love and Respect

Josie Williams aka Shade Law RScP

Founder of X~Ray Your Soul 1

http://xrayyoursoul1.wetpaint.com/

http://xrayyoursoul1at.ning.com/

We can pack up Readers and head back to our studies of Reverse NLP without Politics, (thank God).

http://xrayyoursoul1.wetpaint.com/page/Disturbance+In+The+Sand

Thanks for all of your support and links to my Political NLP and the Obama campain. I also want to thank all of my International Friends for carying the links at their Ning Sites to share with their Members and Readers :) I want to thank also my Admin Team at X~Ray for all of your support as well, espically Jodie of United In Spirit for her co-contributions to the Political NLPs. Oh READERS... NEW Stuff at X~Ray, please don't forget to Vote for the Site and check out Page two of THE BANNER EXCHANGE PROGRAM IS ON! NEW BANNERS! NEW MEMBERS!

I want to pause and also thank the Domain Host of this Site for allowing me to write here. :) God Bless all of you. :) See ya on the next Level of Reverse NLP and Business with Spirit!

Bail Out Package

Dennis from Angwin, CA — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:23:45 EST

Iʼm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend".

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonifide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend".

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

Pay off your mortgage, housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans, what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college, it'll be there
Save in a bank, create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car, create jobs
Invest in the market , capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance, health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean, or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 (vote buy) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can never work. Maybe???

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion "We Deserve It Dividend" more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Racist planning to assassinate may be released in ten days?

Shoshanah from Saint Ann, MO — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:36:34 EST

(CNN) -- A self-described white supremacist charged with plotting to kill President-elect Obama claims in court filings that his indictment should be thrown out because there were too many African-Americans on the grand jury.

Paul Schlesselman, left, and Daniel Cowart are accused of planning to kill more than 100 African-Americans.

Daniel Cowart, 20, of Bells, Tennessee, was indicted earlier this month on charges of illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun, conspiracy to rob a federally licensed gun dealer and making threats against a presidential candidate.

Prosecutors allege Cowart and Paul Schlesselman, 18, of West Helena, Arkansas, plotted a "killing spree" against African-Americans and hoped to cap their rampage by assassinating Obama, then the Democratic presidential candidate, days before the election.

The two planned to dress in white tuxedos as they carried out the assassination, prosecutors said.

Both Cowart and Schlesselman appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 6 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial date has not been set.

But Cowart's defense attorney claims, in a motion to dismiss the indictment against him, that of the 23 grand jurors who indicted Cowart on November 5, 21 were African-American and two were white.

Attorney Joe Byrd argues in the motion that the case should have been tried in the Eastern Division of Tennessee, where Cowart lives, but federal prosecutors decided to try it in the Western Division.

But in either division, Byrd wrote that "such a degree of under-representation" does not reflect the racial makeup of the area. "The right to an impartial jury requires a fair possibility for obtaining a jury constituting a representative cross-section of the community."

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Under that rule, more than 80 percent of grand jurors from the five Tennessee counties encompassing the Western Division should have been from Shelby County, which contains the city of Memphis, Byrd wrote.

Since more than 64 percent of Shelby County residents voted for Obama in the election, he wrote, "the probable cause determination resulting in the defendant's seven-count indictment was handed down by a grand jury which statistically could not have represented a fair cross-section of the community nor which under the most modest constitutional scrutiny could be considered fair, impartial and unprejudiced."

Byrd told CNN that with such a "gross statistical disparity," the court had a responsibility to quiz potential jurors on whether they felt they could remain fair and impartial, given the nature of the case. According to his motion, no such question was asked.

"I'm saying that I think this may be a sign of severe problems," Byrd said.

Cowart and Schlesselman were arrested outside Jackson, Tennessee, about 75 miles east of Memphis, after an aborted robbery attempt, according to court records.

According to an affidavit from the federal agent who questioned them, the two planned to charge at Obama with a car, firing from the windows as they went. They would be dressed in white tuxedos and top hats during the attempt, the affidavit said.

But federal law enforcement sources have said there was no evidence the two had any details of Obama's schedule.

And although they told investigators they would have been willing to die in their mission, they backed out of their October 21 attempt to rob a gun dealer after spotting two cars and a dog at the home, the affidavit states. However, they shot out the window of a church on their way back to Cowart's grandfather's home, where they were arrested the following day.

According to the affidavit, they planned to start their spree by killing more than 100 African-Americans, including 14 who would be beheaded.

One of the federal law enforcement sources told CNN that while the plot was being taken seriously, "we see no evidence these guys have the ability or the wherewithal to pull off what they say they wanted to do."

Obama was placed under Secret Service protection in May 2007, far earlier than other presidential candidates. Threats against him led to arrests in two previous cases.

In one, federal prosecutors said that the three people arrested with drugs and weapons in a suburban Denver, Colorado, motel posed a "true threat" to the candidate. In the second, a Florida man was charged with threatening bodily harm against the candidate in August.

Byrd's motion asks that the indictment against Cowart be dismissed and that the court investigate whether the failure to ask jurors whether they could be impartial resulted in his receiving an impartial jury. The motion also asks the court to appoint a commissioner to interview each of the grand jurors to see if there was any partiality or prejudice on their part.

Prosecutors have 10 days to respond, Byrd said

Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

James Everitt — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:33:32 EST

Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Listen to the Ed Meese Radio SpotFreedom of Speech Our 1st Amendme...

I have just taken action to stop the attacks on our Free Speech Rights, and I'm asking that you join with me by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

+ + Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? Will 2009 usher in a fanatical push to re-instate the so-called Fairness Doctrine? Such a move would effectively silence the conservative voice and remove the last conservative stronghold against a fast-moving liberal agenda.

James & Lydia, One need only read the words of Dianne Feinstein to see the true threat to conservative speech that is brewing on the horizon!"

Talk radio tends to be one-sided. It also tends to be dwelling in hyperbole. It's explosive. It pushes people to, I think, extreme views without a lot of information ... I'm looking at the [Fairness Doctrine]... Unfortunately, talk radio is overwhelmingly one way."

Recognizing this threat, the Media Research Center has created the Free Speech Alliance which is a coalition of organizations and citizens strongly opposed to any such move to limit or undermine our Free Speech Rights!

Please take a moment right now to join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who oppose the Fairness Doctrine and all that it stands for by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Thanks for joining with me.
Mr. & Mrs. James & Lydia Everitt

P.S. If the liberal voice in America has their way, the Fairness Doctrine will end conservative talk--including Rush, Sean, Laura, Mark, and a host of others. Take action today by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Hey,

President-Elect Obama is hard at work getting this country back on track, but he’s counting on all of us to get involved.I just signed up to learn more about the presidential transition, and I thought you might want to do the same.

Just visit Presidential Transition, and enter your e-mail address in the top right corner.

Thanks.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Amendment I, The Bill of Rights

Freedom of Speech - Our 1st Amendment - Our Sacred Right!

Posted by Better Home Business at 9:04 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: biden, blueprint, Bush, commercial, Congress, economy, Election, energy, gotcha, grassroots, independence, kennedy, McCain, News, Obama, outreach, palin, pickensplan, political, senate

Barack Obama's election night speech!

James Everitt — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:06:26 EST

Barack Obama's election night speechTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS 1:09 AM EST, November 5, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama, speaks during the election party at the Grant Park in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 (NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS / November 4, 2008)

Text of Senator Barack Obama's speech upon winning the presidency of the United States.

OBAMA: Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

Video

Pray for the USA

Mary from Clifton Park, NY — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:01:32 EST

It's been a long time coming, and a change is gonna come! We must, as Americans, continue to pray for this great nation, and our current President as well as President Elect Barack Obama and his family. We must remember to continue doing our part in making and keeping this country a great nation.

The voters stated profoundly that we, as Americans, will no longer stand for the same old same old. We have a voice in our vote and we will stand together to bring about a change in this Nation. Therefore, if there are "repeat offenders" in your legislative, senate, or congressional seats, VOTE THEM OUT! We will not get anywhere with the same people in office. We hear it everyday...if you think you're going to get a different outcome doing the same thing with the same people in control, you're fooling yourself, wasting your time, and remaining stagnant.

It's time to stir the waters, take a leap of faith, and exercise that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD! Get involved! Your little bit counts - even if it's just helping to feed a neighbor's child; making sure your neighbors are safe and warm; helping the children in your neighborhood complete their homework; lending a hand to the senior citizen in your community; etc. At least participatie and not stand idly by watching things get worse - that is no longer an option.

This crisis is real and WE BELIEVE that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YES WE CAN!

We will continue to pray and remain involved in whatever needs to be accomplished to bring Americans together, change the economy, and educate our children - the future leaders of this great Nation.

Take care and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Mary

Finally PEACE.

Mona Ali — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:09:42 EST

I am so glad I am alive to see this day.

I have traveled around the world.

I have visited and lived in other countries.

I had the Opportunity to meet many different People in other Countries.

I am Grateful to have experienced the Past Opportunities in LIFE.

It made me who I am today. Pragmatic.

We needed this Election more than some people know.

I see PEACE in the Future.

We are going in the right direction.

*One Snow Flake is weak.

**Thousands of Snow Flakes are strong.

(I'm thinking about all those HARD Snowballs Iv'e been HIT with...OUCH!)

An Avalanche is Powerful.

The USA has the Strength of a Blizzard;

...and the Passion as a Blanket of Snow. (Just Beautiful. Protects Plants, too!)

Today I am glad Barack Obama is OUR PRESIDENT-Elect.

"CONGRATULATIONS Barack Obama!"

The World will be a Better Place to live in.

The United States of America will certainly be a better place to VISIT.

PEACE to All,

Finally

Goodnight My Friends,

Mona Ali

Obama/Biden Bumper Stickers

Obamafan260 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:15:33 EST

If anyone needs a bumper sticker for their vehicle I have aquired a large amount of bumper stickers from when the Fort Wayne Obama Campaign Office closed. the had a small box of stickers and they were needing to get them out. Thing is, the only people left were about to go home back to Chicago. So i took the stickers and i need to get them out to the people of Fort Wayne area. If you would like a sticker, drop me a line on here, on Facebook, or on Myspace. Just enter my first and last name and u will find me. With Myspace you will need to find the account with my name in it. Just mention this blog post and i will know, then we can set something up.

Watch Video: One Voice Can Make The Difference...

One Voice Obama Biden — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:58:37 EST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIVEnRBc0iw

Now is not a time to rest...

Troy — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:27:14 EST

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama, Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, their respective families and everyone (Democrat, Republican, and Independent) who helped show the world why this country is the best country in the world.

This is the beginning, not the end. The people have spoken and Barack Obama will be our 44th President of the United States of America. We must not rest on our laurels because there is too much work to be done and President-Elect Obama can not do it alone.

Though you may not see Obama on the TV today, believe me he is hard at work selecting his cabinet and initiating the transition over to the White House. Barack Obama has a vision. He also has a plan to achieve that vision. He is prepared. Now the question is, Are You?

Change. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity in this word. What happens if Washington changes and we, the people, don't? That's right. NOTHING!

We have a unique opportunity right now to keep the momentum of change going. Obama mentioned service to your community and your country and this so very important.

Who will go out and mentor the young and help provide the encouragement and hope that they can be whatever they want to be?

Who will help blend the Whites, Blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Africans in to ONE AMERICA?

Who will teach others in the community the basics of starting, funding, and running their own small business?

Who is willing to start a dialogue with, and have the patience to ask for help from those fellow Americans that may feel a little put off or afraid because of last nights outcome?

In our fundraising efforts, we showed this country and the world how much more powerful we are collectively and with a common cause. Now is now a time to rest. We must continue this collective effort above and beyond this election and do our part to bring this country back to GREATNESS!!

Congratulations to All! - Change is Finally Here

Unknown user — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:38:10 EST

Congratulations to Obama, Biden, the Democrats, all the supporters, and most importantly to the voters and the people who voted.

It’s a new day today, a beautiful day, a new beginning, and change is finally here.

WE STILL HAVE A DREAM - PART TWO

Susan S. Davis — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:27:15 EST

From the first time that I saw Barack Obama, I felt a connection to his message, and believed that his ideals would resonate with everyday people, particularly the ones that are routinely ignored by this country and our government.

I was a child of the civil rights movement. As a young, outnumbered white child on the south side of Chicago, I remember Martin Luther King Jr. After the assassinations of King and the Kennedy’s, I became disillusioned with politics.

It was not until Bill Clinton ran for office, that I became interested in supporting any political agenda again - and he was the first President that I ever voted for, twice. I have been to rallies for both Clintons.

Forty-five years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his I Have a Dream speech, it was only fitting that on that night, the very first multi-racial man accept the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States of America.

This has been a long journey and is not just a political event. It is an exuberant spectacle of a celebration - the magnitude of which has never been seen before, and may never be seen again, in my life time. Thank you all, for your unwavering vision, and the courage to confront what lies ahead.

Thank you for inspiring the nation. The Gods are smiling upon us at this moment. There is the magic of hope in the air.

It All Starts Today.

Marlena LaFountain — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:34:46 EST

We have real enemies in the world. These enemies must be found. They must be pursued and they must be defeated.

America, we have finally sought out change. To say that change is inevitable, that one voice can change the very foundation and very ground we walk on, is inevitable. We rally what we believe in, our hearts sing praise while our mouths often sing prejudice of what we can't understand. Of who looks different - talks different - sounds off different - for those who are not cookie-cutter politicians. For those who push the envelope and dare to expression a vision viable as different. For those who believe in the hope and honest to goodness of America. From small cape towns to the biggest cities far and wide in our great country...

Someone dared to step up, stare prejudice in the face, and declare proudly yes we can. Because we can, America.

This election has truly stirred the very ripple in the pool of America. We needed an election to bring our country and bring our sisters and brothers in America together.

And thanks to Senator Obama, we had that election.

The very foundation that America has thrived on for hundreds of years... this election is specifically what Martin Luther King Jr. thrived for. The fruition of our fathers and activists before us... this is THE election they dreamt up. And we finally got to see it.

With a new president, comes a new vision. A new hope. Change. Like it's said that change is the only constant, so Senator Obama will bring forth the inevitable in 2009 for America.

I believed in change, you believed in change, together we believed in hope.

Obama/Biden 08 ... change 08 ... hope 08.

We did it, America. We brought forth something bigger than ourselves. Bigger than our nation. Bigger than racial segregation. Bigger than the very stage our country was formulated on.

Thank you voters, for believing in the same hope and the same change ... for seeing the same vision as our NEW PRESIDENT. Bring forth the change, thank you Obama. Thank you Biden. Thank you America.

I believe in the greater hope of our economy. I believe in the greater ambition of a country that has since lost it's moral and lost the very heart in which it beats. We lost equality. We lost our unity. And now, it's time to bring unity and our equality back together again. It's time to bring forth this change, America... it's time to state loudly and proudly that we, the American people, CAN make the changes. We CAN bring forth a better tomorrow. We CAN do it. United we stand, divided we fall... and under the Bush Administration ... we fell to the lowest point in well over a century.

Under Obama Biden, we shall stand united as one. A country with the greater hope and greater promise for our children, our grandchildren and our future generations. Let's make change our present, America... let's stand together, hands held and arms held high in victory as we celebrate tonight, victors in a war against segregation and decades of oppression.

Let's stand, not as individuals. But let us stand together as one united, the united states of america. God bless America.

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

Obama Supporter — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:28:03 EST

Ok, I'm overwhelmed and so excited that I don't even know what to type!!

I admit that I cried a little , but I cant help it. This is so Amazing and I am so PROUD OF AMERICA right now, that they would have the GUTS To vote Barack Obama in! This is a defining moment in HISTORY .. take it all in. The world will never be the same again!! Ever!

This PROVES that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Anything.

I have been through a terrible 2 years, and so has my family, and at this moment right now, I feel that a change is truly coming and that things will turn around for me, my family and my country.

I, Am SO Proud to be an American right now, more than ever in my life!!!!

I have to get back to partying now...

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!

My Heart, Support, and Admiration is with You ALWAYS,

Janan Allen

Thank You All!

Eric Amundson — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:22 EST

Hey Obama/Biden Supporters,

I was fortunate enough to get the day off so I could help with the local Obama campaign here in Gig Harbor, Washington. We started the day calling voters in Ohio, followed by calling voters here in our home State.

Although talking on the phone is one of my least favorite pastimes, I had a wonderful time. I've left more messages and spoken with more people today than I have in several months combined.

The folks at the Gig Harbor field office were wonderful and I'd like to say thanks to all of the volunteers who brought food, coffee, cheers, smiles, and friends to help in the fight.

Thanks to the organization of this site, I was even able to come home and continue making calls using my.barackobama.com. I'm lucky to be able to participate in such an important and historic election.

One of the highlights of my day was reaching voters in their 70's, 80's and even one lady who was 101 years old that thanked me for supporting and working for Obama. I don't need thanks, but it meant so much that people of all ages realize the need for change and made sure they voted.

I'm feeling good about the election as numbers are beginning to roll in, but no matter what, I'm thankful that we all made our voice heard.

I tear up when I think of all of the inspirational things I've seen this season and I hope and pray that we're not dissapointed.

Thank you all for supporting Obama and Biden and for insisting on, and working for, real change.

Eric

My Guess Your Guess: Obama Cabinet

SRG_Legal — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:22:48 EST

3556.1

Secretary of State
Bill Richardson

Secretary of the Treasury
Jim Webb

Secretary of Defense
Gen. Wesley Clark

Attorney General
Kenneth Lee Salazar

Secretary of the Interior
Colin Powell

Secretary of Agriculture
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin

Secretary of Commerce
John Kerry

Secretary of Labor
Rep. John Conyers

Secretary of Health and Human Services
Hillary Clinton

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Sanford Bishop Jr.

Secretary of Transportation
Chaka Fattah

Secretary of Energy
Al Gore

Secretary of Education
Caroline Kennedy

Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Admiral Robert Williamson

Secretary of Homeland Security
Brig. Gen. Larry Gillespie

The Joke is on U.S.

ShaVonne — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:17:05 EST

Why are we not making a big deal over Gov. Sarah Palin’s prank call from a French President Sarkozy imposter? People are so busy feeling sorry for Gov. Palin even referring to her as a “victim”, that we fail to recognize the absolute danger her inexperience and poor judgment places this country in. Senator McCain’s perilous decision to select Gov. Palin as his running mate has made an absolute mockery out of the Republican Party who would have held their own with a less controversial candidate. From the schoolgirl flirtatious mannerisms, to botched interviews, distractions within her camp at home and on the road, the spectacle over her wardrobe and now this. Gov. Sarah Palin has been an embarrassment to women who have advocated for equal liberties and have fought for their place in the political arena. Recently, McCain and Palin directly reached out to Ashley Todd a McCain volunteer who claimed to have a “B” carved on her face because she had a McCain bumper sticker on her car. Without fact-checking or verifying sources McCain and Palin both personally made calls to the disturbed young woman. The prank call once more led credence to Palin’s inability to speak out intelligently without script for if it were the real French President the conversation was completely inappropriate. To not understand the language is fine, but to not have foreign language translated prior to responding to it is absolutely ludicrous. This was careless and could have had serious repercussions. McCain claims that he has already been tested. This is false for he has never served as President. This is about the U.S. and not his war pastime, personal strength and valor. Be certain that every President has been, is and will be tested in one way or another during their reign and Americans must feel confident about our elected officials.Gov. Sarah Palin is not ready. We must recognize that the manner in which she has handled interviews with the media, strayed off course during her own rallies, and represented our country in a ‘prank’ call with a foreign leader. These are signs that she is not ready to lead and that if for any reason she was required to step in as the President of the United States we should all be scared, very, very scared.Why are we letting this slide and co-signing this raw deal? It is not funny. A week ago Joe the Plummer toured with McCain speaking on foreign policy. Now we have the Vice Presidential Nominee making a charade of the way we interact with our foreign leaders. The joke is on U.S.Votes should not reflect race, gender, age, popularity or charm. This is about our future as one nation, one world.

If the Republicans lose this election my guess would be that Gov. Palin would continue to work to separate Alaska from the United States for wealth and political purposes. Look at it this way; if successful she would be the President of Alaska.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you....

ShaVonne — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:12:31 EST

May our thoughts and prayers go out to Barack Obama and his family for the loss of his grandmother. Let us continue on her spirit and make this happen. He MUST be the next President.

Let us know that she passed on knowing in her heart that things were going to be alright. She is at peace with her savior. She raised an outstanding man and should have been as proud as all of us as the man, the father, the husband, the leader that he is.

May God Bless Barack, Michelle & family.

ShaVonne

News Flash: Little People rush to support Obama-Biden

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:26:01 EST

Costco, Walmart and K-Mart are all reporting runs on all kinds of chairs and stools, particularly high chairs.

Sources say that the Little People are rushing to these and other retail outlets to make sure that on Tuesday they can reach the Obama-Biden lever at their polling booths.

Kids for Obama Coloring Sheets

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:44:53 EST

I was volunteering at my local headquarters this evening - doing some data entry, making calls, hanging signs, etc. There were some kids off to the side in a small area they had setup for them. I took some time to engage these kids and help them make a sign to hang on the wall of the headquarters.

In doing this I was reminded of something that I saw a while ago and thought was pretty neat - Obama coloring sheets for kids. The one I found online was of the older logo, so I took a couple minutes to update and post them here.

So, if you are going into a headquarters to volunteer print some of these sheets off and take along some crayons. It’s a great way to get kids engaged in the process…

Free Printable Obama “Vote” Signs

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:40:04 EST

I though I’d start posting some vote signs as election day is just around the corner and early voting is already underway in many states. If you can vote early, find your polling place and go do so!

I’ve provided these signs as ready-to-print PDFs in both standard letter paper (8½ by 11 inches) and larger tabloid paper (17 by 11 inches) sized versions. Every home printer can handle the standard paper size and most copy shops can print the larger tabloid size. See my How to Create Your Own Signs post for tips on how to make your own.

Letter (8½ by 11 inches) size…

Tabloid (17 by 11 inches) size…

How to Create Your Own Signs

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:37:48 EST

I get many comments from people that want Obama signs, but have not been able to get one - either the order is taking a while to get processed and shipped, or they are unable to get to a campaign headquarters to get a sign, or their local headquarters are all out. This post walks you through the steps to create your own Obama signs.

First, you will need a version of the sign that you can download and print out. I’ve got several versions available for free download - some of the more popular ones are below…

20 Free Printable Obama Biden Signs - these PDFs are letter size (8½ by 11 inches) but can typically be sized up as large as you like.
Free Printable Obama Biden Signs (Larger) - these PDFs are tabloid size (17 by 11 inches), a great size for yard signs.
See all posts in our signs category - mostly letter size, but can typically be scaled up.

The letter size signs can be printed out on just about any personal printer. Some consumer printers are capable of printing the larger tabloid size, though probably not most. If your printer cannot print the larger size don’t worry - almost all print/copy shops can print tabloid size.

I used FedEx Office (formerly Kinkos) to print out my signs, as they had a simple to use online printing site that let me upload the PDFs (I went with the larger tabloid size) directly to the website and pick them up at my local FedEx Office. Their online tool allowed me to pick out the type of paper - for signs I’d recommend a thicker cardstock paper (I opted for a glossy cardstock). The cost of the tabloid size printout was about $3.

Here’s the sign as it was printed…

If you want to put the sign outside, I’d strongly recommend laminating it. To make sure it is weather proof you will want to make sure that the laminate overlaps the edges of the sign making a water tight seal. To do this, I trimmed off the white edges from the printout and did the lamination myself (again I did mine at FedEx Office for about $4, though most copy shops can do lamination).

Below is my laminated version of the sign…

I opted to put my sign out in my front yard. Since I didn’t have anything to hang it from, I decided to stake it into the ground. I happened to have an old sign that I was able to use, though I think these go for about $3 at home improvement stores (maybe less if you can just get the metal posts)…

I use a wide transparent packing tape to adhere the metal posts to the back of the sign (I didn’t use the original “open house” part of the sign). Below is the attached sign, ready to go…

All that is left is to put the completed sign out in the yard…

If you have any comments, tips or suggestions for other supports feel free to leave a comment below.

Free Printable Obama Biden Signs (Larger Size)

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:31:56 EST

Update: Looking for yard signs? If so, check out our How to Create Your Own Signs post.

Here are some additional updated versions of the signs featuring the Obama Biden text with the “O” logo. These signs are ready-to-print PDFs and currently sized for tabloid sized paper (17 by 11 inches) - if you’re looking for standard letter sized paper (8½ by 11 inches) see my previous Free Printable Obama Biden Signs post. The contents of all the PDFs here are vector based and should scale up nicely if you wish to print at even larger sizes.

I’m providing this larger size to make it even easier to print out and display. Tabloid size is a common size that can be printed out at nearly every copy shop.

Small “O” large text…

Large “O” small text…

Blue Obama “O” Logo Wallpaper

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:26:48 EST

I've created some common sized wallpapers using the Obama "O" logo set on a blue background...

Available in the following standard screen sizes: 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768 & 800x600. As well as the following 2 wide screen sizes: 1920x1200 & 1680x1050

Election Ode

Martin Edwin "Mick" from Churchton, MD — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:30:01 EST

Barack Obama-Joe Biden,
are the people's choice for '08,
'cause the country's at risk,
and we've gotta play it straight.

And then in 2012,
we will re-elect that ticket
to finish whate'er remains
to get the USA out of the thicket.

And in 2016, who knows what's in store.
For those of us who believe in redemption...
maybe a repentant Sarah Palin will lead
the GOP, in a more hopeful direction.

I Voted Early!

Lawrence from El Monte, CA — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:45:43 EST

Hello Everyone,

I Voted early! I voted on Saturday 11/01/2008 in Norwalk, California, that is where the registrar for Los Angeles County is. It took me four hours from the time I got there, but I got it done now instead of waiting until Tuesday November 4th. Get out and VOTE! Obama/Biden (O/B) 2008!

The Excitement Builds...

Brady — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:00:48 EST

It has been almost two months since my grandmother started her blog at 85andchange.com. Working on this project with her has been so exciting. She never ceases to amaze me with her energy and tenacity. She is a most amazing woman, and it means so much to me to have had this experience. I wish every grandchild could have a bonding experience like this with their grandparents. We have so much to learn from our elders.

Over the last several weeks have traveled to see Joe Bide, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton. Each speaker has been an inspiration and motivational. But today the excitement hits an all time high. Today we get to go downtown and see Barack, Michelle, and Bruce Springsteen! What an appropriate and fitting end of the campaign. We are both so excited, we can't contain ourselves! The only excitement that can compare to it will come on Tuesday evening when it becomes clear that the nation has chosen Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States!

Prayer Cord... When God's People Come Together On One Accord...

One of Those Women — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:56:42 EST

Nothing Can Be With Held From Them.

Please copy and paste...The Obama Prayer Team has started a prayer cord....to be tightened with nothing but your prayers.. Pray these Words out loud and pass it on.

Father God we continue to bless and praise Your holy Name. Truly You are so wonderful to us and we thank you. Thank You, for taking us this far on this journey. Thank You for Your grace has seen this campaign through so many obstacles and schemes of the enemy. Thank You for turning them around for our good. Please strengthen and keep the Obamas, Bidens and all involved in this great movement of change. Refresh, renew, restore continue to show Yourself mighty on their behalf. Thank You for the divine favor and grant them joy in their spirits. Thank for the victory in Jesus Name, amen. Father, we praise You for the loving God that you are. We thank You that You have a plan for all of our lives. Father God we come before You and ask Your favor on Your servants Barack Obama, Joe Biden, their wives, families, staffs, and supporters. You know how much our country needs these men as our leaders and how much the world needs this to happen too. Father we thank You for all of the hard work and planning that has taken place up to this point in this process. We thank You for the victories that have come so far. We know that only with Your help have these things happened. We give You all the glory. Father, we again ask Your protection from the slings and arrows that fly during this process, evil thoughts and evil intentions. Please, Father, place your protection around these men and all of us involved in the goal of putting them in the White House. Father, guide them and all of us to direct these last days in a way that would be pleasing to You and in a manner worthy of Your approval. Give us all wisdom and physical strength from fatigue. Father we know that You know our thoughts and prayers before we even think them or send them up. We know it is done before these prayers go up. Father, again we thank You and praise You for Your grace and loving care of us. We give You the glory for all that is done in this campaign. Amen.

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I have heard your cries. Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, Who have eyes but do not see; Who have ears but do not hear. 'Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD Do you not tremble in My presence?
For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; They have turned aside and departed. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways. We declare, WE decree, the landslide has already occurred. On November 4, 2008, a mega-tsunami of votes for Barack Obama will overtake the voting places like no man has ever seen in any Presidential election. No corruption shall take hold. Any such thing man refers to as a Bradley effect we bind. No doubt shall over shadow Barack Obama as the elected one in this election like others. The Sovereign LORD shall guide the hearts and minds of those who are not sure or who are afraid, they will vote for Barack Obama. We declare, We decree after assuming the official position of President of the United States of America, Barack Obama shall eliminate all obstacles real created or imagined in America and around the world. He shall bring peach and prosperity for all. We thank you Father, that you are faithful to watch over your words to perform them. All honor, praise and glory belongs to our Lord.
Father we thank you for You power, and your faithfulness in this election..For You have strengthend this campaign with favor and blessings from Your mighty hand..We praise You for Your anointed power, descended upon Barak Obama, and all people, who are believing for a change, in world conditions...Thank you Holy Spirit, for encouraging the hearts of the people to go out and vote, in record numbers! We call all warring angels to remain in their positions of protection, defeating the enemy in every area.. Father, we ask for peace, and clarity upon Obama, during the few days remaining of this election...In Jesus name, ...Amen

Father We stand in agreement, on one accord as these Words have went forth that whatever We have asked You will do and We count it done now in the Mighty and Most Holy Name of Jesus Amen Amen. (All Prayers contributed by members of Obama's Prayer Team)

The decision we have to make

Olu Jay from Cambridge, MA — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:22:58 EDT

With the presidential election only 2 days away, I have watched a campaign by two candidates who could not be more different from one another unravel. Senators Obama and McCain have met together in debates three times and Senator Obama was the only one with the compelling testimony and demeanor which inspires confidence among the American people.

Rather than addressing the issues that affect us day-to-day, Senator McCain and Governor Palin and their campaign have spent majority of their time playing political offense on issues of no significance to the American people. We want a president who will challenge the negative view of America which the world currently has and Senator McCain and his running mate have determined to take a stand against developing the image of America around the world. Senator Obama and Senator Joe Biden however have kept our eyes on the prize -- they have demonstrated competence, calmness and decision in at a time when the American people needed it the most. They have stayed above personal attacks and remained focused on ways to give economic relief to average Nevadans.

Tuesday is our only chance to tell those in Washington, politics as usual is over! We want a change in the way the government is run -- we want a government by the people, for the people to be restored. With a tax cut for everyone earning less than $250,000, we have a government that is making a promise that it will finally run for the people!

Let's not pass this opportunity up -- Vote Obama/Biden on Tuesday. We must remind the politicians working in Washington DC, especially the White House, who they work for! A Vote for Obama/Biden will ring in the ears of every Republican, Democrat or Independent -- politics as usual has ended, and the American people have reinstated themselves as the bosses of the political establishment. Go Obama/Biden, we have confidence that you, just like us, face the economic crisis with resolve -- America can pull out of this and we need you to help us.

CHECK THIS OUT! Customize This Video for All of Your Friends

Stephanie Williams — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:26:28 EDT

MOVEon.org has created a unique and customizable way for you to remind all of your friends, family members, colleagues, etc. that November 4th is election day and that EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Before sending this video to everyone I could think of, I sent myself a copy. I have included the link below. All you need to do is add the people you know in the spaces provided and then add their e-mail addresses. It's easy, it's fun, it's quick...and it is YOUR DUTY!

CHECK IT OUT:

http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=X5icVjbEWPqfC.JGKZCjxzEyMDQxOQ--&referred_by=13433987-zzEFZ4x

Psst...pass it along!

BidenMania in Melbourne, FL

Patrick D — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:50:29 EDT

This past Tuesday evening at Wickham Park in Melbourne, FL Sen. Biden, Kendall Moore and Bill Nelson electrified a crowd of 2,100 enthusiastic Obama supporters including yours truly.

The electricity in the air could have been cut with a knife.

Early vote now for Obam/Biden in '08

ELECTION DAY

David S — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:02:25 EDT

Stay in touch with the election day news and results. From your cell phone browser, type www.m3k.us/OBAMAwap.aspx or TEXT "OBAMA" to 646-469-9252. Standard carrier rates apply. TONS of info and the best place to keep track of the election results.

Support for Change

Joy from California City, CA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:21:13 EDT

Good-Morning Senator Barack & Michelle Obama,

We were pleased to receive your letter October 25, 2008, which was yesterday. So I would like to share with you why we are happy to get involved. We are hard working community participants, that’s part of my family’s life.

I was reading this morning, and thought about you. So I would like to share this with you and your wife.

With 7 days left I pray you will continue to get your strength from the Lord. With my life He gives me His Strength. “He went up on a mountainside by Him self to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.” Matthew 14:23.

Christ Jesus in His humanity felt the need of complete solitude-to be entirely by Himself, alone with Himself. Each of us knows how draining constant interchange with others can be and how it exhausts our energy. As part of human kind, Jesus knew this and felt the need to be by Himself in order to regain His strength. Solitude was also important to Him in order to fully realize His high calling, His human weakness, and His total dependence on His Father.” Streams in the Desert. L. B. Cowman. P.p.403-October 26 2008.

I understand a little about your mom, and these are a few reasons that I stay close to God. I was a single a mom for 15 years of my sons’, Keith & Kevin, life before I remarried. I quit a good job in Buffalo N.Y., so I could better our life by going to Talladega College, when I was 32 years old. At that time 1974, only the youth were on campus, so I was a big joke. I had to get on welfare and food-stamps. It made my sons hide when I had to use food-stamps instead of money, I was happy for the help. A big $80.00 a month plus food-stamps and our apt. was 200.00 a month plus utilities. HUD would not let me qualify for a $50.00 apt. because I was not getting enough money from welfare. It’s been hard for all of us who have been single moms. Thank God for grandparents and friends.

I am from Huntington W.VA, so I cast my vote by way of California City, Ca.
For these reasons:

My husband Marvin, a builder, completed two homes and lost both of them in December 2007. Built two fourplex’s, which we live in one of them, and they are trying to take these. My husband has worked so hard to make our life better, and because of Bush, we just keep hitting bottom.

God has blessed us, because a few years ago a doctor did foot surgery, I was in pain for four years he kept me coming back almost every week, sending me to all of his colleague, and it came to the point they said it was all in my head. When I was able to change insurance, the new Doctor let me know that what was wrong with my foot had never been removed. So I took my old doctor to court and he admitted that he knew he done surgery in the wrong place. When asked why he did not correct his mistake, he just shrugged his shoulders and said he didn’t know. This happen in Glendale Ca. courts; I lost the case, out of work for four years with no income from me, and was in to much pain to take care of my daughter Joy, that we adopted. They said I lost case because too much time had passed. I found an attorney the next day when I read my report that when I requested an out side doctor, he reported that the doctor had not remove the matter, and the surgery needed to be done over. This was three months later, but the old doctor did not share this with me.

After four years of pain I was able to return to my teaching position, in six weeks. I am looking forward to your insurance plan, because we have not had insurance in years. My son Joshua, just yesterday had to pay out $200.00 for x-rays, he does not have the money because he in college finishing up his Masters this spring but because he can’t afford insurance he had to pay.

I know you can help us in our community, because of the type of service you have given through out the years.

My husband and I went to a community hospital when we were living in Pomona Ca. Because his mother was in the hospital, it was a day after Christmas, and the hospital had call to say they were getting ready to take his mother back to the nursing home, and we had plans to meet her there.

The hospital and the nursing home were only a few blocks away from our home, but in 15 min they called back, to say it was now a code blue. we could not understand this because it was an in and out procedure that was to take place, she was not even suppose to spend the night, and when we asked why she was spending the night, to start with, they said that they wanted to keep an eye on her. My husband showed concern that she was out of it, and she didn’t know we were there. After getting the code blue call, we and the children rush to the hospital only to sit in the waiting room for hours, because they were working on her. It was getting late so we made arrangements with my son Kevin to take care of the younger children.

We returned to the same door that we had been using so we could find our way back to her room. It was raining cats and dogs that Friday night, so as we enter the door where the security guard asked us to sign in at front desk, so I did. I could hear the voices in the background, so I ran to see what was going on, because my husband was in the area. I don’t know why the guard was yelling about us signing in I told him that the desk clerk said I could sign in for both of us, but he was still yelling as we started to his mother’s room.

He started poking his finger in my husband back as we were walking up the halls. My husband kept walking with his mind on his dying mother. We had walked a long ways to the elevators with this guard still poking my husband. I finally turned to him and said you are acting like a punk, please stop poking him. At that moment, he grabbed me by my neck in a chock-hold I could not breathe, I was trying to free my self, but he had my feet off the ground.

He carried me, in a choke-hold, a long ways back before he threw me to the ground, placed me in handcuffs and he and another man sat on me to the point I was suffocating. Bystanders were trying to tell them to stop, but they had dogs which kept them back. The Pomona Police came, I was glad to see them until they jerked me by my handcuffs and tried to make me stand. When they saw that I couldn’t they dropped me to the ground. I was bleeding, I was bruised, I could not talk and I was hurting so bad that all I could do was whisper.

One man picked up my purse and the contents, which was a Bible and a cell phone. When the man brought me my purse while I laid on the floor, he said, “Joy, is that you?” at first I did not recognize him, then he reminded me he was the social worker in the hospital and I that I had followed the ambulance to the medical center, a young male child had been hit by a car, and the family had not arrived and I did not want him to die alone. I stayed to pray and to be with the family, and that’s how he remembered me. He said he knew I had not done anything wrong.

The hospital would not treat us, they would not get any help for us, and they were putting us out of the hospital. After about 3 hours the head of the security came and took me for treatment, also told me how sorry he was. The lady in X-ray slammed me on the cold metal table. I just did not know people could be so cruel.

After we were able to be wheeled to his mother’s room, I asked my husband why he did not help me. He replied that every time he would break lose, two mussel men would grab him and twist his arms tearing at his rotator cuffs. We were all night trying to make a report about the matter. They kept saying there was nobody in charge.

His mother never regained conscious. She died the following day; we still don’t know what happened to her. Sometimes we feel that we were beaten to distract us, so we wouldn’t ask questions concerning his mother.

We both were out of work seems like forever. We went for treatment everyday. We lost that case, because they said we were trying to steal a baby.

I know if that had been your community Obama you would had helped us, because you know how the big boys mess over the little people who don’t know what to do.

I have been a teacher for years I was hurt at work. So we had to refinance our home, in Riverside.Ca. my husband, still unable to work because of the beating. Our home was a true gift from God, it was 5.000 sft. a view of 360 of the world, on top of a mountain, we called it Mt. Zion; we had 3 ac of land. It was haven forever for anyone. My son Joshua who cares for young people had a New Years party for over 150 people so they could have a good time without drugs or alcohol and no sex. We had many people on Mt. Zion. Our plan was a camp with horses, teaching young people personal development , job training, addressing their spiritual and social needs ,helping unwed mothers, abuse women and children, working with the homeless and dysfunctional events that happen to good families in the community. That included gang and suicide prevention, parent and marriage enrichment programs .Well these are some of the achievement we were doing, until the refinance company stole our home, and gave us 30 days to move. Our things are everywhere. Some are in storage places and they are trying to auction that in a few days.

So you see must find work because of our crisis. We will no longer be victim because GOD is Victorious. We speak for all the people who can’t be heard, we will see a change in you.

WE the people are sending you 10.00 a widow’s mite, because we believe in God and you Obama for such a time as this. This is not a poor little me story , I don’t know how God has taken care of us all these years. I know we have all ways worked for HIM.

Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I’ve thrown my self headlong into your arms—-I am celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I am so full of answered prayers. Psalms 13:3-6.

Take a long, hard look. See how great He is - infinite greater than anything you could ever imagine or figure out. Job 36:26.

Chef Keith Hicks, his new Forth Worth restaurant, Buttons will be in Chapel Hill @ Interstate 30 and Hulen St. in the former 29 Degree Tavern location. You must stop when you are in the area, and tell him his mom sent you. He would love having you and the family. He was voted #1 chef of 2007. Just like you, with the help of God. You will be voted our next PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

America for Change.

Thank you. Joy G. Anderson Hodges. joyfullspirit8.wordpress.com.

Biden in Melbourne

Sharon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:59:41 EDT

The turnout was amazing at the Biden Rally tonight! We overflowed the parking accomodations -so those of us on volunteer duty were turning away cars and having them park over at BCC and along the road! I am so proud of you all! We are really turning the tides here...

We [my husband and 2 children along with myself] carried our signs from the event area out to the road where the McCain supporters were protesting and shouting at cars as they entered the event. We wanted to welcome our supporters and offset all that venom...

My heart sank as I listened to some of the ugly, hateful, and just plain IGNORANT things these people had to say out there. We bolstered the children so they might be prepared - and I paid close attention to their comfort levels because the children were there to support their hope for their future - not to engage in spiteful exchanges of words with strangers.

These 'grown ups' - who claim to belong to some "moral majority" - were not content to hold their signs and wave at cars - but insisted on yelling about 'baby killers' - telling my children that all the jobs would be gone here if our candidate won... rambling about how Obamas plan to level out the taxes so the rich folks and multimillion dollar coprorations get to pay percentages that are more like the percentages that I actually pay - is marxism [did she mean 'socialism'?].

Socialism - "Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy."

Capitalism: "an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations"

Which does this Wall Street bail out fit into?

Concerned about how the kids were taking it - I checked with them both regularly to make sure they were not scared - only to find my son (age 12) smiling ear to ear - and raising his voice even higher - calling out 'Yes We Can!' and my daughter (age 16) more resolved than ever that there must be a serious connection between low IQ and McCain supporters - that they are obviously not thinking a whole lot and may just be consuming what is being fed to them on their TV sets or in their churches. I had to struggle with my own disgust as I reminded them not to judge all the McCain supporters by the actions of these few...

I had to chuckle at the thought that maybe they mistook my family and me for members of that elite 'middle class' the republicans seem to believe exists out there making $250,000 / year. LOL.

I am not 'Joe the plumber'. Actually, the last time I called him, his rates were far too high for me - he wanted over $800 for the work I needed done, so I went to Home Depot and fixed the problem on my own for the cost of the $80 part and about 3 hours of my own time :) Did they actually perceive that 'people like us' might suddenly see things 'their way' if they just shouted misinforation in our faces loudly enough? It was so ridiculous that one adult out there actually even assaulted my daughter's hair style when they ran out of other material... I was glad when they left shortly after that.

I am so confident that we have the numbers to win here and feel it is more important than ever to win this...and despite what all the ignorant, hateful, prejudiced nay-sayers might want to believe, our numbers cannot be ascribed to any single demographic or socioeconomic group.

I saw people of all skin colors.
I saw men, women, and children in the cars entering that event.
I saw single people, heterosexual couples, homosexual couples, families in the line waiting
I saw beat up cars with taped up windows - AND I saw some BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus in that parking lot of Obama supporters.
I saw elderly people - middle aged folks - teens - and young children in that crowd.
I saw a lot of diversity among the staff, volunteers, and guests.

There is only one singular unification point that we - the diverse Americans that make up the Obama Biden support base - can be justly accused of; there is one trait we do all share:

HOPE

Door Knockers Stay Warm!

TJFischer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:41:00 EDT

Obama Biden Hooded Sweatshirt by tjlabey
design your own t-shirts At Zazzle.com
Browse Politics T-Shirts

ELECTION DAY PARTY VOTER HEADQUARTERS

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Sarah and John and Joe and Barack

Leeza — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:18:24 EDT

When John asked Sarah to be his running mate,

She did not blink, she did not wait.

Did Sarah so charm John McCain

That he failed to think and think again?

A presidential hopeful, old and sick,

Needed to make a smarter pick.

Sarah's rise to fame was rapid;

She's better dressed, but no less vapid.

The GOP has, thus, become

The party of the confused and dumb.

For a lot less chaos and a lot less drama:

Vote for Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

the ll day challenge

gothic mother in interacial marrage for obama — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:21:37 EDT

and if you are apart of this group then you are most likely voting for obama, but we must pass this along to our friends and people that we know that are leaning or trying to vote red this year. lets stop the preaching to the choir. be brave.

so talk to at least one repulican every day until the election. can you do it?

Biden's 'gaffe' a trap for McCain

Steven — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:55:52 EDT

Joe Biden has been roundly condemned for his “gaffe” about Obama, as a new president, being tested within the first six months of his presidency by a crisis intentionally started by a hostile power or group. The McCain campaign have jumped at this opportunity to say that Obama is too risky, because he will invite such a crisis, whereas if McCain is elected there will be no such temptation, and no such crisis. But all the McCain camp have done is jump into a trap. Their response is unrealistic, foolish and indeed foolhardy—because it should open them up to the accusation, by Democrats, that McCain just does not get it. The fact is EVERY new president is fated to be tested by America’s enemies in the first months of office, and there is nothing at all about McCain that makes him immune to this international trial by ordeal. His rather blustering approach to all policy decisions, and his erratic behavior probably opens him up to a HIGHER likelihood that America’s enemies will see profit in goading McCain, to make him commit a major strategic blunder, such as Bush did with invading Iraq.

So if Obama is president-elect (as I fervently hope he will be), he will, as Biden truthfully stated, be challenged at some point by America’s enemies, to try him out; but the same goes equally if not more so for McCain. The important thing to consider is whether the two candidates have the necessary “steel in the spine” and the necessary thoughtfulness and poise to respond to such a challenge well. (Biden’s whole point was that he thought Obama did indeed have these qualities.) But a very large part of being able to respond well to such testing is BEING PREPARED, and a very large part of being prepared is RECOGNITION that such a test will indeed come along. Obama and Biden have, ti their initial cost, shown that they realize this, but what of John McCain? He has actually responded by saying “I’ve been tested”, implying that such a test by an enemy of America will simply not happen on his watch. But this is rhetorical sleight of hand, indeed rhetorical nonsense, because McCain has NEVER been tested as president, because he has never been president! So what is McCain saying? Is he saying that because he once was a Naval Airman many years ago, and heroically survived the ordeal of being a POW in Vietnam, that this makes him tested and a sure thing for the completely different role of President of the United States? It is like saying that because I have passed a driving test, that makes me qualified to fly a 747 Jumbojet. In other words, McCain is deluding himself in thinking that he has passed the test already and will never be tested by America’s enemies as president, because he has totally mistaken one form of testing for another. And in making this mistake he has shown that he misunderstands entirely the realities that will confront the next president, and in denying that there will be a test he has failed at the vital first step any president must make, of RECOGNITION that he has to be PREPARED for this inevitable test. We cannot afford McCain’s HUBRIS.

What McCain’s reaction to Biden’s “gaffe” has shown is that McCain is unfit to be president.

I KNEW JOE, THE PLUMBER AND YOU ARE NO JOE THE PLUMBER

Jan from Laguna Woods, CA — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:39:23 EDT

I KNEW JOE THE PLUMBER AND YOU ARE NO JOE THE PLUMBER By Jan Marshall

I saw that faux undecided “Joe" create a fantasy scenario and then become indignant because if he were to became successful, he might have to pay a small tax, which is a very American custom. It brought to mind another Joe from another time. A couple of faucets had become clogged. My friend, Rita the recommender, suggested I contact Joe, the plumber who had saved her from disaster one leaky day. I should have known this would be a special moment when he actually returned my call. No service person had done that in years. Then he arrived at my home the exact time he said he would. The previous repairmen never would commit themselves to an exact time. “Will you be home between March and April?” they'd ask and of course I would. Never leaving my home; not for my kid’s graduation, not for my prearranged rendezvous with Sean Connery, not even for already purchased tickets for a lecture called SEX AND ARTHRITIS: CAN WE HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER? (The answer to that one lies in my empty Aleve ® bottle). Oye. Not for anything did I leave my house in those days. When that particular serviceman showed up, he had the wrong part-I mean for the appliance. He had to send to Hong Kong for it. By the time it was delivered my ice box went out of style. I had to replace it with a modern one which created mixed feelings. I enjoyed the fact that food remained fresh and cool. Sadly, though, the ice-man no longer cameth to my house and he was a real hunk. So I truly appreciated Joe’s promptness. I showed him the sink and he went to work. He explained what he was doing and we chatted casually about various things and we laughed a lot. He wanted to know if I was Italian and I said no. He seemed genuinely disappointed. I did admit to being a pasta freak and that pleased him. He was from Italy and was so in love with this country. He told me about the thrill he felt the first time he had actually earned enough to finally pay taxes which he was certain helped finance the schools his grand kids attended. Perhaps the very road I lived could have come from his earnings. He went on and on about projects his money undoubtedly financed. He said that "now I feel like a true American". Just when I thought I would not see him again I got lucky. Two commodes stopped working. One had a major leak and the other was clogged so I called him. He arrived on time and went to fix the problems. We were old friends now and shared stories from our past. I made coffee and served cookies. “Fig Newtons!” he cried. “How did you know that Fig Newtons were my favorite sweets in the world?” he asked. What could I say? I wanted it to be fate that had prompted me serve that particular type but in fact it was the only thing that my kids had neglected to devour. Joe made out another bill that was more than fair; he also scribbled a note to my husband. “You got a terrific wife. You'd better be plenty careful or I will take her away from you. Yours truly, Joe the Plumber.” I knew he was kidding. As a matter of fact he was on his way home to be with his wife of 50 years. Before he left he asked me once again if I was Italian. I finally agreed that way, way back in my past there could be a chance that I was. "I knew it. I just knew it,” said Joe. He hugged me. When he left, I filled out my own tax return earlier than usual. Then I had a huge bowl of linguini. Perhaps by osmosis….? THE END

Jan Marshall author of "Still Hanging In There: Confessions of a Totaled Woman" is founder of the International Humor and Healing Institute in Laguna Woods, CA

Why I am voting for Barack Obama, the Death of a Good Reputation, and Know About the Office You are Seeking BEFORE you give an interview about it (4 or 5 times)

Terri — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:35:12 EDT

I, like probably a majority of Americans, am sick to death of the divisiveness, hatred & bigotry and just plain lies or half-truths that the McCain-Palin Campaign has, I started to say evolved into, but I can't remember a time when it was anything else. I went and excitedly cast my vote today for Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joe Biden, our next President & Vice President. I am 43 years old and I believe this is THE MOST IMPORTANT election of my lifetime. Senator McCain is EXACTLY the wrong man to be President, at this time anyway. Ms. Palin, I just shake my head every time I think of her, is not now nor will she EVER be right to hold either office. I say that because she has already shown us what kind of person she is, in her heart (what little there is) and soul (however much she hasn't sold to the devil). Ms. Palin is a hateful, hurtful, self-centered, egotistic, lying, power-hungry, dangerous politician!!

First, they said Senator Obama was a terrorist, or he had terrorist friends and that AMERICA wanted Senator Obama to explain his relationship to Mr. Ayres, Reverend Wright, and anyone else that they deemed a 'problem'. Even after they were repeatedly told that people don't care and that this is NOT an issue to the majority of Americans, they still continued to insist that it was an issue. That alone shows how much they really don't care about the rest of us. If I were running for office and talking about something that I found out no one cared about, I would stop!!! They just can't and why??? They are losing and they know it!

Then they started on Joe the Plumber, please!!!! First, Joe the Plumber isn't even a licensed plumber! (lie #1) Second, Joe the Plumber doesn't own his own business and his employer didn't even make 250k last year, like Joe said (lie #2) Third, Joe the Plumber made 40k last year, which means he would benefit from Senator Obama's plan, even though he told Senator Obama that he made between 250k and 278k last year (lie #3) and "my tax will be more under your plan, won't it?" Just in case three lies aren't enough, the man didn't even pay the taxes he owed on the 40k he made. Still Senator Obama stood there and gave that man several minutes of his time, trying to thoroughly explain that the man might end up actually paying more under McCain's plan. Senator Obama was very cordial and sincere and spoke directly and thoughtfully to this "Joe the Plumber". Guess what....turns out the guy was a ringer!!! Joe the Plumber donated to Senator McCain's campaign. Joe the Plumber is a regular on right-wing talk radio, imagine that. Yet, even with all these issues about Joe the Plumber being revealed, Senator McCain and Ms. Palin are, to this day, continuing to talk about 'poor Joe the Plumber'. What a joke!!!

Let me explain something here, all of the people I know, consider someone who makes a quarter of a million dollars a year to be doing very, very well!!! You might not be 'rich' at 250k a year, but unless you just blow every cent you get, you are EXTREMELY comfortable!!! Okay, I guess they're not doing as well as Senator McCain and his wife (Cindy McCain reported income of $4.2 million dollars last year), but then again, who is? My point is that most of the people I know make $50k a year or less!!! My last job, working full-time and working my butt off, I made almost $24k a year. That's making $11.00 an hour, with overtime. What about all the people that are working two or three jobs and just making minimum wage? I would be absolutely THRILLED to make 250k a year. I would gladly pay more tax than someone who makes so much less, it's only fair!!!

I referenced my last job. I am not working now because I am disabled. I started babysitting when I was 13 years old. I got a job working fast food when I was 15 or 16. I went to work for an accountant when I was 18 and I started working for the State of Indiana when I was 20. I worked for the State for almost 12 years. I have worked pretty much my whole life. I didn't have a job for about two years while I took care of my terminally ill grandmother but she couldn't care for herself and someone had to do it. Now, I say I didn't have a job for that two years, but if you have ever taken care of a terminally ill loved one, that is some of the hardest work you will ever do. The emotional toil it takes on you is tremendous. The week after my grandmother died a got a job. I worked until, and even for a long time after, I started having numerous medical problems of my own. I got up and went to work on mornings that I just didn't know how I was going to make it. I did this for as long as I could. Eventually, I had to admit that I just couldn't anymore. When you have worked all your life, it is hard to accept the fact that you just can't anymore. I am in terrible pain 24 hours a day, seven days a week, three-hundred sixty-five days a year. I have been to numerous hospitals and doctors, to no avail.

So, I applied for Disability through Social Security. I was, of course, denied due to my age. I filed an appeal and am now at 25 MONTHS of waiting for a hearing. Why have I waited for a hearing for so long? The state is that far backlogged. No fault of my own. If not for my mother, I would be homeless right now! Does anyone think that Senator McCain could relate to this? I really doubt it!!! I can't get health insurance because the insurance companies turned me down, due to my medical condition. Even though I had insurance at my job, when the COBRA ran out, that was it.... more insurance. My medications are over $500 a month. What does Senator McCain's plan do to help me, absolutely NOTHING!!! Senator Obama's plan on the other hand will allow me to have insurance again.

John McCain & Ms. Palin get up there at their rallies and lie and twist the truth. They say that Senator Obama's tax cut is for 95% of Americans and it is just 'another big government giveaway'. Whole truth: Senator Obama's tax cut is for 95% of WORKING AMERICANS. People who don't work or pay taxes (like me) won't get anything!!! Ms. Palin gets up there in her $12,000 suits and smiles and proceeds to spew some of the worst venom and outright crap I have ever heard in my life. I am just surprised that they haven't accused Senator Obama of being an alien from outer space! That's about all they haven't tried yet. Then Ms. Palin has the nerve to talk about Joe Biden's comment that 'the new President would be tested'. Of course, the new President will be tested, they always are, and that goes without saying. But Ms. Palin has the unmitigated gall to talk about Senator Obama's lack of experience...what about hers???? Oh, I forgot, she can see Russia from her front door.

Ms. Palin is also of the belief that the Vice President 'runs the Senate'. Simply, NO THEY DON'T!!! Here she is running for an office that she knows little to nothing about. She spent over $150k on clothing for her and her family paid for by the Republican National Committee. How do you do that? I couldn't even imagine spending that much money on a bunch of clothes!?!?! The only thing I would consider spending that much money on would be, oh, a house!!! But, I probably wouldn't spend that much money on even a house. I need to find one but the ones I have been looking at, that I really like are less than $120k TOTAL!!! And then this person spends 150k on clothes???? She sure isn't 'like any of us'!!! She also took her family (including all her children) with her on several trips where the good people of Alaska picked up the bill. She was found to have "abused her power" in the troopergate scandal and is still under investigation to determine whether or not she & her husband & her administration 'put pressure' on Mr. Monegan to fire her ex-brother in-law State Trooper Wooten. Of course she did and how do I know....all you have to do is watch and listen to the woman. That is EXACTLY what she would do if somebody got on her bad side. Is there anybody out there that doesn't believe she wanted Trooper Wooten gone?

I just wish Senator Obama had someone in my position stand up and say, there are people a lot worse off than Joe the Plumber!! There would be, of course, no comparison. Senator McCain and Ms. Palin, no way, could even begin to relate to someone who is, through no fault of their own, disabled and having to live, day in and day out, knowing that without the assistance of a parent, they also would be homeless!!! Senator McCain & Ms Palin keep quoting Senator Obama as saying "spread the wealth" and saying that Senator Obama is a socialist and worse inferring he is a communist AND still also inferring he is a terrorist.

Taxes are unfortunately a necessary evil. Without taxes we wouldn't have police or fire protection, roads, social programs, etc. At any rate, I used to have a great deal of respect for Senator McCain, I really did! The shame of the whole thing is that I have lost almost all of that respect. How could a man, who I thought, even if I disagreed with what he said, had almost a stellar reputation, allow all the terrible things that have been said, and in fact said some of it himself, in the his name just trying to win election to an office, any office. You see if you run for President of the United States you need to conduct yourself in a manner in which you don't sell your soul or the reputation you have spent your whole life building. Sadly that is exactly what Senator McCain has done. Ms. Palin was right when she told Rush Limbaugh she didn't have anything to lose. If she has always been, what I have seen lately, she didn't have a good reputation to worry about protecting anyway. She has just let the whole world know what kind of person she is.

Obama/Biden Prayer Warriors

Gigi — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:19:30 EDT

There are people out there fervently praying for Obama/Biden. I want to share with you the prayer that was shared with me. Say it, Pray it.

" O taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed happy, fortunate, to be envied is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8) Thank you God for Barack's victory in the debate Thursday night. Thank You for giving him an excellent spirit and for having unmerited favor upon his life in every situation and circumstance.(Daniel 6:3) Lord today we ask that You keep a hedge of protection around Barack, Joe, their familes and their supporters as the campaigning winds down and the voting picks up. We pray that You will especially bless and protect voters, voting equipment and the voting process so that it is free of fraud and manipulation. We pray that Your will be done and reflected in the outcome of this election so that the needs of the people, nation and world are met and the American dream is restored returning us to a level of solvency, repectability and leadership
(without arrogance) globally. In Jesus' name we pray, ......... Amen

Bring In The Vote Obama Rally Supporters in King City/Tigard, Thurs 4PM

BikerBamaMike — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:10:41 EDT

TigardObamanators TOB Talk ENews
We have the signs and banners and now most importantly, we NEED your support to hold signs and encourage our Obama Voters to mail in their ballots right away. We need at least a DOZEN people this Thursday as well as Monday and Thursday next week. It's just a few hours and you'll get home in plenty of time for dinner! Bring your friends along and HELP US BRING IN THE VOTE FOR OBAMA! Fired up and ready to go! BikerbamaMike, 503-522-1259

FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY Dates: Sign Waving Visuals to Bring in the Votes

Thursday, Oct 23rd 4-6PM Tigard/King City

Want Your Picture Taken or Be on the 6 o-Clock News? We're Going After EVERY VOTE

Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

Monday, Oct 27th 4-6PM Tigard/King City

One Week to HISTORY, Cheer On OBAMA & MERKLEY Voters. Enthusiasm & Smiles Wanted!

Hwy 99 by Shari 's Restaurant across from Safeway's.

Shari's Restaurant 15550 SW 116th Ave , & Royalty Parkway

Thursday, Oct 30th 4-6PM Tigard/King City

The Polls are Surging and the TIDE is RISING!!! Join us for a FUN TIME Cheering Voters On!

Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

Monday, Nov 3rd 4-6PM Tigard/King City

We're Getting a TSUNAMI WARNING ALERT! Voters Scramble to Get Their Ballots turned in by TUESDAY! Come Out & Show Your Support!

Hwy 99 by Shari 's Restaurant across from Safeway's.

Shari's Restaurant 15550 SW 116th Ave , & Royalty Parkway

Tuesday, Nov 4th 3-7PM Tigard/King City - LET'S FINISH STRONG!! BALLOTS DUE by 8PM

It's D-Day and Ticker Tape Time as Washington County Democrats Tip The Scales and Celebrate The Greatest Electoral Event History!

Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

RALLY SIGN WAVERS RSVP by emailing your name and contact phone indicating the dates you would like to come out for our FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY or call BikerbamaMike, 503-522-1259.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This is open to all OBAMA and DEMOCRAT supporters. High School Student Volunteers, neighbors and friends are welcomed to wave signs with us. Invite your Obama classmates, Student Democrat club organization, even fellow workers to cheer Obama to Victory.

This will be the most talked about ELECTION in U.S. HISTORY and you want look back on this and say, "I MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA !" So remember, YOU ARE THE DIFFERENCE!

Check out the Awesome Signs that drivers will be honking their horns at:

12’ Banners

CHANGE – U BETCHA! VOTE OBAMA!

HONK 4 OBAMA

“THAT ONE” IS “THE ONE”

Signs

SMART STEADY LEADERSHIP

VETS FOR OBAMA BIDEN

No Hail Mary Passes ! No Lipstick! Vote Obama

JEFF MERKLEY MAKES IT HAPPEN

VOTE TODAY OBAMA / MERKLEY

And Many More

I'm BikerBamaMike and I approve this message!

WashCoDems Precinct Captain HD #26 & Proud Community Organizer

We Are the Winds of Change and the Movement that Drives this Campaign!

A TigardObamanators Community Event

Go out and VOTE on November 4th!!!

Lydia Allotey — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:00:08 EDT

I went out to dinner this evening with my husband. We wanted to try a Vietnamese restaurant we had seen while dashing around Danbury, so for the first time we went to Pho Vietnam Restaurant at 56 Padanaram Road in Danbury, CT. This is a small family run restaurant with some booth’s and tables. We were greeted very nicely by a woman and young girl, and then a man. They all recognized that we were new customers and maybe they were a little concerned that we might not like the cooking. They did everything to make us feel welcome and find out what we liked to eat. We ordered some soup that I had heard about and was very curious to try, it is called Pho Dat Biet, my husband had a less ambitious soup but equally delicious named Pho Tai, we ordered Jasmine tea, 2 pots, fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce and a delicious Vietnamese fried rice with vegetables and shrimps. For dessert we were encouraged to try a dish of cassava with vanilla ice cream. Let me tell you that this was simply delicious, everything was fresh and wonderful. The soup was just out of this world, with the gentle spices and herbs, and lots of delicious cilantro which I just love. The best part was the price, under $50.00 for all of this!

Please Respond On Biden

Lee — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:28:41 EDT

Just last night at the dinner time hour I heard on all of the cable networks of the Joe Biden comments. I must say. My immediate reaction was, just how close is the love and friendship of Joe Biden and John McCain? Just as we are trying to "close the deal" and win this hard fought election his comments are absolutely toxic. Then, Biden takes the day off yesterday. Then, today all over cable news hourly are the Biden comments and McCain's rallies getting all wired up about what Biden said.

I am wondering. Are we going to get a response and a apology from Biden. It is known that he is a "Gaff Machine" but this to me is beyond that. There was no reason to make the comments he made about Barack and add to the argument McCain is trying to make of Obama.

As a campaign we need a response! Immediately. Before this causes any more damage. And I would love to understand what Biden is doing. Is he trying to lose this election for Barack? I just dont and cant understand the comments made and what he was attempting to do in making them. PLEASE RESPOND CAMPAIGN......

Election Day Nov. 4: The Urgency of Now

Steve Charing — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:29:43 EDT

By Steve Charing

During every presidential election cycle we’re told that the current one is the most important election in our lifetime. And the fact is, it’s usually true—especially the past few elections. But without the hyperbole, I really believe that November 4 will be not only pivotal for our country, but also to the LGBT community.

The Obama-McCain contest is surely critical. For our nation, an Obama victory will mark a dramatic shift from the atrocious economic, social, environmental, and foreign policies of the past eight years. And with an overwhelming majority in both houses of Congress, Obama’s progressive and common sense agenda will find an easier path to success.

The contrast between Obama and McCain on issues that are important to the lgbt community couldn’t be more stark. While Barack Obama does not favor same-sex marriage, it must be noted that no other major candidate for president ever has to this point. But both Obama and his vice-presidential running mate, Joe Biden, oppose California’s Proposition 8 (more on that later).
Obama does openly support some form of civil union or domestic partnership arrangement whereby hospital visitation and economic benefits could be extended to same-sex couples. For his part, John McCain flatly opposes domestic partnerships, same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.

Both candidates do not favor a Federal Marriage Amendment though McCain’s stance is rooted in the proper use of the Constitution rather than any inclination towards fairness. Nonetheless, VP candidate Sarah Palin supports a constitutional amendment that would enshrine discrimination into the law of the land.

The two disagree on ENDA, the Federal Employment Discrimination Act, which has been languishing in Congress for decades that would prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace. Obama supports it; McCain does not. The same scenario would apply to hate crimes legislation: Obama favors it; McCain opposes it.

The military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy is also an area where both candidates dissent. Obama favors repealing the vile law based on fairness and the fact it does not work. McCain would rely on the commanders on the ground for advice on that matter, and you know where it would go at that point—nowhere.

John McCain likes to call himself a "maverick" for the frequent times he crossed up his own party to sign onto bipartisan legislation. The current version of John McCain, however, is so firmly tied to the far right wing of the GOP that if he is elected, any chances for lgbt progress will evaporate. And Sarah Palin is even more socially conservative.

Besides the presidential race we must look carefully at what’s going on in California. Following that state’s Supreme Court’s ruling that paved the way for same-sex marriage, anti-gay opponents succeeded in placing the definition of marriage on the ballot in November that would define marriage as between one man and one woman. That referendum is called Proposition 8.

Even though this battle is taking place on the other side of the country, it should very much matter to us. "Maryland is still one of a handful of states that can achieve marriage equality in the United States in the near future," says Equality Maryland’s Executive Director Dan Furmansky. "But the outcome of the vote on Prop. 8 in California will directly impact our timeline here. If legislators see that the tide has truly turned on this issue, they will be more willing to put themselves on the line for what we all know is truly equality for same-sex couples."

Indeed this is crucial. Being outraised by nearly two to one, equality activists who oppose Prop. 8 are seeing their support in the polls slip as the proponents have used TV ads to scare the voters.
And that should matter to us. Furmansky points out, "An electoral loss in California would no doubt negatively impact our efforts to achieve marriage equality in Maryland, to what extent, we can't fully be sure. But it would make us more reliant on legislative wins in states like New York and New Jersey to convince legislators that the time has come for our state as well."

A loss would also embolden opponents of same-sex marriage in Maryland to push harder to have the matter put to a popular vote. That’s a slippery slope with uncertain consequences. If voters in a state like California can roll back the clock, that is not a good sign for Maryland.

To help level the playing field, money, as always, is the best way to defeat Prop. 8. Please visit here to learn how you can help and now!

With a favorable election outcome, both nationally and in California, LGBT Marylanders may finally see the light at the end of a tunnel. If not, the tunnel gets longer and darker.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com

My Thoughts are with the Obama Family...

Brady — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:41:07 EDT

My Grandmother and I were watching the news tonight when the story broke that Senator Obama's grandmother's health has taken a turn for the worse. My heart goes out to Obama tonight. As I was sitting with my grandmother and taking in this news, we both got teary eyed. We have been working together on the 85andchange.com blog, as we have worked on so many projects together, and this news hit home. My grandmother was imagining what must be going through the heart and mind of Barack's grandmother, while I was thinking of the fear and love that Barack must be feeling.

I sincerely hope that her health is strong enough to get her through the next few weeks. Win or lose, she has accompanied Barack through his amazing life, and I'm sure it will be so satisfying for her to see this journey through to election day. And I am sure it is his hope to be able to call her, or see her the moment after he is elected the next president of the United States!

On behalf of my grandmother and myself, our thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family tonight, and we pledge to do whatever we can to get her wonderful grandson elected.

If anyone cares to share a story of a bond between grandparent and grandchild, or just would like to share their hopes for Obama's grandmother - I encourage you to visit my grandmother's blog at 85andchange.com.

I Will Make It! The Peoples Song! Support Obama!

Positive Hip Hop Lyricist & Spoken Word Poet — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:38:28 EDT

Enjoy and share our positive, inpirational and motivational Hip Hop & R&B video "I Will Make It" and motivate the people about the Barack Obama Campaign.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9gdwnK94Es

Let Our Lives Count

Gail Dietrich — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:16:48 EDT

Heavenly Father, we thank you for blessing us with leaders like Senator Obama and Senator Biden. Help us to keep our eyes focused on you as we work for their election as president and vice president.

In your word you tell us to "be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9). We are asking for your direction and the ability to see life from your viewpoint.

We ask that we "will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" (v. 10). The only way to succeed is through the control of the Holy Spirit. Have Him fill our hearts with a longing for God and create the desire to please Him through obedience.

We pray that our lives would count. Let our lives not just be busy, but fruitful.

We pray Father that you would continue to encourage, give physical and emotional strength, patience, protection, humility, wisdom and travel mercies to Senator Obama, Senator Biden, their families, their staffs, workers and supporters. Father keep this campaign on a higher plane.

We pray these things in Jesus' name and thank for answered prayers in advance. (Col. 1:9-10)

Amen.

Barack Obama, "A Transformational Figure"

Cris — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:06:11 EDT

Obama is quoted saying, "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." As I've observed him over the past couple years, I've been impressed by his walk, his progress. He's remained steady and calm no matter what challenges have presented themselves. Not only has Barack matured during his campaign to exude even greater poise and diplomacy, but he's proven himself to be unflappable under fire by his opponents. I think Colin Powell's well-balanced perception of Obama, given during his interview with Meet the Press, stated eloquently what people all over the world are observing about Barack's walk, his talk and his confidence in running mate for VP, Joe Biden:

"...he (Obama) displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge, and an approach to looking at problems like this, picking a Vice President that I think is ready to be President on Day One. And also in – not just in jumping in and changing every day – but showing intellectual vigor, I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well."

Powell concludes that segment of his interview by saying:

"I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the ... onto the world stage and on the American stage...."

I choose to put my trust in the leadership of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I trust they will both prove to be trustworthy servants and continue to walk their talk all the way to the White House and for the length of their term(s) in office.

May God give them discernment and wisdom to administer sound advice and judgement in all matters, keep them from harm and from doing harm as they serve the American people and negotiate with world leaders to work toward protecting our freedom, ensuring peace, improving humanitarian and environmental health, and spearheading economic, education and political reforms.

Internationals - Get out the Vote

EMGEE — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:53:22 EDT

The United States is a melting pot for people from almost every country on the planet. Which means that every country has at least one family member or friend who is a citizen of the United States.

I would like to create a movement in these important last days of the campaign to urge all countries around the world to exhort their families and friends who are citizens of the United States to VOTE, FIRST OF ALL, and of course, vote for Obama/Biden ticket.

From Albania to Zimbabwe and all countries in between - text/email/blog/skype/call your families and friends, citizens of the United States and remind, urge, implore, tell them to VOTE. VOTE EARLY, VOTE NOVEMBER 4, 2008, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE...

Registered Republicans voting for Obama!?

Saint — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:22:30 EDT

Yes, is it surprising or shocking to you hear that some of the registered Republicans are going to vote for Obama. No body knows how many of them or what percentage of hardcore republicans will vote for Obama.

My personal experience in talking and listening to some of the co-passengers. Unlike my previous flights or other times when I flew between CA and NV, I hardly heard loud and clear discussions amoung people about their views on election or any one person in this 2008 race. But, this time when I flew, it was a round trip, on both ways, I had the opportunity to hear some very exciting and greatly hopeful changes in people's mind. One thing was clear, people are thinking, talking and sharing their views about the condition of America and the leadership.

On my way to CA, I heard someone talking very loud behind me about he will move out of US if someone get elected as president, it was not clear to me about whom he was talking but some political discussion. I occupied my seat and the remaing two of the three seat in a row was yet to be filled by the oncoming passengers, one gentleman came and sat on the aile side, I was on the window side, so there still is a seat to be taken. After almost all the passengers are inside the flight, looking for their seats and setting bagges, one gentleman came and took over the empty seat next to me. I said hi, for a long time upto midway in the air, we did not talk at all. Reading books, magazines occassionally looking through the windows. But, during the drinks and snacks time, the airhostess brought drinks and snaks to us, this gentleman assisted in getting my stuff from the airhostess, thanked and we just begin to chat a few things, and then more discussion, politics was the full topic now. He was an American Citizen who works in Western States in marketing industry.

He is making enough money or morethan any average American salary in his job as a regional manager, and I could not believe about his current perception of American economy, health, education and spending for war, he was apalled and frustrated that America made such a huge blunder in putting GW for 8 years almost destroyed America's prosperity in here and it's name outside America....we talked about lots of issues in politics, he is an independent voter, and he is damn sure and clear that he supports Obama and has great hope that Obama is the one who can change the current conditions of America, though he is cautious that it is not going to be any easy task but he has hope....... I was so happy to hear from an Independent I never knew this person openly telling me he will voter for Obama.

On the way back on my return flight waiting to board at the Sacramento Airport, I heard a couple in 50s and a late 40s man talking about weather in CA, in NV and other things like their hobbies, hiking and all those things. I was standing in the row waiting for the boarding curiosly listening to their conversations, I was not part of it, neither I know them, Just hearing from distance about this conversation, when the education topic came, I heard all the three were vigorously talking how bad the education system of ours...no, how bad we made our education system because of the kind of leadership, ofcourse economy was in their chat too. But, I heard the 40s man saying I am hopeful that Obama is our hope and things will change. Just after he said that the couple were saying we realize that and we are going for him, we are going to vote for Obama.

quitely listening from behind, I could not control my enthusiasm and happiness, again these are all citizens, I do not know about the 40s man if he was a democrat or republican or independent (White Americans). The boarding began and we just walk passed the screening lady, and I ran behind the couple and asked, did I hear you saying you will vote Obama?. The Husband of the lady turned back while walking fast, and said yes you did hear correct. We are both registered republicans and we are going to vote for Obama.

What do you think after seeing all those things going on in this country, we are not insane to go vote for some lunatics, we are ready for Obama.

I said, it is just great to hear registered republicans saying this and I feel so good that change is already happening.

I boarded into my return flight kept thinking to myself............Change is happening....though I feel sorry for Obama that he has to face a huge challenges and himalayan tasks to fill the holes of previous govts, fix the cracks of republicans blunder and heal the damages caused by this war and bring some jobs and better economy to America is just not going to be that easy, while I feel sorry for Obama before hand, I feel happy and excited, we have no other choice than facing the challenges and make some progress.

Best Wishes dear Obama,

But, be mindful about the Racism and Casteism in India, I wish you will learn from the right sources how terrible the Indian practice of Caste System that is destryoing almost the major part of Indian society, culture and their well being, allmost all or most of the President's of America did not know an iota about what the damn Caste system is about, but I wish you will learn and war the Indian govt to get rid of this discrimination and racism/casteism in India.

the only democrat in a republican family

Kaitka — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:16:36 EDT

Almost every day, I get e-mails from my mother. They say things about how Barack Obama is a Muslim, how he's going to join efforts with Taliban members to destroy not just America, but the world if he is elected President. They say he is the Anti-Christ. That he's friends with terrorists. That he hates America.

I retort every time. I tell her factual information. I correct her errors. She doesn't want corrected. She wants a reason to hate. She's always had a prejudice against Muslims, since she moved to Detroit in 2003. Not only is she prejudice, she's also a fanatical Christian. And for whatever reason, Christianity has become synonymous with Republican anymore, compliments of George W. Bush and his holy war.

My entire family - every one of them, even extended, are die-hard Republicans. They pray for the Republican party. They spread their right-wing propaganda to all their friends and to their churches. What used to be "vote issue" has somewhere along the way turned into "vote party", and has reached it's pinnacle at "vote for the old, white, Christian guy who's ordering wars while giving you tax cuts."

I live in Ohio, like all of my extended family with the exception of my parents in Detroit. I don't worry about my parents' vote, since it's unlikely that Michigan will go to the Republicans. It's the moral of it when it comes to my parents. They think they're preaching God's love, but they're siding with, dare I call them, warmongers. They loyally defend Bush and his decisions as President. They see no wrongdoing there. They base nothing on any real data, and spew prejudice rumors. Even my sister, who couldn't care less about politics, forwards the propaganda right-wing e-mails to everyone she knows. I ask her why, since she doesn't care. She has no answer except that I should "drop it".

It's always been frustrating being a part of a family who doesn't think. Who are so weak that they cling to lies and what appears to benefit them most on the surface. I am married now, to a man who cries when he reads the U.S. Constitution, with two daughters of my own. We are breaking the chain of thoughtless following. I am campaigning for Barack Obama. I have printed out fliers with information in them taken directly from barackobama.com, info that I think really applies to people in our neighborhood. People without a ton of money. Elderly people who are retired or are trying to retire. Twenty-somethings like myself with very young children. I am taking Obama-Biden '08 stickers to my college and handing them out. I want Obama to win this election, not because I want to team with the winner. But because I want the best for our country, for our future, for our children, for the world. My children are insured through Medicaid. I am looking toward grad school. Our world is pointing fingers our way and protesting our actions.

Something has to change.

Now.

Obama-Biden '08

Today I...

Marcia--One who believes in Dreams! — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:59:24 EDT

was a part of the most moving experience I've ever had, besides skydiving. It was a perfect day for skydiving, blue skies and puffy white clouds; however, I attended the Obama rally in St. Louis at the Gateway Arch. The Arch itself is an inspiring place to be...just amazing how it was built and the history behind it. This was a very historical moment and I was able to be a part of it. I was also close enough and got to shake Senator Barack Obama's hand, our next POTUS, and something I will never forget. You could feel the true spirit of the man and his desire to serve the people surrounding him. This wasn't phony, it was a soft but firm grip of a caring man. He and Joe Biden have a huge task before them, cleaning up the mess George W. Bush will leave behind.

As for John McCain and Sara Palin's tactics with 16 days to the election, I feel it's fitting to say:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last
    days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
    boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
    ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous,
    without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,
    treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than
    lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its
    power. Have nothing to do with them.

    2 Timothy 3:1-5

Please encourage everyone you know to vote. We must elect Obama/Biden, this country's only chance for unity and change!

Artists for Obama Video

JimmySlo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:52:45 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osj4PEI-ELQ

A film by Anthony Gatto and Jim Slonina. Sound engineering by MironRaf.com. A group of artists and circus performers come together in speak their mind and represent their support for Barack Obama. Featuring visual artist Robin Barcus-Slonina, Guinness World Record-holding juggler Anthony Gatto, dancer Danielle Gatto, musician Jim Lutz, contortionist Natasha Patterson, Broadway star Cinda RamSeur, and actor/clown Jim Slonina.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MCCAIN/PALIN RALLIES

TheMist — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:09:47 EDT

I've been so disheartened by the "true colors" we're watching unravel in this election - I've taken that sadness and channeled it into creating an informative video - please view & feel free to pass along. I'm not a slanderous person, and truly feel I'm only stating facts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHXZ5bxm-CE

Peace and Blessings

Fellow "Seeker of Justice", Misty

FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY ~ Let's Bring in the Vote for CHANGE!

BikerBamaMike — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:12:33 EDT

FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY (a Bring in the Vote Event)

This ELECTION will be the most phenomenal event as we rewrite U.S. HISTORY, open new frontiers and set new record highs along the way in terms of grassroot support across the U.S. from people like you who are inspired by HOPE and CHANGE. You want look back on this memorable time and say, "I MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA!" So remember, YOU ARE THE DIFFERENCE, YES YOU ARE!

We're inviting Fired Up and Ready To Go Obama and Merkley supporters to join us on the following dates and locations to Wave Signs and Bring In The VOTE For OBAMA-BIDEN & JEFF MERKLEY!

FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY dates:

CLICK HERE http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprfgz

Monday, Oct 20th 4-6PM Tigard/King City
Hwy 99 by Shari's Restaurant across from Safeway's.
Shari's Restaurant 15550 SW 116th Ave, & Royalty Parkway

Thursday, Oct 23rd 4-6PM Tigard/King City
Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

Monday, Oct 27th 4-6PM Tigard/King City
Hwy 99 by Shari's Restaurant across from Safeway's.
Shari's Restaurant 15550 SW 116th Ave, & Royalty Parkway

Thursday, Oct 30th 4-6PM Tigard/King City
Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

Monday, Nov 3rd 4-6PM Tigard/King City
Hwy 99 by Shari's Restaurant across from Safeway's.
Shari's Restaurant 15550 SW 116th Ave, & Royalty Parkway

Tuesday, Nov 4th 3-7PM Tigard/King City
Carl's Jr. Restaurant by Safeway's at the corner of 99W & Royalty Parkway

CLICK HERE http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprfgz

RALLY SIGN WAVERS RSVP by emailing your name and contact phone indicating the dates you would like to come out for our FIRED UP FOR CHANGE RALLY!

SPECIAL NOTICE: This is open to all OBAMA and DEMOCRAT supporters. High School Student Volunteers, neighbors and friends are welcomed to wave signs with us. Invite your Obama classmates, Student Democrat club organization, even fellow workers to cheer Obama to Victory.

The express purpose of this event is to support CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN and elect OBAMA for President of the United States of America and JEFF MERKLEY for U.S. Senator! Bring your OBAMA SIGNS, or we will provide Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley signs and banners.

CLICK HERE http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprfgz

Email TigardObamanators Community Organizer Michael BikerBamaMike at, classicisland@yahoo.com or call, 503-522-1259

Thank you for all you do to support Obama-Biden and Jeff Merkley!

I'm BikerBamaMike and I approve this message!
WashCoDem Precinct Captain District 26 Area #397 & Proud Community Organizer
We Are the Winds of Change and the Movement that Drives this Campaign!

A TigardObamanators Community Event

My Day At A McCain Rally

Suzanne — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:58:40 EDT

oh my goodness... I've never heard such vicious bile thrown at me... ever.

Here's the story:

YouTube Video

We Won!!!!…. Ooops not yet!

Andr�a- (You've called him everything else- now call him Mr. President!) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:35:19 EDT

Senator Barack Obama just wrapped up the final debate and put the next to final nail in Senator John McCain’s coffin. Senator Obama was calm, cool, and collected. Senator McCain was angry, jumpy, and odd.

So it would seem that the work is done right? I mean seriously Sen. Obama did his part, so it doesn’t matter. He’s so ahead in the polls that we can just sit back and wait out these last 19 days. Right?

HELL NO!

This is a message to the folks out there who may be lulled into a false sense of security. Senator Obama said today that we need to remember New Hampshire. I remember New Hampshire. The media had declared him the next king of the world and pimped out the polls that showed the senator with a 15% edge over Hilary Clinton. We all know what happened. The campaign pulled back and did not get out the vote and they lost by 2 points.

After New Hampshire there was another primary. After November 4th , there is … nothing.

We as Obama supporters have to take the instructions from Senators Obama and Biden. We must work hard. We must push through the tape. We cannot stop and smell the roses. We must make phone calls. We must canvass. We must encourage those who can vote early to do so. We must arm ourselves with the Obama-Biden plan and tell every undecided voter just why this ticket is better. It is the Economy stupid! It is Education stupid! It is Energy Stupid! It is Health Care stupid! It is Fundamental Change Stupid!

We have been stuck on Stupid for the past eight years. In the words of Michelle Obama- we have been lied to for so long that we don’t know what the truth looks like. We have been lulled into a catatonic state. We have been deceived and mislead. We have been berated for speaking out. We have forgotten what America is supposed to represent. Freedom. Humanity. Justice. Equality.

We must remember what we are fighting for. We are fighting for jobs and the re-emergence of the Middle Class. We are fighting for the revitalization of our cities which have been decimated over these last 8 years. We are fighting to bring good health care to everyone. We are fighting so that we are NEVER led to a war based on lies and false information. We are fighting for every teacher, doctor, janitor, machinist, and yes every plumber who has been voiceless and left out.

We cannot stop. We should not stop. We must not stop.

This is the last mile of the marathon. We must dig deep and use every last bit of strength we have and push Senators Obama and Biden to victory on November 4th.

Anything less is simply UNACCEPTABLE!

John McCain’s Maverick Competence Judgment – Sarah Palin

Unknown user — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:33:32 EDT

The fact that John McCain selected Sara Palin as a running mate and potential commander in chief is an obvious example of his very poor “maverick” judgment.

It is true that Sarah may have been a perfect President, clueless and no knowledge of what’s going on would have been very possible and plausible coming from her. Sort of like a puppet President.

Witchcraft would not have fixed the Economic crisis either.

Sarah Palin was not ready or prepared for this position at all and I think the Sarah Palin “blowout” reflects more on John McCain’s judgment, competence, and capability of making good decisions that affect all Americans.

Obama on the other hand selected a tested and seasoned Senator Joe Biden. How can this decision making capability even be compared?

Reports seem to suggest you may be coming to WV, Senator Biden

Llysse Smith Wylle — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:23:20 EDT

Joe Biden has made West Virginia a promise:

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio -- Biden was campaigning in Ohio, but had West Virginia on his mind late this afternoon, making a bold promise to win a state that has gone Republican in the past two elections.

"Which way is West-By-God-Virginia?" Biden asked the crowd Ohio University Eastern Campus, about 10 miles west of that state's border with Ohio. "I want to send a message to West Virginia -- we're going to win in West Virginia! ... We're going to shock the living devil out of y'all!"

Some reports suggest that the campaign will simply be purchasing advertising, but there are rumors suggesting campaign stops, too.

Joe, can you bring Richard Trumka with you to speak if you come? I can guarantee you West Virginians will love him as much as we will love you.

IM MAD, IM REALLY MAD

Lee — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:31:40 EDT

And NOT WHAT YOU THINK IM MAD ABOUT....

Throughout the area I reside in, everywhere I go, I see McCain - Palin signs. It is a great way to lose weight as whenever I see a sign of theirs I lose my appetite.

But really, does anyone in the area have signs for Obama - Biden. In travels just today, I counted and saw about 25 McCain signs and saw 2 Obama signs. This is in a heavily populated area in Connecticut. RTE. 25 - Monroe/ Newtown, Rte. 111 - Monroe - Shelton.

If anyone has signs I will spend hours and anyone who wants to join me to go put up them and stake claim to Connecticut and this area.

Anyone willing to help and does anyone have signs????

Lee Wilcox

203-695-5470

The Best Person for the Job

Jim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:05:00 EDT

It is clear, more then ever that the best team for this country is Obama and Biden. Even though at times during this debate, I wanted Barack to go after more of McBush's lies, distortions and insults, I can see that there is a strategy in how Barack responded or didn't respond.

But we can respond. It is obvious that anything abut Ayers or Acorn is a distraction and has nothing to do with Barack Obama or the Democratic Party. I hope the Obama campaign advertising goes after McCain and Palin on issues like the Keating five, and her ethics violations. There are also some real issues like the free cell phone towers on McBush's ranch and how Pallin's million dollar plus home got built in Alaska. Palin has no credentials for the Vice Presidency. I really wanted some response to McCain's attack on Joe Biden.

The high road is fine but there needs to be some response to smears as the campaign has been doing. We need to keep emailing everyone we know to dispute smears, set the record straight and inform everyone about the negative aspects of McBush/Palin.

The media is ignoring Palin's problems in Alaska and repeating all the McCain campaign lies about Ayers and Acorn non-issues. The media needs something else to talk about and the only way to get them there is to feed them some of the real negatives of McCain and Palin. They are both really not who they pretend to be. McCain is a puppet of the lobbyists, his whole entourage is made up of Rove, his followers, the most dirty lobbyists and neo-con Republicans.

There should be more facts getting out there about Schmidt and Davis, two of the most evil, corrupt advisors McCain is being led by. The stuff McCain spouts is written by them. As was obvious in the debates he just keeps repeating their talking points over and over again, like the "Joe the Plumber" routine. McCain will be controlled by these same people if he is elected and as his dementia increases he will be replaced by Palin who is another puppet, but with her own extreme fundamentalist agenda. McCain and Palin are trying to rally their far right base but that won't do them much good if the rest of the country votes for Obama.

Moderate Republicans and Independents must recognize that a vote for McBush/Palin is not in their interests economically or in any other way. They need to vote Democratic to change the course of the country away from disaster.

Democrats need to go after Republican voter registration drives they way the Republican Party is once again going after potential Democratic voters. We also need to contest attempts by Republicans to disqualify minority voters in almost every state.

"...I'm asking you to believe in your [ability to bring about real change]"

Grace — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:57:26 EDT

I love the quote at the top of the website today. I believe in good people making a difference. My world has been filled to capacity with not good people until the last decade. I'm now in my 50s and was hurt in early childhood by programs funded by the government. That makes me sound nuts to most but that is part of the big picture. You need only to look at the Dept. of Energy's website which discloses all the experimentation done on citizens, including children, back in the 50s. It took 30 years for those documents to be released.The unwitting survivors were in their late 30s and 40s at the time the abuse of those adults was finally validated.

Another program that was largely ignored by good people of this country was MK-Ultra, which resulted in a Senate Committee on Intelligence investigating the harm and economic cost of this secret program. The results were made known in the 70s and the hearing results are available online in PDF format. I knew Senator Kennedy was on that committee. Today I looked at the document again and learned Senator Biden was on that committee as well.

Our government is in need of a complete overhaul. These secretive, destructive elements need to be weeded out. I doubt that will happen in my lifetime. I would be so proud to see Obama and Biden in office and have a presidency that follows through with scrutinizing programs and establishing oversight. Creating awareness and disclosure is my goal for my lifetime. I am one of thousands who survived the horrendous "experiments" from early childhood. Obviously they were successful since most of us did not remember until our 40s or 50s. And then, of course, we aren't believed.

This is the change I need in my lifetime to have made a difference. My surviving needs to have meant something. Obama is the first candidate I have ever felt passionate about supporting. I do believe in him and in the goodness at the grassroots level. Our government has not had allegiance to its own citizens in many respects for many years. The organizations built on secrecy in the late 40s remain secretive.

I cannot understand why the country was not up in arms in the late 70s when the MK-Ultra investigation had been made known. Why no ripple? It's not even a matter of disbelief. It was there. There is documentation to prove the existence of the program and harm. Why is it so difficult to believe that children of government and military employees were involved through "drafting by pedophilia". We were easy targets. We had no voice. We were born. My sin was being born. I'd like not to have to hide that I was a survivor before my death...which I hope is many years away.

Senators Obama and Biden, please take the redlining of programs to heart...along with subcommittees of subcommittees where this evil is hidden. It is beyond tragedy that it appears the FBI, the CIA and law enforcement are a driving force behind the proliferation of pedophilia and use of child victims into adulthood. The country needs to wake up. I have to believe there are more of us who want our nation's children to be safe than not. It's too late for me and countless others.

OBAMA MOBILE COMPANION

David S — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:45:49 EDT

For anyone who's on the go and looking for another great way to stay in touch with a ton of information from the Obama-Biden campaign, from the browseer on your mobile phone, type www.m3k.us/OBAMAwap.aspx. This will take you to a VERY MOBILE FRIENDLY platform that you can use day and night to stay in the loop. You will find it's a great tool for the seasoned Obama supporter as well as anyone who wants a quick and easy way to see what everyone else is talking about. So take a look and pass it along. Other than standard carrier rates, there is no charge for this content. GET INVOLVED

The vice presidential debate

Storm Of Lightning — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:44:10 EDT

And now here's my take on the vice presidential debate with Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. Once again, they were on the same stage and the audience would again remain silent...Except for their applause when welcoming Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. They seemed happy to finally meet each other and they shook hands. "Can I call you Joe?" Palin asked Biden. "Sure." he replied. Note that these quotes may not be accurate. This debate was not very much different than the presidential debate. But like McCain, Palin was smiling a lot. Well, it's not bad to smile, but at first she seemed a little star-struck when meeting Biden, but when the debate started, she in a word, went on the attack. And Biden counterattacked. This debate was not as intense as the first presidential debate. In fact, there were certain times when everyone in the room would laugh at one of the candidates' jokes. Nevertheless, Palin also veered off-subject when asked a question and sometimes, she failed to answer the questions at all! Meanwhile, Biden was doing much better than Palin. In fact, he pointed out to Palin that McCain and her seemed to think that "Drill drill drill" (In other words, offshore oil drilling) was the answer to solve the economy's problems with dealing with high prices. Feel free to correct me in a comment about the issue if I am wrong. "Drill baby drill" was Palin's way of correcting Biden as to how they 'pronounced this phrase'.

Joe Biden in Marietta, Ohio

Llysse Smith Wylle — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:22:42 EDT

First let me apologize: my event photos are simply terrible. It was a beautiful night, and the full moon hung like a pearl over Front Street--so lovely that it moved Senator Biden to comment on it--but nonetheless, the darkness was not conducive to good photos with my tiny little point-and-shoot digital.

Luckily Marietta, Ohio, is relatively close to where I live--slightly less than an hour's drive away. I have friends who live in town, so I arrived at their place early, where I was unexpectedly fed amazingly good food (that it would be amazingly good was no surprise, of course, but I wasn't expecting dinner) and then we made our way toward the Ohio river, the shores from which the Armory commands a view of my home state, West Virginia.

Marietta is a river city, its beautiful downtown still living and situated right on the banks, many of the streets still brick-paved. Marietta College has a wonderful campus. I graduated college there, as did my grandfather: he, after World War II on the GI Bill, and I as an adult, after having had to leave Sarah Lawrence College without enough money to complete my study there.

There was a long line when we arrived, winding two blocks back and around a corner. Friends of ours waved us up to join them closer to the front. As much as I wanted to cut short our wait (and to see my friends!), I am just not a line-cutter by nature. We made our way to the back--and it was certainly a long wait to which we resigned ourselves.

I was surprised; in Chillicothe where I saw Senator Obama, there was no wait. We simply filed through. The reason for the difference became clear, later: in Chillicothe, though the crowd was larger (Chillicothe is a much larger town), there were six or so security stations, so moving through the checkpoints was a much faster process. In Marietta there was only one checkpoint, and it was a bottleneck. I wondered if they simply didn't anticipate the size of the crowd? One estimate placed it at more than 3000.

With the weird layout of the crowd, and my unfortunate placement right in the middle, I wasn't able to get a good photo of the whole group, but it was indeed full.

There was one small group of protesters. (I don't do them the courtesy of photographing them.) Some mother had brought her preteens and caused them to carry a "you are killing babies" sign or somesuch. I have never personally heard any politician run on such a platform, and I'm always disappointed to see that sort of simplistic reductionism displayed (and taught to those poor kids). However, I suppose a more nuanced discussion of the issue wouldn't fit on a sign very well.

I was half afraid these pitiable children might have been trained to yell out racial epithets, hold up monkey dolls labelled Obama, scream "indecent Arab!" and who knows what else... however, at the time we passed there were no exchanges of any sort, not even hostile looks. The kids looked a little bored. One yawned while I watched, and no newspaper reports seem to indicate any altercations.

Thank goodness. Perhaps the real haters just show up at the actual McCain-Palin rallies... or more likely, the loonies just stayed in tonight. Thank you, small group of local McCain-Palin supporters, for not being insane. Or at least for keeping it tightly, tightly controlled in a small dark portion of your soul, if you are.

We didn't even get "inside" the audience area in time to see any of the music--alas!, I was looking forward to seeing Marietta's mayor, Moon Mullen, perform with Todd Burge and Clay Paschal. (We did get to hear it from afar.), but we arrived in time for the speakers. To be honest, I was just about as excited to see Richard Trumka speak as I was to hear Senator Biden. Trumka is the AFL-CIO treasurer who introduced the senator; this video of Trumka has been widely circulated. I have watched it several times--I admire a good, passionate speaker.

It was interesting to see the people lined up on the risers behind the speaker's podium this time, as well: they were people I knew. I could pick out Julie, Ben, Jonathan and other friends and acquaintances. The crowd, again, cheered wildly (Trumka seems especially able to get a crowd excited!) When the Biden buses arrived, the crowd rose as one and began to applaud. There was no mistaking the long line of buses and flashing lights that came down toward the crowd while the local organizer was speaking. Sorry, local organizer. The crowd was ready for Biden--so ready that they applauded buses.

I stood at a rail, in front of which media members moved, snapping pictures with large, expensive-looking cameras. Where are those pictures today? Surely with good equipment they were able to get something better than I.

There is only one photo of Biden from the event I can find anywhere posted--this, from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel (and Marietta AM):

It's a rather boring photo... and there don't seem to be any of Trumka, at all. There is one of a few members of the crowd, which is also not that interesting to me because it doesn't show scope. I found lost of lovely pictures of the Chillicothe rally. These, by Ryan Henriksen, were my favorites:

Alas... there doesn't seem to be anything comparable for the Biden appearance at all. Hello? Photojournalists with good equipment and media credentials, where are you?!!

This is not to say the appearance did not go well--it most certainly did. The crowd was incredibly enthusiastic, and I certainly hope that Washington County goes blue! However, there does not seem to be much photographic documentation.

There is, however, a YouTube video of Biden's entire Marietta speech, which is more than what was available for Senator Obama's apearance.

It's strange how these things work, is it not? For Senator Obama in Chillicothe, I could only find an excerpt. Almost more telling to me than anything the Senator said was the crowd reaction. It was enormous.

After the speech was over, the Senator shook hands with the crowd, but unfortunately we weren't in his path. I would have asked him not to forget about West Virginia.

The night was still warm--extremely warm for this area in mid-October. At home, in fact, I still have tomatoes on the vine, some pink Brandywines and yellow-and-red Mr. Stripeys. There are some romas, too, although they are not my favorites. In Marietta, though, a warm, fresh breeze blew across the river, and the moon was higher in the sky lighting the sidewalks with green, reflected light, making my photos appear golden in exposure.

The PolitiCarnies--that's what I call them, anyway--were hawking shirts and buttons along the street. At party headquarters, they were handling out yard signs so quickly there was a crowd of people, and I hoped they wouldn't run out. I just wanted one.

The protesters were gone. It looked as if their parents had rather responsibly put them to bed at a reasonable hour.

We walked back, and had more good food, then I drove home. Terrified I would hit a deer on the highway, I actually nearly hit one instead on my little turn off. They are thick this year. I have been having to chase them away from my azaleas in the middle of the night, which are now not much more than twiggy stubs.

Down a two lane country road, veering up a gravel road, down another gravel road, through a gate and onto a dirt trail, unmaintained... it is just a right of way.

It was good to get home.

I set up my yard sign immediately, its shadow thin in the moonlight.

If nothing else, perhaps I can convert the chickens. This morning, the sign may well mark my rural yard as our county's campaign headquarters.

Rhinestone Obama T Shirts Sexy TV Commercial-Watch now

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:08:19 EDT

Rhinestone Obama T Shirts Sexy TV Commercial

Sexy Rhinestone Obama Shirts Available at www.sexyobamashirts.com

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:02:32 EDT

So many people tell me my shirts are the prettiest shirts out there but I need to get the word out! I have a new commercial with the Sparkle Girls and my Obama 01/20/09 shirts should continue to be popular after he wins! It is so competitive and I am also a video producer/ writer. Check out my website, seriously!

21 DAYS LEFT!!

NY'ER for OBAMA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:28:08 EDT

Today is Oct 14th and there is 21days left for us to finally get out there and vote!!!

Scranton Rally Photos

Anthony from Scranton, PA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:55:44 EDT

Over the River, and Through the Woods...

Brady — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:11:11 EDT

Granny Gobama has decided that she wants to see Joe Biden speak in Warren, OH tomorrow. We're hopeful that the Obama campaign will make another stop in Cuyahoga County at some point, but with Warren being only an hours drive, we thought it might be worth the trip! With the final debate coming up this week, we look forward to hearing from our future Vice President!!

PRE-WEEKEND BROWARD PLANS & STRATEGIES

Broward Amateur Strategist ( FL ) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:08:07 EDT

if your read the whole thing you'll appreciate it!! alot of info.. BUT SEND TO AS MANY FIRENDS AS POSSIBLE AND COMMENT!!!!! ''Maria Shriver said 8 inspirational words..
'We are the ones weve been waiting for'
but
'the world is the ones whos been waiting for us!'

waiting for us to lead on Global Warming..etc...ect.. (IND- favorablities)

(i think obama should use that as closgin campaign.)

Hello Everyone!! This blog is my ideas/suggestions for the weekend before the November election. We all now the United States is well aware of a massive movement that has swept across the country red and blue, he actually created a new American ''electoral color'' -- PURPLE. The human brain remembers alot, but when you vote on a Tuesday and your out on the weekend and you see massive...i mean M A S S I V E support for Obama that memory is going to stick with that person for that very important vote 3 days later. Broward County could/will offset the physical geography advantage of the conservatives in Florida (Broward County had risen to almost 1.8 million people, and increased by 10.1% between April 1, 2006 and July 1, 2006. This number is accounted for by an increase to 441,678 (25.3%) in its black population and an increase to 408,335 (22.8%)..Broward County is now "minority-majority". voter registarion needed though..35% of Floridas population in tri county area .I've listed resources and links to certain sites pertaining to the suggestion/idea.1. FRIDAY SATURDAY NIGHT (halloween/voters going out on the town)---We need big exposure in certain areas-las olas-a1a-downtown Ft. Lauderdale-downtown Miami-sawgrass mall-combing the beach-South Beach-Weston-Coral Springs-Parkland-swap shop-movie theaters in areas of higher dem pops/ & hispanic.. Also If you see parents try an angage!!!! A. FLAG WAVING-- Flag waving (Obama & American & State flag) visual is nothing but a positive.. 2 Areas of Flag Waving Needed (1)up and down las olas and a1a-downtown ft laud downtown miami south beach....(2) on major instersection/major offramps *oakland park-sr7*95-broward & 95-Sunrise-Borwas Blvd.*75 royal palm blvd area (coral springs)* YEARD SIGN ARE INMPORTANT IN ALL AREAS BUT ..in my opinions registration is over---go to the area with least supp. (w signage) http://www.united-states-flag.com/fl3x5p.html- FLORIDA STATE FLAG - PRICEhttp://www.united-states-flag.com/usflagprinpo1.html- USA Flag - PRICEhttp://bestcustomflags.com/- OBAMA FLAG/CUSTOM B. YARD SIGNS-BUMPER STICKERS-CONVERSATION-- I'll fist start off with bumper sticker (my niche is marketing/advertising) a bumper sticker is a visual advertiseent that us in south florida get an est. 800 cars a day that see that bumper sticker. (so i said it =)----Yard signs: We all know theres a sign war that has been going on for years but in this county the percentage is decresed because of the poltical lean in Broward - LIBERAL- but the point is agin VISUAL - READ THIS------------needed in all major broward (also tri county) instersections and offrapms to INTERSTATES/EXPRESSWAYS)There is growing interest in mental imagery for good reasons. First, imagery has ample potential for drawing information stored in long-term memory into working memory. This phenomenon has been called "high elaboration" by MacInnis and Price (1987), and tapping long-term memory is believed to lead to greater communications effectiveness (MacInnis and Jaworski 1989). Second, mental images have potential to be more personally relevant because they are anchored in the person's experience base and generated by his/her own mental processes. Strong relevance is a desirable facet of persuasive communications (MacInnis and Jaworski 1989). Next, imagery has the capability of being multisensory and thus could provide for multiple avenues of information processing. Triggering multiple channels of information processing is believed to enhance advertising effectiveness (Rossiter 1982; Lutz and Lutz 1978). Also, images are experiential rather than discursive; thus, they afford a richer base of raw stimuli. Finally, it can be argued that because imagery is believed to be more closely linked to long-term memory, is more personally relevant, and is richer, its effects on consumer attitudes and intentions will be more robust than stimuli which do not engage such depth and breadth of information processing. In fact, Richardson (1983) claims that the consequences of self-initiated thought imagery are indistinguishable from its genuine sensory counterparts. This contention underpins what should be the strong appeal of imagery to advertising strategists.--Conversation--conversate with people..example..''in the grocery line see a mag with obama- make a positive comment see there reaction-analyze it pos or neg...neg stae pos...pos well then...have a moment..lol =).... C. Media--keep ckeacking the event listing in the 150 mile range and if enough people call in and say theres 200 events going on today..belive they'll play a story. <---thats a big oneWell.. In my conclusion I am just a 22yo gay male working at technical support call center division in an internation satellitee company (whoms customer only get international channels 80% middle east i might add)..i make 10.00 an hour...I am just what I am but damnit I want this man in the white house!

Breaking news....this Anthem is getting Amazing feedback!

Big Hit Buda — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:44:02 EDT

Here's a short video for you that's been getting amazing
feedback! Don't take our word for it though, please read the comments and who they were left by.

This video: "Elect Obama (remix)" was filmed mostly in Chicago and the rest was shot at the Biden VP announcement rally in Springfield, IL. When viewing, please click "watch in high quality" to see it in High Definition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83lum1XcOug

If for some reason the link doesn't work, go to YouTube and type Elect Obama remix
Please help spread it to Undecided voters and fellow Obama supporters! Digg it, forward it, SHOUT it in a Republican's ear... Let's ELECT OBAMA!!!

Posts with the tag biden

To Him Who Overcomes

Forward to the Past

Njanraj

Yabheai

My First Time Hosting an Event

Obama St. Patricks Day t-shirts, Updates, and Nobody Messing With Joe

AMERICA...the Pain Begins...TELL ME YOUR REALITY...tell me your story, I'll listen and reply...someone that really hears you and cares enough to respond to your thoughts, ideas, feelings and concerns...YOUR REALITY that YOU are LIVING WITH TODAY

THE TRUTH HURTS...reply

OBAMA YOU HAVE THE POWER

Millions in Tax goes unpaid..defrauding the IRS and Georges is asking for an Tax audit and no response from IRS?

Middle Class Task Force

Biden

Bring the Inauguration to Your Community

Happy to Get My Engraved Invitation to Presidential Inauguration

Hello Baltimore... where is Barack and Joe?

THE OBAMA - BIDEN PLAN

Unify

Let's Help Young Damon Get an Interview with President Obama

Obama is not eligible to be President

President-Elect and Vice President-Elect Events on January 17, 2008

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

From the desk of T. Boone Pickens: Will You Help?

Hi Joe The Plumber meet Joe The Believer (Sneak peep from my upcoming book)

The Acorn Distraction

***** CONGRATS & TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT OBAMA *****

Hope, Trust and Faith

I want to thank my 50,000+ Readers for reading me here and at X~Ray!

Bail Out Package

Racist planning to assassinate may be released in ten days?

Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?

Barack Obama's election night speech!

Pray for the USA

Finally PEACE.

Obama/Biden Bumper Stickers

Watch Video: One Voice Can Make The Difference...

Now is not a time to rest...

Congratulations to All! - Change is Finally Here

WE STILL HAVE A DREAM - PART TWO

It All Starts Today.

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

Thank You All!

My Guess Your Guess: Obama Cabinet

The Joke is on U.S.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you....

News Flash: Little People rush to support Obama-Biden

Kids for Obama Coloring Sheets

Free Printable Obama “Vote” Signs

How to Create Your Own Signs

Free Printable Obama Biden Signs (Larger Size)

Blue Obama “O” Logo Wallpaper

Election Ode

I Voted Early!

The Excitement Builds...

Prayer Cord... When God's People Come Together On One Accord...

The decision we have to make

CHECK THIS OUT! Customize This Video for All of Your Friends

BidenMania in Melbourne, FL

ELECTION DAY

Support for Change

Biden in Melbourne

Door Knockers Stay Warm!

ELECTION DAY PARTY VOTER HEADQUARTERS

Sarah and John and Joe and Barack

the ll day challenge

Biden's 'gaffe' a trap for McCain

I KNEW JOE, THE PLUMBER AND YOU ARE NO JOE THE PLUMBER

Why I am voting for Barack Obama, the Death of a Good Reputation, and Know About the Office You are Seeking BEFORE you give an interview about it (4 or 5 times)

Obama/Biden Prayer Warriors

Bring In The Vote Obama Rally Supporters in King City/Tigard, Thurs 4PM

Go out and VOTE on November 4th!!!

Please Respond On Biden

Election Day Nov. 4: The Urgency of Now

My Thoughts are with the Obama Family...

I Will Make It! The Peoples Song! Support Obama!

Let Our Lives Count

Barack Obama, "A Transformational Figure"

Internationals - Get out the Vote

Registered Republicans voting for Obama!?

the only democrat in a republican family

* CONGRATS & TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT OBAMA *