Posts with the tag letter

Are YOU giving up??

Wendy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:47:17 EDT

It seems to me that during the election and right after the election, everyone was excited and ready to get things done. Now it seems like it's hard to even find a meeting in which people can get together and discuss how we can help make changes happen. I am not finding any events in my area or people that would be willing to come to an event if I were to host one.

I have spoken to people (that said they wanted change) who have given up on our president (who they voted for) and everything we have worked so hard to accomplish. Their reason for this - they have not seen any change. This I can not believe is coming out of their mouths... really. It has been what, just months - MONTHS. Do they have any idea what so ever the amount of clean-up that needs to be done?? Do they really and truly think things will change over night?? Especially since they have given up and that means more work for everyone else to do. These people believed in and voted for Barack Obama. How can they give up so easily? How can they not see the work that needs to be done and their roll in it as an individual that wants change? Why dont they understand? These things frustrate me beyond belief. But the answer is, we need to find a way to help them understand. Help them to see what needs to be done to make change happen. Sometimes people just don't get it, they don't understand, they can't see it. So it is our jobs as American citizens to help our fellow Americans understand. We need to be talking to our friends and neighbors. Tell them to call their senators and tell them what they want for their communities. There are many things we can be doing.

People want change, but it's like they want other people to make it happen for them. This is your country, you want change then stand up and say so. Do something to help make it happen. Those people in office are there working for YOU. You put them there to represent YOUR voice. What is it you want them to say that YOU want??? Tell them what you want. It's what being American gives you the PRIVILEGE to do!

So maybe we are all sitting around thinking the same thing. We 'want' to do something, but we might have questions on how to get started, or how to approach things - or whatever the question might be. That is why we get together and talk about it, put our heads together and come up with great solutions. We are Americans and can accomplish great things - together.

Remember we are the UNITED states of America.

Perhaps because we are best when we come together.

accepted news wishington

give information of reading problem for all country — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:48:53 EDT

Dear Obama sir best lock accepted for answer with head the Federal Aviation Administration will remove himself from decisions involving his former consulting firm's clients, who include opponents of the nation's first offshore wind-energy project, off Cape Cod, the White House confirmed Friday.
i am wanted for all country security with alliance in america. rilect for all country in america and with all world. strenght for one number in all country.

J. Randolph Babbitt worked as an aviation consultant at his firm, Oliver Wyman, when the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound hired him to fight the high-profile Cape Cod project on the basis that it "interfered with airplane radar signals, which poses a public safety risk.

As FAA administrator, he could be instrumental in killing the Cape Wind Project and other wind farms if the agency determines they pose a threat to aviation. Mr. Babbitt was president of the Air Line Pilots Association before he took the post representing the Alliance.

Sumant Prasad, kanpur India

An Open Letter to Barack Obama

Marie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:55:59 EST

I share this message since it complements my early cry for all us to light the candle since He had set the candle down at our table. It was our job to add the flame and we did!

By Alice Walker | TheRoot.com

Alice Walker on expectations, responsibilities and a new reality that is almost more than the heart can bear.

Nov. 5, 2008

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and ch aracter, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.

I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more to rture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker

The First Is A Bitch But You Are It. " And You Knew The Job Was Tough Before You Took It"

Newsfreedom2004 — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:14:53 EST

what should Obama do in the first 100 days or what should be the top 20 things that he should do?

1. end the dealth penity! it should be life without any patrol or 50 years with 20 years in solitary confindment with no early patrol
2. grant pardons, patrol, or retry political prisoners and either let them go or keep them behind bars
3. subspend all forecloser for 180 days and order all parties involed to redo the payments and terms of the contract
   those who can aford the home keeps it those who can be moved to loans, grants, and payment programs that will aloud them
   to keep their homes get to stay and those who can't keep their homes are moved to apartments or trailers that they can aford.
4. fix the credit and securities market get moneys flowing again to the people not the greedy enforce the regulations!
5. fully fond health and wellness programs mental & phyical health programs that work
6. create a national jobs and infrastructure building program now!
7. get rid of laws that prevent people from getting jobs if they commit a crime and have served their time, have low credit, or test positive for drugs or health disablities and vote
8. make all schools equal in every community train teachers so that they can and want to teach also why would you place a newbe in a classroom without
   an experience teacher in it. every classroom needs a manager and an assitance manage got it.
   in chicago il white kids in one public school have a spa high price gym & fitness center state of the arts computers and college level labs but the black school are getto roach infected
   is this support to be equal non racial schools
9. get ever member of the black caucus passports then send and take them around the world to meet world leaders, movers & shakers
10.rebuild the gulf coase line
11.fully fund the community redevelopment zones so that black businesses can develop
12.help black colleges come up to 21th standards if I can go to a majority white college and be educated to be prepared for the world then why can someone go to a majority black college and
   recieve the equal education?
13.send an army of social workers and students into the community to work with and help people help themselves
14.send an army of citizens into the world's community to help bring the world together
15.racism is terrorism to we need to find and bring those crimals to justise and protect people so that no one will even think of committing a terror crime if we can do it for the jews them what is the problem and we can too say, "never again on in this country and world"
16.increase the number of police, marshals, & sheriff of color now! Black Person Head of FBI
17.charter schools not prisons get the states and the federal government commitment to it
18.national public mass transit systems if your popluation is over 100,000 people you need buses, trains, shuttles, and taxi services and they can be green powered we need roads but more cars mean more problems if you build it they will come and create jobs
19.don't let the new green economy leave blacks and other non whites behind in innovation & protection, jobs, and business ownerships and wealth creation
20.immigration we need them for new blood, new ways, new workers, & new attitudes. they tipped the balance of power. they were not scared to bring about real change.

Also make all voting offices have uniformed protected ways to conduct and count the vote! when you are 18 you must register for selective service but you don't have to register to vote that's unequal! why is on punishable but the other is, "so what"? If ATM's can record every penny and knows whos penny it is then why can't the government record every vote?

why is it wrong to have African American ambassadors to Africa?

lastly your appointments don't forget this is a country of color and white is not the only one in the crayon box and black is also very quailfied to be there too. We want you there for eight years.

So,

Go Team Obama

An Open Letter to President Elect Barack Obama

Aminata from Staten Island, NY — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:15:41 EST

Dear President (Elect) Barack Obama,

Thank you. I speak on behalf of me and my family and perhaps many families not only from across the nation, but from around the world. Thank you for answering the call of leadership, thank you for making the selfless sacrifice of your personal life to give of yourself to change the world for the better.

I can see the great joy of the ancestors, as they celebrate this day. I see the enslaved Africans who toiled to build the very White House that you and your family will reside in for the next four years. Their spirits are rejoicing this day.

Fannie Lou Hamer, who was sick and tired of being sick and tired and the countless others who fought and died for us to have the right to vote are rejoicing this day. All our leaders and warriors of the past, yes President Obama, they are rejoicing to know that their labor was not in vain this day.

President Obama, I am the eldest of nine. I have 8 brothers and sisters, 40 nieces and nephews and over 40 great-nieces and nephews and two children and 5 grandchildren. I along with my family have endured the struggle of overcoming great odds to uplift our family from a political-social-economic vacuum only to watch as the systemic policies and practices picked off one by one the males in my family, the pressures of living in the "hood."

Yet we strive to live beyond just surviving. How proud to know that my 68yr old mother worked the polls all day long and played a role in your election. How proud to hear my family talk about how they encouraged neighbors to go and vote.

President Obama, this past Nov 4th was no doubt an historic event and the entire world understood it. But for me personally, it was even more. Because that evening my 10yr old grandson called me from Florida and I live in New York and what he said to me, I could not hold back my tears, when he said, "Grandma, now the whole world knows that a Black man can be more than just a rapper or a basketball player, they now know that a Black man can be President of the United States of America."

President Obama, my grandson is 10 years old. For this alone, I thank you.

Aminata Njeri Gill
CEO Leadershipology, Inc.
Pastor Kenami Ministries
Creator "God Has A Word For You E-Telecast"
Creator "Word4UTVNetwork

Why I Support Barack Obama - A Letter to My Children

Michelle Hancock — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:59:08 EST

Dear Lauren and Liam,

Although you aren’t aware of it, this is a very important time in the history of your country. Right now, Lauren, you’re more concerned with reading your latest library books, and asking when the next Girl Scout meeting will be. You’re still on a sugar high from all the Halloween candy, and already excited about Christmas. You’ve been thinking of toys for your Christmas list for weeks, though it’s only November 2nd. And Liam, you’re too busy trying to get into your sister’s things, and bringing me Wiggles videos to play for you. You’re curious about everything around you: bugs, boxes full of interesting things, birds and airplanes and choo-choo trains. You have no idea that the world around you is changing.

But changing it is. Right now, the American economy is on the brink of a disaster of proportions not seen since the Great Depression. The housing market is collapsing, the stock market seems to drop a few hundred more points each trading day, and people are losing their jobs. I survived a round of layoffs at my company; others weren’t so lucky. And the economy isn’t the only problem, though it has become first on people’s minds.

Open Letter to John McCain

Julie Gissin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:17:43 EDT

Dear Mr. McCain,
The way you, Mrs. Palin and your campaign are inciting hatred and violence toward Barack Obama is dispicable. If one of your mob-rally attendees should attempt to harm Barack Obama --you will be held responsible in the public's eyes. You should be ashamed of your racist campaigning...I'm a proud American who is NOT PROUD of you. Where is your human decency? Barack Obama is not a terrorist and you very well know that-- yet you are fostering that belief amoungst your IGNORANT followers. How do you sleep at night? Your "supporters" are quite vocally making threats against your opponent and you are not only "turning a blind eye" --YOU ARE NURTURING THAT HATE!!! You know this is true. You are a divider in the worst way....pretending to be religious and yet fostering hatred against a respectful, dedicated American. I am more disheartened by you and your campaign tactics with each passing day. If you win this election, you will enter the office of the presidency having lost the respect of many Americans.
Sincerely,
Julie Gissin
Registered Voter

Open Letter to Barack Obama Regarding the Economic Crisis

Adam from Encino, CA — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:22:23 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,

Please take the next step, and show real leadership, by demanding that Congress immediately begin drafting legislation to address regulating the banking industry, so that the current financial disaster will not happen again, and our country's economy can grow in a ethically and fiscally responsible manner. Even the supporters of the financial industry bailout agree that the current legislation before congress does not address the issue long term. It is incumbent on you as a senator, and presidential candidate to take the lead on this issue, and demand, among other things more transparency regarding financial instruments, and tougher truth-in-lending laws.

I think that more transparency is necessary so that banks can more clearly evaluate a particular instrument, so that the markets can more closely reflect reality.

One truth-in-lending regulation that I would like to see is that lenders be required to present borrowers who are considering adjustable rate loans a chart that shows clearly what their payments will be based on the change in the prime lending rates.

I hope you will take this seriously, and step out in front on this issue.

Sincerely,

Adam Nisenholz

Dear Citizen,

If you agree with the sentiments in this blog post, please leave a comment. Also feel free to suggest additional or alternative features of new banking regulation.

A letter to a friend who is "afraid" of Obama

profTJenkins — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:31:12 EDT

My childhood friend "Sarah" (name has been changed) sent me an anti-Obama e-mail that was spewing lies and racist statements! After I responded to her and told her that I'm an Obama supporter and not to send me any more of such trash she apologized but stated that ever since Obama has come into the public eye, she has had this "inexplicable gut feeling of incredible terror" whenever she sees him. She also indicated that she has generally been pretty neutral concerning politics but when it comes to Obama she has this "terrible feeling of impending doom." After I took a few days to calm down, my thoughts and words were flowing and I wrote her this letter.

Before you read it here is some general history on our friendship: Sarah is White, Christian, in her mid 30's, a wife and a mother, has attended some college and has lived her entire life in the small town where I was also raised. This town is approx. 90% Caucasian and sits in a fairly isolated area. I am Black, Christian, in my mid 30's, also a wife and mother, I have a Masters degree and I left my hometown when I went away to college and never returned. We live in the same state but I now live in an area that is much more diverse. Growing up I always knew that Sarah and her family had some racial prejudices. There were things that were said, innuendos that were made. But they all seemed to accept me so I never had the courage to say anything, being that I was young and trying hard to fit into that extremely homogenous social environment.

I am sharing this letter because it so clearly expresses how I feel about Barack Obama, it declares where I stand politically, my feelings about America's past and future. I share this because this was a big step for me! This was my first time eloquently and intelligently addressing a childhood friend, from my hometown, about issues of race. I hope you appreciate it and feel free to comment.

Sarah,

Though I appreciate your candid honesty about your feelings towards Barack Obama I'm disappointed to know that after all these years of our friendship and you knowing my family (approx. 30 years) that you are still afraid of Black people. Yeah, I said it...it's the only explaination I can come up with! Your feelings toward him are clearly not based on anything factual, just on "gut feeling" so prejudice is the only viable conclusion. But you're not alone, and the Republican party knows that you're not alone, that's why they are playing on the prejudices of the American people to put stuff out there to scare people away from voting for Barack Obama. You're falling right into their hands! You see this is all the McCain Palin ticket has to stand on! Because they don't stand for anything!

The Republicans have used their pro-life and "good Christian" stance to fool America into thinking that they are the party to support if you care about morals and values! Oh brother, just look at their lives and you see nothing of the sort! The Bible says, "by their fruits ye shall know them." But my main reason for not supporting these people or falling for their lies is because I know they don't care about people like me! Sarah, they don't care about us! They have been sticking it to the middle class for the past 8 years and look at our economy! Look at how people are suffering! Are the rich suffering? Are those who make more than $250,000 per year suffering? Some, but not as much. The Republicans say "no new taxes" but what they mean is no new taxes for the rich. Our taxes will stay the same or may increase under their administration. Did you look at their convention? It looked like a good-ole-boys country club meeting! You could just smell the old money through the television! Am I prejudice towards the rich? Of course not! Many of my friends (of all racial backgrounds) are quite well off. But they had to work hard, very hard to get where they are today. And most of them recognize the sacrifices their forefathers made to get them where they are today. And we all realize that we can't just forget about our poor, or forget about our working classes and call ourselves a successful nation.

But back to Barack Obama. Sarah, you can't just go by feeling when it comes to this...you have to read up and make an informed decision. All of those things that e-mail said that "confirmed your fears" were meant to do JUST THAT! But they were not based on a shred of truth!!! I have read one of his books and a handful of articles and I can disprove 90% of that, or maybe more if I took the time! And I can't shake my belief that if Barack Obama were white, if he were...let's say half White South African, and half American, and if his name was something like...Barry Obanon, and if his wife and kids were White (of course), but everything else about him was the same...none of these e-mails would exist!!! For a lot of Americans it is just too much to imagine a Black family living in the White House and a Black man as the leader of this country! Many White people just find that thought to be quite scary. Fear is based in ignorance and that's all it really is. In spite of all the knowledge we have today, all of DNA studies and biological evidence that links all of human life together and takes all of us back to Africa (where the garden of Eden was), people want to believe that we are inherently different. So, they're going to paint Obama as anti-American, in bed with the terrorists, inexperienced, presumptious, ellitist, uppity, with ANYTHING they can, to try to scare the average White American away from him. There is also a fear of loosing power This is what the Germans feared and what led them to hate and persecute the Jews, it's what the southern Whites feared, which led them to institute Jim Crow laws and many to join the KKK. Obama represents change, the same kind of change that Martin Luther King Jr. represented and his message was feared even by our government and FBI (but the truth has come out about that ...all J. Edgar Hoover really feared was that America would find out about his own Black ancestry). Change can be a scary thing. I'm sure it was scary for men when women first joined the workforce, I know it was scary for many people to have to learn to use computers when they were used to typewriters and other non-technological data keeping methods. Change can be scary but change represents progress, and without progress we are BACKWARDS.

For me Barack Obama represents and stands for the kind of America I want to live in. I don't doubt his abilities in the least to make this country a better and safer place. It won't of course happen overnight, we're in too deep of a mess, it will take some time. But I want my son to grow up in a country where he knows that the government is at least trying to give everybody a fair chance at success, not where he sees that the government is hoping to keep people down so that they can stay on top.

Wow! In our friendship we have covered it all! Sex, religion and politics! I still love ya Girl,

PS: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts
out fear." 1 John 4:18

My letter to the editor

J.K. — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:31:47 EDT

Well I should of ask for feedback first.......oh well....too much coffee to wait....here it is. Let me know what you think:

SubjectWhat two weeks of a manifest crisis demonstrates

Message

In the twilight of Bush's Presidency we see that his ability to govern has long sunk below the horizon. Bush's contempt for American ideals was made abundantly clear in the language of the rescue package submitted to a cowed congress: No court or government agency could review the secretary's decisions. President Bush can not suppress his desire to substitute power for authority, even when the future of America depends on the authority of our government and not the power of one man's pen.

In McCain's fearless and feckless response to this financial crisis, we have seen a gambler double-down and bet our and our children's future on the coveted jackpot. As reported by AP, in discussing the failed bill, McCain "...warned that the nation's political leaders will have to take risks even though solutions to the crisis may be unpopular". Mr. McCain, America is not a casino.

In his cool and reassuring way Obama has sought, above all, to understand this crisis and the delicate role played by a presidential candidate in times of crisis. He has clearly demonstrated that a solution will require determined and practical action from a unified government and not ideological bromides from fearful representatives of the people.

Over the past two weeks McCain has shown how he campaigns and Obama has shown how he will govern.

Palin Interview: Letter senders needed. Please Help

BJ from Tallahassee, FL — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:23:44 EDT

We need to stand up and make our voices heard. I need for you to reach within your gut, and sent a message to the media that we respectfully ask for due diligence of Sarah Palin. Some of us have gotten together and have already send out the first round, but it is going to take a lot more of us to make a statement. We have to bombard the media with Facts. We have voter registrations across the country being cast aside by various states, particurlary with Republican run governors.

Are we going to sit silently and moan and not challenge reporters to fair and equitable coverage?

Are we defeatests or are we victors?

I believe, as well as Senators Obama and Biden, we are victors.

Please stand up with me and do the following:

1. You may sign letter enclosed below in its entiretly and send to the media individually, or you may call upon every supportive person you know to sign the email collectively by including them in the CC: address line when sending the letter

2. Copy the enclosed letter in it's entirety and draft a new email and replace my name with your own.

3. Add the following to the TO: address line:
nightline@abcnews.com, 2020@abc.com, netaudr@abc.com, thisweek@abc.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, wnn@abcnews.com, support@abcnews.go.com; tblake@thepolitico.com, letters@newsweek.com, national@washpost.com, hardball@msnbc.com, thisweek@abc.com, scams@cbsnews.com, letters@msnbc.com, letters@time.com, 60M@cbsnews.com, newseditor@MAIL.CNN.COM, managing-editor@nytimes.com, missioncalendar@oprah.com, charlierose@pbs.org, public@nytimes.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, larry.king.live@cnn.com, NBC_MeetThePress_NewsMail@MSNBC.COM, Dateline@NBCUNI.com, joe@msnbc.com, crossfire@cnn.com, evening@cbsnews.com, steve.capus@nbc.com, thedailyshow@comedycentral.com, mailings@mail.cnn.com, FNS@foxnews.com, me@glennbeck.com, loudobbs@mail.cnn.com, 2020@abc.com, phil.griffin@nbc.com, situationroom@mail.cnn.com, letters@usnews.com, dsaunders@sfchronicle.com, readers.rep@latimes.com, wnt@abcnews.com, weekends@cbsnews.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, HeraldEd@miamiherald.com, ftn@cbsnews.com, netaudr@abc.com, executive-editor@nytimes.com, larryking@mail.cnn.com, KAC@cbsnews.com, colmes@foxnews.com, ombudsman@washpost.com, Comments@foxnews.com, casey.wian@turner.com, nightline@abcnews.com, dabrooks@nytimes.com

4. Keep circulating this and ask supporting friendss to do the same.

PLEASE HURRY and SREAD THE NEWS ANYWHERE YOU CAN

THANKS!

BJ ALAN

______________________________________________________________________________________

RE: DUE DILIGENCE OF GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN, ALASKA

Dear ABC, Charlie Gibson, et al:

Since learning that Governor Sarah Palin has granted ABC's Charlie Gibson her first television interview since her VP nomination, we request, in good faith, that your constituents adhere to an objective, a fair and factual interview of Governor Palin.

For example, in ABC's April 16, 2008 coverage of the Clinton-Obama debate, Charlie Gibson defended his scrutiny of Senator Barack Obama's patriotism by stating: ""It comes up again and again when we talk to voters. And, as you may know, it is all over the Internet."

We commend ABC for listening to the voters on April 16, 2008, and now we ask that ABC listens to the voters today, September 8, 2008, and adequately ask Governor Palin---upon interview---precise, unadulterated questions while requiring that the Governor gives unambiguous, un-watered down, and non-deceptive answers to voters' concerns that come "up again and again" and that are "all over the internet".

Case in point: During Governor Palin's acceptance speech, she asserted:

"...I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves."

It is not the earmarks that upset voters the most; it is the deception, the disingenuousness, the documented lies about Palin's stance on earmarks as well as other issues, that infuriates us more, and it brings ethics and judgment to the forefront. Thus, we are counting on your wisdom and professional journalistic due diligence in this interview to keep voters informed.

We also enclosed a list of grave voter concerns as detailed on Think Progress' website for your review, and we ask that these issues are thoroughly addressed during this interview, and all others with the McCain campaign.

Thank you for your attention as we await what should be a fair and objective Palin interview on the matters mentioned below, without bias or partisan favor.

Respectfully,

BJ Alan,
Serving as Proxy to all emails included in the CC address, excluding media and politicians

CC: Media: tblake@thepolitico.com, situationroom@mail.cnn.com, missioncalendar@oprah.com, larryking@mail.cnn.com, thedailyshow@comedycentral.com, thisweek@abc.com, wnt@abcnews.com, larry.king.live@cnn.com, casey.wian@turner.com, loudobbs@mail.cnn.com, 60M@cbsnews.com, ftn@cbsnews.com, crossfire@cnn.com, letters@newsweek.com, letters@usnews.com, charlierose@pbs.org, colmes@foxnews.com, FNS@foxnews.com, letters@msnbc.com, abcboard@abc.virginia.gov, Dateline@NBCUNI.com, dabrooks@nytimes.com, phil.griffin@nbc.com, managing-editor@nytimes.com, executive-editor@nytimes.com, steve.capus@nbc.com, hardball@msnbc.com, readers.rep@latimes.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, Comments@foxnews.com,

CC: Politicians: barack_obama@obama.senate.gov, joseph_biden@biden.senate.gov

Enclosures:

As per http://thinkprogress.org/

ON FOREIGN POLICY

Palin Hasn’t Given The War In Iraq Much Thought. Palin told the Alaska Business Monthly, “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. I heard on the news about the new deployments, and while I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place.” [Alaska Business Monthly, 3/1/07] Palin Has Never Been To Iraq. In her only trip overseas, Palin visited Al aska National Guard troops stationed in Kuwait and Germany in July 2007. [AP, 7/25/07] Palin Believes That The Iraq War Is A Task ‘From God.’ Speaking at the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said that “our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God.” [Huffington Post, 9/2/08] Palin Believes The Iraq War Was Fought Over Oil. “We are a nation at war and in many [ways] the reasons for war are fights over energy sources,” Palin told BusinessWeek in an interview. [BusinessWeek, 8/29/08] Palin Didn’t Have A Passport Until 2007. Palin first obtained a passport in July 2007 for her trip to Kuwait and Germany to visit Alaska National Guard troops. Her only other trip outside of the United States was to Canada. A Palin spokeswoman had previously said that Palin had also been to Ireland, although it was actually just a “refueling stop” on her Germany/Kuwait trip. [New York Times, 8/29/08; Politico, 9/2/08] ON EARMARKS Palin Supported The Bridge To Nowhere. During her unveiling as McCain’s running mate, Palin claimed that she said, “Thanks, but no thanks” to federal funding for the Bridge to Nowhere. But in her 2006 campaign for governor, Palin repeatedly expressed support for the bridge project, saying Alaska should take advantage of earmarks “while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/22/06; Ketchikan Daily News, 8/9/06, 11/21/06] Palin Obtained $27 Million In Earmarks As Mayor Of Wasilla. As mayor of Wasilla, AK, Palin “hired a private lobbyist to help the tiny town secure earmarks from [S en. Ted] Stevens.” “The town obtained 14 earmarks, totaling $27 million between 2000-2003.” [Associated Press, 9/3/08] ON THE ENVIRONMENT Palin Denies Man-Made Global Warming. When asked for her “take on global warming,” Palin replied, “A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I’m not one though who would attribute it to being man-made.” [Newsmax, 08/29/08] Challenging ‘Uncertain Climate Models,’ Palin Is Suing To Lift Protected Status For Polar Bears. After a multi-year court battle, the Bush administration recognized in 2008 that polar bears are threatened with extinction by global warming. Announcing Alaska’s suit to block the listing, Palin said, “We believe that the listing was unwarranted and that it’s unprecedented to list a currently healthy population based on uncertain climate models.” [Reuters, 5/22/08] Palin Established Illegal Fly-By Wolf Hunting Bounty. In 2007, Palin illegally established “a $150 bounty to the state sanctioned airborne wolf hunters as an added incentive to increase their kills,” soon overturned by the Alaska State Court. [Alaska Wildlife Alliance; Anchorage Daily News, 3/31/07] ON ENERGY Palin Is A Top Arctic Wildlife Refuge Drilling Advocate. Palin said she thinks McCain is “going to evolve into, eventually, supporting ANWR opening also” and “I’d like the opportunity to get to change his mind about ANWR.” [Kudlow & Co., 6/25/08] Palin Opposes Lieberman’s Bill To Prevent Arctic Refuge Drilling. In a letter to Congress opposing the Arctic Wilderness Act (S. 2316), Palin wrote that “as a citizen of the United States” she believes “development [of the Refuge] should be authorized.” [Letter to Sen. Akaka, 11/9/07] Palin Dismisses Alternative Energy. Palin said that “Congress needs to lift the ban on drilling” because “alternative-energy solutions are far from imminent and would require more than 10 years to develop.” [Charleston Post and Courier, 8/16/08] Palin Believes It Is ‘God’s Will’ To Build A Natural Gas Pipeline. Speaking to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said, “I think God’s will has to be done in unifying people and companies to get that gas line built, so pray for that,” referring to a $30 billion national gas pipeline project. [Huffington Post, 9/2/08] ON BIG OIL Palin’s First Statewide Campaign Was Fueled By Veco. “While mayor of Wasilla, Palin ran for lieutenant governor in 2002. She gathered $5,000 — or about 10 percent of her campaign fund — from Veco officials or their wives along the way.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/6/06] Palin’s Inauguration Was Sponsored By BP. Beyond Petroleum Exploration Inc. is listed by the Alaska Inaugural Committee as a sponsor of Palin’s 2007 Governor’s Balls. [Alaska Inaugural Committee] ON SCIENCE Palin Supports Teaching Creationism In Public Schools. In a 2006 gubernatorial debate,=2 0Palin “said she thinks creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state’s public classrooms.” [Anchorage Daily News, 10/27/06] ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS Palin Is A Member Of Anti-Abortion Group Feminists For Life. Palin is a member of an “anti-abortion group called Feminists for Life.” When running for governor in 2002, she “sent an e-mail to the anti-abortion Alaska Right to Life Board saying she was as ‘pro-life as any candidate can be’ and has ‘adamantly supported our cause since I first understood, as a child, the atrocity of abortion.’” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/6/08] Palin Opposes Abortion Even In Cases Of Rape Or Incest. In 2006, Palin said that even if her daughter were raped, “I would choose life.” She said that she would support abortion only if the mother’s life were in danger. [Anchorage Daily News, 11/3/06] Palin Slashed Funding To Help Teenage Mothers. Earlier this year, Palin used a line-item veto “to slash funding for a state program benefiting teen mothers i n need of a place to live.” Funding for Covenant House Alaska, which provides transitional housing for teen mothers, was cut by 20 percent — from $5 million to $3.9 million. [Washington Post, 9/3/08] Palin Supports Abstinence-Only Policies. In 2006, the Eagle Forum Alaska asked Palin whether she would “support funding for abstinence-until-marriage education.” Palin replied, “Yes, the explicit sex-ed programs will not find my support.” [Politico, 9/1/08] Palin Supports Parental Consent Laws For Minors Seeking Abortions. According to the Anchorage Daily News, Palin was “disappointed lawmakers let a bill die requiring girls under 17 to get parental consent for an abortion. ‘My belief is parents have the right to know about the health and welfare of their children,’ she said.” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/14/08] ON ETHICS Palin’s Lobbyist Had ‘Close Ties’ To Don Young, Ted Stevens. “As mayor of Wasilla, however, Palin oversaw the hiring of Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh, an Anchorage-based law firm with close ties to Alaska’s mos t senior Republicans: Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens, who was indicted in July on charges of accepting illegal gifts.” [9/2/08] Palin’s Lobbyist Was Part Of ‘Team Abramoff.’ Steven Silver, the lobbyist Palin hired as Wasilla Mayor, also listed Jack Abramoff’s lobbying firm, Greenberg Traurig, as a client. Silver lobbied on issues similar to those headed up by Abramoff, including “Indian/Native American policy” and “legislation relating to gaming issues.” [TPMmuckracker, 9/2/08; Washington Post, 9/2/08] Palin Served As Director Of ‘Ted Stevens Excellence In Public Service’ 527. Palin’s name was listed on 2003 incorporation papers of the “Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.,” a 527 group that could raise unlimited funds from corporate donors. She also “served as one of three directors until June 2005, when her name was replaced on state filings.” [Washington Post, 9/1/08] State Employee Charged Palin With Ethics Violation. A state employee filed an ethics complaint alleging Palin tried to secure a job for one of her supporters. The complaint accused Palin and her top staffers of “breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks.” [Anchorage Daily News, 9/7/08] Palin Forced Top Wasilla Employees To Resign As Loyalty Test. As Mayor of Wasilla in 1998, “asked all of the city’s top managers to resign in order to test their loyalty to her administration.”[Daily Sitka Sentenial, 10/28/06] Palin Fired Police Chief For Not Fully Supporting Her. After becoming Mayor of Wasilla, Palin fired the city’s police chief, Irl Stambaugh, writing, “I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment.” Stambaugh charged that Palin fired him “because he stepped on the toes of Palin’s campaign contributors, including bar owners and the National Rifle Association.” [Anchorage Daily News, 2/1/97; ABC News, 9/3/08] 0A Palin Used Mayoral Office Resources For Campaigning. During her 2002 campaign for lieutenant governor, Palin ordered campaign materials from City Hall, had them delivered there, and used city employees on city-aid time to arrange campaign events. According to the Anchorage Daily News, there was “no indication she repaid the city for the incidental expenses the city incurred.” [Anchorage Daily News, 7/21/06] ON TROOPERGATE Ousted Former State Official Accused Palin Of Pressuring Him To Fire Trooper. Palin allegedly “tried to get a state trooper fired and she then fired the trooper’s boss because he wouldn’t act on her request.” Palin’s sister was involved in a “bitter child custody battle” with the trooper. [Anchorage Daily News, 7/18/08] Palin’s Intial Denials Of Interference In Firing Were Proven False. Palin “previously said her administration didn’t exert pressure to get rid of trooper Mike Wooten,” but “an audio recording that shows an aide pressuring the Public Safety Department to fire a state trooper embroiled in a custody battle with her sister.” The McCain campaign now says Palin’s husband and members of her staff had made inquiries “about the appropriate Dep artment of Public Safety procedures for dealing with someone they considered a dangerous person and rogue trooper.” [Anchorage Daily News, 8/14/08, 9/02/08] Palin’s Lawyer In Investigation Is Also Her Personal Attorney. Thomas V. Van Flein, the lawyer Palin hired to defend her in the trooper investigation, is “representing Palin both personally and in her official capacity as governor.” The AP noted, “Depending on where the investigation leads, that could put him in a difficult situation if Palin’s interests and the interests of the public office diverge.” [AP, 9/02/08] Palin Has Refused To Release E-mails, Citing ‘Executive Privilege.’ Palin has refused to release e-mails requested by the state’s trooper union, citing executive privilege. Questions have been raised, however, as to whether these documents are actually related to official business, since her husband was copied on some of them. [KTUU, 8/6/08; TPMmuckraker, 9/1/08] ON THE RADICAL RIGHT Palin Cheered On the A laskan Independence Party. Six months ago, Palin “told members of the Alaskan Independence Party” — who advocate for a vote on secession from the union — to “keep up the good work” and “wished the party luck on what she called its ‘inspiring convention.’” Palin and her husband attended the party’s convention in 2000, and “for all but two months from 1995 to 2002, the governor’s husband was registered as an Alaskan Independence Party member.” George Clark, the vice chair of the party, claims that Palin was a member of the party “before she got the job as a mayor of a small town.” The McCain campaign denies the charge. [LA Times, 9/3/2008; ABC News, 9/1/2008] Palin Welcomed The Hard-Right Candidacy Of Pat Buchanan. Palin reportedly supported Pat Buchanan’s 1999 presidential bid. When Buchanan visited Alaska in 1999, “[a]mong those sporting Buchanan buttons were Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin and state Sen. Jerry Ward, R-Anchorage.” Buchanan said Palin “was a brigader in 1996 as was her husband, Chris, they were at a fundraiser for me.” The McCain campaign says Palin “never worked for any effort to elect” Buchanan. [The Nation, 8/29/08; ABC News, 8/30/08] Palin Characterized Ron Paul As ‘Cool.’ During an interview with MTV in February, Palin called Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), who ran against McCain in the primaries, “cool.” “He’s a good guy,” she added. “He’s so independent. He’s independent of the party machine. I’m like, ‘Right on, so am I.’ ” [MTV News, 8/29/2008] Palin Believes The Founding Fathers Wrote The Pledge Of Allegiance. In 2006, when asked by the Eagle Forum Alaska if she found the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance offensive, Palin replied, “Not on your life. If it was good enough for the founding fathers, its good enough for me.” But the words “Under God” didn’t appear in the Pledge until 1954. The Pledge itself wasn’t written until 1892. [Huffington Post, 9/1/08; Slate, 6/28/02] ON CIVIL RIGHTS Palin Supports Denying Benefits To Same-Sex Couples. In 2006, Palin vetoed legislation denying benefits to same-sex couples, “based on a legal opinion from her new attorney general that the legislation was unconstitutional.” However, she said that she would support a constitutional amendment to deny same-sex couples the benefits. [Gay Republic Daily, 9/20/06; Anchorage Daily News, 12/21/06] Palin Opposed Expanding Hate Crime Laws. A 2006 Eagle Forum Alaska questionnaire asked, “Will you support an effort to expand hate crime laws?” Palin replied, “No, as I believe all heinous crime is based on hate.” [Washington Blade, 9/2/08] ON HEALTH CARE Palin Advocated Consumer-Driven Health Care. While running for governor, Palin attributed rising health care costs to “a lack of competition” and called for “flexibility in government regulation that allow competition in health care.” [On The Issues] Palin Introduced Health Care Transparency Act. Palin’s Alaska Health Care Transparency Act established “an Alaska health care information officeD to help consumers “make better-informed decisions about health care in the state.” The act also called for the repeal of Certificate of Need Laws, programs “aimed at restraining health care facility costs and allowing coordinated planning of new services and construction.” [Gov Tech, 1/28/2008; National Conference of State Legislatures, 8/21/2008] Palin Did Not Take A Position On Expanding SCHIP Funding. Palin did not advocate for greater federal funding of SCHIP. [Blagojevich Press Release, 2/23/07] Palin Signed Watered-Down SCHIP Bill. Palin signed legislation updating eligibility for Alaska’s SCHIP program, Denali KidCare, to maintain the eligibility level–which had dropped to an effective rate of almost 150 percent of the poverty line due to inflation. However, by limiting eligibility to families living below 175 percent of the poverty line, Alaska’s eligibility criteria are still among the lowest in the nation. Palin did not support legislation to expand eligibility to higher levels. [National Conference of State Legislatures, 6/2008; Kaiser Network, 5/22/2007; Anchorage Daily News,=2 04/15/2008] Palin Failed To Support A Bill To Cover All Alaskans. While governor, Palin “did not get behind the most significant piece of health legislation offered — a proposal to ensure that all residents have health insurance, without disrupting the coverage that many Alaskans already have.” [Anchorage Daily News, 5/17/2008] ON THE ECONOMY Palin Left Wasilla $20 Million In Debt. As mayor of Wasilla, Palin cut taxes while simultaneously expanding the town’s operating budget by almost $2 million. She ended her term in 2002 with Wasilla $20 million in debt. [Anchorage Daily News 10/23/06; the Politico, 8/29] Palin Instituted A Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Companies. In 2007, Palin raised taxes on oil company profits by $1.5 billion a year, enabling Alaska to double its oil revenue. However, in 2008 she said, “Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production.” [Bloomberg, 3/8; Seattle Times, 8/10; Go vernor’s Office Press Release] Palin Supported Flat Tax Advocate. Palin appeared in campaign commercials in support of Republican Senate candidate Mike Miller, who was advocating the Flat Tax. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, 4/24/04]

Letter to Senator Biden

Paul from Richland, MI — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:30:20 EDT

Thank you for coming to Battle Creek, Michigan. I live in nearby Kalamazoo County, and the opportunity to hear you and Senator Obama speak was much appreciated. My mom and I were blown away by your collective ideas and words.
I am now 28 years old, and voted for my first presidential election in 2000. I am a democrat.

I have since a young age challenged my parents to accept the idea that their party was not in their best interest.

My mother, who turned 50 this summer, voted Republican in all elections since she began voting.

My parents have never even leaned at all towards the left.
This year, they are both seriously considering your ticket. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

Finally two people we can really believe in.

In Battle Creek, in the reception line as you left that baseball field, her 4' 9" self and I behind, bearded, stood together waiting to meet you. I shouted "my mom's a Finnegan," you replied "who is?", I said "my mom," and you smiled and took both our hands.

My mom's attending a Democractic rally was one of the two remaining items I have on my 'I'd like to see before I die' list. Thank you. That moment, where you looked into her eyes and smiled may well have cemented someone to start looking at the world in a new way.

50 years old, truly MID-life and you and your running mate have taught the old dog a new trick.

God bless you. And God bless the Party of the People.

Open letter to Senator Obama

Vasili — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:59:55 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,I have watched your efforts to date closely. I truly and honestly believed that the American people did not have the vision, courage and foresight to put you forward as the Democratic Presidential Candidate. I am very relieved to have been proven wrong.With your nomination I have learnt something. Don't write off Americans and Americas abilty to justly lead the world just yet. Americans may still be able to effect meaningful change that will not only better their lives but also those of billions around the world who are not American Citizens.I believe there are more people around the world following this American election than ever before and that this exists as we all live in fear of the future with a President who will do little different from what George W. Bush has done.The world finds itself in a pitiful state today. Many around the world have had a role to play. America has also played its role over the past 8 years of George W. Bush and this has had a profoundly negative affect on the world. We see more war than I have ever seen in my lifetime, more hunger and poverty and illness than I have ever known in my 38 years on this earth. We face a possible return to the cold war, global warming and an environment that is crumbling. The world is a far more dangerous place than ever before and I truly fear for the next generation. I believe that if we continue on this path the next generation could be the last to walk this planet. I have no empirical or statistical data to support this. All I have is my human intuition and belief in the Lord All Mighty. In my heart and soul I know that the world we have today is not the world the Lord wants for us and our children. Without change and a return to basic values of dignity, love, respect, understanding and helping those who are in need, we can not continue to sustain our existence as people. I may be wrong, I may be right. Today whether i am right or wrong is less relevant. What is more relevant is that there are billions such as myself who feel the same despair and that can not be good for America or the world. What are at a cross road. The decision the American people make on November 8, 2008 will play a significant role as to whether I am right or wrong. I ask them to think carefully and chose wisely, it is not just their lives that will be affected; it is the lives of billions around the world.I am a senior executive of a global company which does business in many developing countries and developed countries including the United States of America. If Americans believe their political institutions are any less corrupt or driven by self interest that those of developing countries, I can confirm that they are mistaken. Globally politics have become a weapon of few to further personal gain rather than a protector of many who seek equality, justice and the right to exist peacefully and humanly. This is not different in the United States of America. The only difference is that some developed countries such as the Untied States of America amongst others have become smarter in making this less evident to the masses. It is time for change, not only in America but also many other countries. Change can only be driven by the people and to do so they need to escape their fears and have the courage to stand up and make the correct choices. The correct choice for Americans in the next couple of months is to select you Senator Obama as the next President of the Great United States of America. The decisions for the future will involve selecting like minded people to the Senate, Congress and State institutions. Change will not happen immediately, it will take time. Change will not only deliver positives, it will also deliver some negatives. Change will not answer all the unanswered questions but it will certainly answer more than currently being answered. Change begins somewhere and it has begun yesterday with your selection as the Democratic Presidential Candidate.As a Greek I am a true believer of Democracy. Democrates was Greek after all. However Democracy hands power to the people as they are best placed to decide what is good for them. Democracy does not seek to concentrate power in the hands of a few powerful lobbyists and vested interests and those with the most economic and financial clout. This is not Democracy even if people are given the choice to make a new selection every 4 years. That opportunity to elect is nullified by the fear with which the powerful few rule. They let you believe that you are in imminent danger and because they portray themselves as tough that they are the only ones that can defend you. This is the biggest scam being perpetrated on people today and those responsible should be accountable to all those who have suffered in the process as would any other criminal. This is a crime and aims to steel democracy away from the people and concentrate power in hands of few.Senator Obama, I salute your effort. I salute your sacrifice. I salute your dream and belief of change. I salute your family and your loved ones for the support they are giving you and the sacrifices they are making in supporting you. I wish you and your family and your supporters and the American people Godspeed and the foresight to realise that change is necessary.Yours faithfullyVasili

Belated Congratulations on Winning the Democratic Nomination

Todd K. — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:06:43 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,

Belated congratulations on your historic nomination. Truthfully, I was a Clinton supporter, because while I thought you were a fine candidate, I could not see how you could possibly win the nomination and I wanted to finally back a winning candidate. Once again, I was wrong. I should have known from the 2004 keynote speech that you were going to be formidable candidate, but I underestimated your organization and your supporters.

Onboard 100%,

-Todd

My letter to the editor published in the New York Times!

Liz — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:32:58 EDT

Here's what I got published on June 12, 2008.

To the Editor:

My gratitude to Gail Collins for “The Audacity of Listening” (column, July 10). She points out that those people who are wringing their hands about Barack Obama’s “flip-flops” haven’t been paying attention.

Most of what people are calling flip-flops are long-held positions of Mr. Obama that some voters chose not to pay attention to during the primaries.

Mr. Obama is working to change the process and practice of politics as we know it through a rejection of ideology in favor of common sense and by affirming the need for grass-roots change.

He is building the narrative that will convince all Americans, once and for all, that we need universal health care, that we need to invest heavily in education, that we need to rebuild our economy in a way that addresses climate change.

Leadership requires compromise, and as long as Mr. Obama uses compromise as a means to reach an end and not as an end in itself, then I say, “Yes, we can!”

Liz Arnett
El Cerrito, Calif., July 10, 2008

Link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/opinion/lweb12obama.html?ex=1216526400&en=05878e6db84207ca&ei=5070

We Need Letter Writers

J J Clark 93614 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:08:04 EDT

Hello! Our group "Letter Writers To The Editor For Obama " is looking for members that can write letters or submit letters to local and national publications. We have a resource that identifies publications by zip code and distributes the letters. We are planning to have writers and submitters in every major city in America! Please consider joining our group. Presently we are having technical difficulties with the group Blog. If anyone knows how to get it to work please contact me, I have written technical support three times and have had no answer. You can view some sample letters at my Blog, Letter Writers To The Editor For Obama. Yes We Can! Joe

Open Letter to the Senator

Philip Obioha — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:26:06 EDT

Dear Senator,
Congratulations! I presume your ears would now be droning with the waves and waves of Congrats sent to you from all over the world. I am one of those voices; I am a voice too.
I have no doubt you have the best team working to see that we finally see this your presidential candidacy translate ultimately to incumbency. Please I just have one thing to tell you, to contribute. Please do not deviate from your message of 'Change', which your rival, McCain has sought to desecrate by his use of the same word, but from a totally different semantic stance. Your 'Change' is almost transcendental, pure, sacrosanct, and somewhat divine - oh yes, divine. You must not taint it by swimming in the same pond of petty attacks and character assassinations to which your opponent would like to drag you. You represent a phenomenon in this historical moment, please be resolutely on your unique track. The world needs you, peace needs you to give it birth. The promise of peace which your candidacy espouses must not be stillborn, nay, aborted. I was reading your expose on the Economy. I understand the pressure you are under, but please do your best to marshal your points without constant reference to McCain. Do not desecrate your hallowed lips with too many smears of that name. Leave that to your subordinates. Appeal to the noble in the American, they will vote for you in November. You are already a President, but you must become the President of the United States of America.
Thanks and God Bless you and America.

A Letter to Senator Clinton's Supporters

BlueinUtah — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:05:39 EDT

Today the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee met in a marathon session in order to resolve the disputes over Michigan and Florida's delegations. Watching today's events, I was struck by the intense anger expressed by some of the observers in the room and the protesters outside. Again I heard some Clinton supporters express their willingness to support John McCain rather than Barack Obama.

I am certain that these people represent only a fraction of Senator Clinton's supporters, and to these passionate people I would like to offer the following:

A Citizen's Letter to the Uncommitted Super Delegates

Joshua Bartman — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:21:45 EDT

To the Uncommitted Democratic Super Delegates, I am writing because it is so important that we pick the right leader this election, one who can end an era of distrust and deception and effectively lead our nation as one, into the next great era of our American story. Since I was a child my teachers, my family, and my country have told me the tale of the great United States, this powerful, majestic entity built on hopes and powered by dreams. I remember the feeling of awe and inspiration I had in my heart whenever one would discuss the concept of America. Little did I know that as I was to grow older I would discover that what I had learned was more a mythic ideation of the truth, than the reality. A vision built by Walt Disney's Davy Crockett, Small Town Americana and Ronald Reagan's fireside chats. While much of what we feel when we think of the majesty of the United States is valid and beautiful it is in a sense a small part of the big picture. This wonderful vision used as smoke and mirrors to distract us from the man behind the curtain. I am 26 years old and with the exception of Ronald Reagan I have lived in a country run by Bushes and Clinton's, none of them facilitating this vision of the America I once envisioned as a child, the great and infallible United States, Smiter of Evil, defender of the defenseless, mother to the tired, the poor and the huddled masses yearning to be free. What I found was a business with businessmen helping other businessmen. The people of this country were treated as though they were silly little things, annoying insects in the ear of financial gain, quick fixes and legacies built on scandal and shame. That is what I saw and America began to leave a bitter taste in my mouth. That is until 2007 when I came to know Barack Obama. Since deciding to support Barack Obama, I have been putting in hundreds of hours writing to people telling them about his policies, his ethics, and dispelling the myths circulated by nasty e-mails, and by writing letters to the editor of all the major papers in the states about to hold elections, donating hundreds of my own dollars which I could not afford to part with, because I knew that I could afford no other president but him. Barack Obama has the most to offer the PEOPLE of this nation. More than any other candidate he knows what the people need and is willing to fight for it. He is going to bring the people of this nation back together and out from behind the partisan front lines (I've seen my own very diverse community rally behind him), allowing us to see our neighbors once again as the 'Johnson's' and not as the republicans or democrats next door. As many of you know he has realistic, common sense based solutions for getting America back on track and has demonstrated that he has the judgment to do what is right, if not always popular to ensure the safety and freedom for every citizen of the united states. He will also bring the people of my generation the biggest change in Washington in our lifetime: a new name to the white house and a fresh slate for our expectations. We don't need another president spending their time trying to live up to the presidencies and accomplishments of family members, never truly being able to define the line where one administration ends and the other begins. We need to start anew, start fresh. Like a brilliant flower rising from the scorched earth left by the previous administration, Barack Obama will stand out as a symbol of renewal and hope and peace. Most importantly he will give me the America I always dreamed of, the America that once lived only in the pages of myth, the vision of America that our founders and forefathers fought and died for, the idea of America that our troops fight for even today. Barack Obama is the America that America always promised to be. I see a new America in him, I see it in us, and on the horizon I see it stepping out of the pages of myth and into the pages of History.

as a super delegate please put your support behind Barack Obama and lets start the general election off with a united democratic party. Here's to a stronger, happier and united states of America!

Thank You!

Joshua Bartman - Warsaw, Indiana

President Clinton and Rev. Wright....sure look friendly

LuAnn in Indiana — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:21:39 EDT

Thought you all might enjoy this1 Can you believ it?

Why don't we share it with as many Hoosiers and No. Carolinians we can before our primaries?

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-16982

Thanks, LuAnn

Letter to Greg

Dan — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:54:01 EDT

Please read my whole letter, as it has great meaning to me.

Letter To Gov. Easley

Jeff — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:22:57 EDT

Hello Governor

I know I am not from North Carolina and thus I may have little standing in your regard. I also know that we are part of a democratic family that is currently being torn apart.

As you well know there are reports that tomorrow you will formally endorse Senator Clinton. I know that many will be overjoyed and many like myself will urge caution and ask you to reconsider.

Your state will shortly make their preference known. It seems that having waited this far that it would be reasonable to await their verdict before giving yours.

I suspect you have thought about this carefully. My thoughts (for what they are worth) are that this democratic party must find a way to move forward united. I fear that Senator Clinton may not be the one that will help that healing.

I admire her tenacity, her fighting spirit but I fear that in her administration we will face more partisan bickering that will make moving forward any agenda for change difficult or impossible. I remind you that when she had the opportunity she did not include other democrats and this led to nothing happening at a time when we held the presidency and the congress.

I also will remind you that time and again her campaign has chosen to attack her opposition while when offered the chance Senator Obama has largely steered away from this tactic.

Some will argue that the recent victory in Pa. suggests that she is gaining support but surely that argument disregards all the other states that have voted for Senator Obama in earlier contests. I ask you if people in Iowa, Minn. and others who hold caucuses should be considered less than those who hold primaries an argument that has been made by Senator Clinton's team.

I also ask you to consider how it is that any fair minded person can consider the vote in Michigan a fair one when Senator Obama's name was not even on the ballot. She herself said it doesnt matter if the names are on or off the ballots and now pushes to have these count. Would you tell your children that this was fair. I ask you would you have told your son when he was younger that this was fair? How shall I explain this to my children when they ask (if she were to win) how this is justified.

I need not remind you that in your state you have many well educated college students and a large percentage of African Americans two groups that have supported Senator Obama with large majorities throughout this nomination process.

I also would point out that with Senator Obama as the nominee that NC is felt to be "in play" sadly this is not true with Senator Clinton as the nominee.

I also fear a significant backlash if the nomination is felt to have been taken by the superdelegates. While you are well within your rights and clearly it fits the rules I suspect it will disenfranchise many voters. I worry that many younger voters and African Americans will feel abandoned and simply choose not to vote in Nov. Those same people who have supported his campaign financially I suspect will also be reluctant to participate in a general election which feels stolen.

I have little standing or voice to ask you to reconsider. I am but a regular voter (and not even of your state) but I fear how I will explain this to my children, and how the party will explain this to those who are disenfranchised.

Oh might counter by saying Senator Clinton's followers will be upset as well. This may be true, but at present under the rules that we were agreed to by all members he is leading in the delegate count, the number of states won, and the popular vote. All fair minded people realize that it appears to be mathematically impossible for her to overcome. Thus by all the rules it appears that he will be the "peoples choice" at least by delegate count. In a race such as this, sadly there will be a loser. This is a shame given that they both bring great strengths.

As a politician you accept the verdict of the people at election time. It is time to let that play itself out at this time.

I urge you to delay your endorsement until the people of North Carolina have spoken.

Thank you for listening.

Respectfully

Open Letter to Sen. Obama: Differentiate your policy from HRC!

EMK — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:41:23 EDT

Sen. Obama:

I know that it has been a tough night, and you have been battling distraction after distraction after distraction, but please differentiate your policies, especially the economy and civil rights! Even if you have to take a page out of Kucinich's, Paul's, Nader's, or Gravel's playbooks, you have more in common with them than you do with Clinton or Edwards because they want to bring change and empower the people to stand up for themselves.

If you continue to fight with what you have, HRC, the GOP, and the MSM will continue to give you distraction after distraction after distraction in order to keep you from connecting with the voters who don't know you, yet.

Please take a look at their work and encourage the voters to become empowered and make sure that they "watch their rights."

Even now, GWB is trying to "cement" ties with Mexico and Canada, and we need you to make sure that the policies ensure we will still have our rights! I doubt that HRC or McCain will remind us to "watch our rights."

Here's a place to start:

Article I, Section 10, Paragraph 1:

No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
(emphasis added)

No Constitutional ammendment has overidden the underlined phrase to allow for the current currency to be considered legal tender by the states!

Please, make sure to make your policy distinctive and you will be able to do better!

Sincerely,

EMK

Open Letter to Sen. Obama: A Recommendation.

EMK — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:54:46 EDT

Sen. Obama,

I know you've had a hard time since the MS primary, and tomorrow is the big PA debate, so I know a lot has been "burdening" you.

I've given all the advice I could think of about the debates in blogs and emails concerning past and present ones, so I'm really out of new ideas concerning advice for the debates, though all I can say is, "expect the unexpected."

Anyway, I was watching Oprah yesterday, and I hope this episode may help you. It was the episode: Emergency House Call: Dr. Oz and Family in Crisis. Even though the focus was about how Dr. Oz was trying to help the parent's quit smoking by getting to the bottom of the underlying issues, I think the techinques and observations made by his colleague, Martha Beck, which may or may not be helpful with the stresses of the campaign. If you can, why not look it up before the debates?

I'm not a physician or a counselor, so you don't have to take my advice. I'm just trying to help.

Even though I was a representative in SGA and I had to deal with a controversial issue, I don't know how I would be able to handle your situation if I was running for president right now, so I don't envy your situation, but your running for President has given me insight and lessons for how someone like me should handle situations like yours. And again, I'm just trying to help.

I wish you good luck and I hope you "flip the script" on HRC during the PA debates.

Sincerely,

EMK

Letters to the Editors of Pennsylvania Newspapers

Julie Hensley — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:43:26 EDT

In these last couple weeks before the primary, I'd like to suggest that everyone - especially those in PA - take time to send a letter to the editor of at least ONE paper.

Some editors seem to prefer locally written letters, others like to post views and perspectives of those outside the area, most all look for hard hitting content.

Take time to compose something short (preferably not more then 200-300 words) and provide it to at least ONE paper. Most papers have only forms for submission which spares you the hassle of printing it out, putting it in an envelope, addressing and stamping it.

In the time that it takes to make 5-10 phone calls in the phone bank, or to post ONE blog, or to add 2-3 new friends or to drive down to the local field office, you can send a letter to several newspapers via online functions.

Please take the time. Be concise. Make your point. Speak your mind. Very few things are as compelling as word of mouth and to hear these powerful messages from other voters is perhaps one of the best things you can do to help sway the PA Primary.

Finally, please take the time to post the link for your submission, and the letter you sent on this blog and to all your fellow Obama friends and supporters via email, etc. It's such a simple thing to do and worthy of the time it takes of each of us.

Our Outreach Campaign

Evanmack — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:57:40 EDT

Our group, consisting of SE West Virginians, and Out of state helpers, has so far written 1612 hand written letters to voters in WV. You too can help grow the movement in WV:

my.barackobama.com/page/group/outofStatersReachingOutToWestVirginia

Who are the Donors that threatened Nancy Pelosi?

Dale from Hoopeston, IL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:14:25 EDT

I am starting out with this issue, because when I read this article I knew it was time something had to be said. Obama is forcing the donors to come out in to public and try to destroy him at all costs. After all it would be a unprofitable situation for them to lose power. Now remember this letter is worth almost 24 million dollars of donated money from those people.

Here is the letter:

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Office of the Speaker
H-232, US Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madame Speaker,

As Democrats, we have been heartened by the overwhelming response that our fellow Democrats have shown for our party’s candidates during this primary season. Each caucus and each primary has seen a record turnout of voters. But this dynamic primary season is not at an end. Several states and millions of Democratic voters have not yet had a chance to cast their votes.

We respect those voters and believe that they, like the voters in the states that have already participated, have a right to be heard. None of us should make declarative statements that diminish the importance of their voices and their votes. We are writing to say we believe your remarks on ABC News This Week on March 16th did just that.
During your appearance, you suggested super-delegates have an obligation to support the candidate who leads in the pledged delegate count as of June 3rd , whether that lead be by 500 delegates or 2. This is an untenable position that runs counter to the party’s intent in establishing super-delegates in 1984 as well as your own comments recorded in The Hill ten days earlier:

"I believe super-delegates have to use their own judgment and there will be many equities that they have to weigh when they make the decision. Their own belief and who they think will be the best president, who they think can win, how their own region voted, and their own responsibility.’”

Super-delegates, like all delegates, have an obligation to make an informed, individual decision about whom to support and who would be the party’s strongest nominee. Both campaigns agree that at the end of the primary contests neither will have enough pledged delegates to secure the nomination. In that situation, super-delegates must look to not one criterion but to the full panoply of factors that will help them assess who will be the party’s strongest nominee in the general election.

We have been strong supporters of the DCCC. We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August. We appreciate your activities in support of the Democratic Party and your leadership role in the Party and hope you will be responsive to some of your major enthusiastic supporters.
Sincerely,
Marc Aronchick
Clarence Avant
Susie Tompkins Buell
Sim Farar
Robert L. Johnson
Chris Korge
Marc and Cathy Lasry
Hassan Nemazee
Alan and Susan Patricof
JB Pritzker
Amy Rao
Lynn de Rothschild
Haim Saban
Bernard Schwartz
Stanley S. Shuman
Jay Snyder
Maureen White and Steven Rattner

Now the letter has a threatening undertone. The most important paragraph being the last one, and who signed this letter. Why should 17 donors feel that they are so important that they have the power to change the voice of the American public. This is not only threat but a slap to the American democracy. So why do these people care so much about what Nancy Pelosi says? Are they trying to buy the white house? Well lets look at how much these people have donated to the Clintons, and the democratic party.

It is listed Name, Total to democrats, Total to Clinton

Mark A. & Judith M. Aronchick , $80,300 , $9,950
Clarence A. & Jacqueline A. Avant , $227,300 , $19,200
Mark & Susie Tompkins Buell , $1,066,625 , $79,200
Sim & Debra S. Farar , $252,450 , $38,800
Robert L. Johnson , $1,535,800 , $24,800
Christopher G. & Irene Korge , $189,600 , $18,300
Marc & Cathy Lasry , $422,000 , $23,900
Hassan & Sheila Nemazee , $523,000 , $21,200
Alan J. & Susan Patricof , $770,918 , $39,200
James R. & Mary K. Pritzker , $492,900 , $18,400
Pradeep R. & Amy J. Rao , $341,850 , $46,200
Lynn Forester de Rothschild , $218,679 , $39,700
Haim & Cheryl Saban , $10,892,848 , $31,600
Bernard L & Irene Schwartz , $4,245,750 , $32,400
Stanley S. & Sydney R. Shuman , $454,082 , $51,300
Jay T. & Tracy M. Snyder , $824,999 , $28,200
Steve & Maureen White Rattner , $1,062,144 , $31,300

Grand Total , $23,601,245 , $553,650

Based on data for the 2000-2008 election cycles released electronically by the Federal Election Commission on March 20, 2008. Totals for Clinton include donations to their campaigns and leadership PACs

Nancy Pelosi has also received at least $35,600 from the signers..

These individuals clearly feel that they have bought enough influence to purchase our next Candidate, and change the out come of the election even though the voters have made their voices loud and clear. We have to stand up and stop the purchasing of our political system. Only a candidate who turns down lobbyist money can change this. We have to stop the downward spiral of failed policy due to the purchasing political favors. They will do everything in order to distract us from the real issues. The lobbyists and donors will lose too much money if they lose the White House, and will do everything to win.

So who are these people? Why do they give so much money and what can they possible want? There has to be some favor attached to it. Lets take a look.

Bernard Schwartz - Chairman of the Board and CEO of Loral Space & Communications. His time at Loral, his company was instrumental in helping the Chinese military to acquire weapons technology. In 1997 he celebrated his 71st with Bill and Hillary Clinton in the White House. Schwartz became embroiled in a controversial transfer of missile technology to the People's Republic of China. [1][2][3]

He is currently the Chairman and CEO of BLS Investments, his own investment firm located in Manhattan [4]

Can you believe this man had the nerve to sign this letter after giving away missile secrets to China?

Haim Saban - In his New York times interview in 04 "I'm a one-issue guy and my issue is Israel," he said in his first extensive interview in years.

Mr. Saban became a billionaire by turning the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers into a global franchise that he merged with Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Murdoch has also held fundraisers for Clinton. Does this explain why Fox News just bashes Obama all day? I will get more in to this in future blogs. [5]

So what has Hillary promised Mr. Saban?

Chris Korge - Last March 31, Miami native Christopher Korge hosted more than 160 guests at his sprawling $2.6-million, seven-bedroom lakeside mansion in Pinecrest. They had paid $4,600 each to hear Korge's neighbor, music mogul Timbaland, MC the event. By the end of the evening, the lawyer-turned-real-estate-developer had raked in at least $736,000 for the presidential campaign of another of that night's guests: Hillary Clinton, the favorite in this Tuesday's primary election in Florida. Raising bundles of cash for pols is nothing new for Korge, who parlayed a local lobbying practice into lucrative business ventures at Miami International Airport during the late Nineties. He garnered enough for Bill Clinton's presidential campaigns to earn an overnight stay in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom.

Korge amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune, much of it from lobbying fees paid by county vendors, including heavyweights like AT&T and Parsons Brinckerhoff Construction Services. "He certainly was a big player at one point in time," says executive director of the Miami-Dade ethics commission, Robert Meyers. "The perception is out there that you have to hire a lobbyist to get access to county officials

Though never charged with a crime, he has been at the center of four questionable deals at Miami International Airport that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. One of them spawned a criminal investigation. [6]

How much more will the Clintons give him? Will they continue to sell out our country?

Stanley Shuman - worked for New corp for 23 years, and is on the board of directors. Another News Corp members. I guess Hillary owes Fox a lot. He also sits or has sat on 11 other boards. Such as News Corp, Proxim Wireless, Six Flags, Hudson General Corp, Palamon Capital Partners , Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. [7]

Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild - Rothschild was a corporate lawyer and telecommunications entrepreneur, the sparkly blond ex-wife of former New York politician Andrew Stein had made more than $100 million from the sale of cleverly acquired wireless broadband licenses. What will Hillary give her? First rights on more broadband licenses which are due up for sale during the next 4 years?

Her Comments on Murdoch. "I have so much respect for Rupert Murdoch, I cannot even tell you. I don't, of course, agree with his politics all the time, but I think that he is a visionary. I think he is gutsy. Everyone I've ever known who's done a deal with Rupert cannot say a bad word about him. He's honorable, and I think it's an obvious thing for him to do, and I think it was brilliant." [8]

Amy Rao - Founder & Chief Executive Officer Amy Rao founded IAS in June 1994 and serves as its CEO. In addition to her responsibilities as CEO, Amy devotes much of her time and energy to raising awareness around climate change, global warming and encouraging environmentally friendly habits in both the work place and home. Amy also serves on the board of multiple Non-Profit Organizations and engages in various philanthropic projects. Amy earned a B.S. in Business from Purdue University. [9]

Her company is in charge of many government contracts.[10] How many more will Hillary give her for these donations?

JB Pritzker - Grandchild of A.N. Pritzker (d. 1986), who, with sons Jay (d. 1999) and Robert, created industrial conglomerate Marmon (2004 sales: $6.4 billion) and hotel chain Hyatt (211 hotels worldwide). Plan to pass control of empire to Jay's son Tom, cousin Nick and niece Penny collapsed in 2001; family agreed to carve up empire 11 ways. Family drama sparked by Robert's 2 youngest children, Matthew and Liesel, who filed suit in Chicago and the Bahamas, where family maintains offshore trusts; each settled for $500 million. But dynastic carve-up, including sales or initial public offerings of Marmon and Hyatt to be completed before 2011, in perplexing standstill mode now. J.B.: with brother, Tony, runs venture capital fund, invests in technology, manufacturing. [11]

Off Shore Trusts? Hillary is being donated by people who hide their assets off shore? Must save a lot of taxes that way. Is he hiding something?

Marc Lasry- Avenue Capital Group was founded in 1995 by Marc Lasry and Sonia E. Gardner. Pioneers in the distressed debt market, Mr. Lasry and Ms. Gardner have successfully invested in the public and private debt and equity securities of distressed companies across a variety of industries for over two decades. [12]

Chelsea Clinton works for the “Avenue Capital Group — a New York hedge fund run by Marc Lasry. [13]

Clinton's owe this man a lot.

Hassan Nemazee - Hassan Nemazee is a multimillionaire Iranian-American investment banker. In 2004 Nemazee filed a ten-million-dollar damage claim against the Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran and its coordinator, for accusations by the group that Nemazee is an agent of the Islamic Republic of Iran. [14]

Nominated by President Clinton to be the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, withdrew his name amid questions in the Senate about his fund-raising and business record. [15]

What will Hillary do for him?

Robert L Johnson - In 1979, he left NCTA to create Black Entertainment Television, the first cable television network aimed at African Americans. It was launched in January 1980, initially broadcasting for two hours a week.

In 2006, Johnson became a staunch advocate of phasing-out the Estate tax. He went so far as to call the tax racist, although relatively few black people will have to pay this tax [16]

6 Months later Johnson wrote a controversial letter to the Washington Post advocating that the new AFRICOM Military Command be based in Liberia. Johnson has also called for "African-Americans to support Liberia like Jewish-Americans support Israel [17]

Sim Farar - Mr. Sim Farar, of Los Angeles, California, has been serving on the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts to the John F. Kennedy Center since 1994. He has also served as a volunteer on the California Senate Advisory Commission on Business Insurance and the California Senate Small Business Advisory Board Commission. He is currently President of JDF Investments, specializing in Corporate Development. Mr. Farar is also the President and member of the Board of Directors of IFC Financial Services Corporation, a financial services consulting firm.

President Clinton nominated him as the US representative to to the Fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. [18]

He is just giving his dues to the Clinton. Expect to see him nominated for another position.

Susie Buell - Susie Buell is often described as Hillary Clintons best friend. I found so many Marc Buell's that I am not 100% sure what one is him. However Marc Buell lists himself as a investor as his occupation field. There is a Marc D. Buell who works for Bear Sterns. I am fairly confident they are the same person, however if anyone has any more information please notify me.

Jay Snyder- Mr. Jay T. Snyder is a Principal at HBJ Investments LLC. He has been a Vice President, Research and Product Development of Biocraft Laboratories Inc. since May 1990 and Director of Product Development since 1988. From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Snyder was a Plant Manager of Biocraft Laboratories Inc.'s penicillin dosage form facility and from 1977 to 1982, he held various production positions with Biocraft Laboratories Inc. In 2003, Mr. Snyder was appointed to the Commission. ... He was reappointed to a three-year term in 2005. Mr. Snyder also served as a Public Delegate to the 55th United Nations General Assembly from 2000 to 2001 and was appointed in 2005 to serve as a Commissioner on the New York State Commission for Public Authority Reform established by Governor Pataki to study, review, and evaluate the operations and practices of public authorities. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Beatrice Snyder Foundation as well as on committees for several charitable organizations including the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center from 2003 to 2005. In April 2005, Mr. Snyder joined the Board of Governors of Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy and serves as a Director at Phoenix House Foundation since 13 February, 2007. [19][20]

Steven Rattner - Steven Rattner is a Managing Principal of Quadrangle Group LLC focused on the firm’s media and communications private equity business. Prior to the formation of Quadrangle Group in 2000, Mr. Rattner was Deputy Chairman and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC. Mr. Rattner founded Lazard's Media and Communications Group and has been involved in many of the largest and most important transactions in these industries. Mr. Rattner, who joined Lazard in 1989 as a General Partner, was previously a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, where he also founded the Communications Group. Mr. Rattner has served many philanthropic organizations. He is a former Chairman of thirteen.org (Channels 13 and 21, New York’s public television stations), a Fellow of Brown University, a Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and an honorary trustee of the Brookings Institution. In addition, he writes regularly for a variety of publications on economic and public policy matters. Mr. Rattner holds a B.A. with honors in economics from Brown University and was awarded the Harvey Baker Fellowship. [21]

Steven Ratner is also the President of ediets.com [22]

Clarence Avant - Clarence Avant is a music executive who is widely renowned for his sincere dedication to pioneering opportunities within the recording industry. In the late 1960s, Avant successfully engineered the first joint venture between an African-American artist and a major recording company. [23]

Alan Patricof - Alan Patricof is cofounder of Apax Partners, Inc. (formerly Patricof & Co. Ventures, Inc.). Alan founded the firm at a time when venture capital was at an incipient stage and has been instrumental in growing the industry from a base of high net-worth individuals to its position today with broad institutional backing.
Alan has helped build several major global companies and was instrumental in the start-up, financing, and subsequent strategic guidance that helped facilitate the growth of companies such as America Online, Office Depot, Cadence Systems, Apple Computer, FORE Systems, NTL, Audible, Inc. He was a founder and chairman of the board of NewYork magazine, which later acquired the Village Voice and New West magazine. [24]

Marc Aronchick - Marc Aronchick is a Phildelphia Trial Lawyer. Mr. Aronchick was a member of Mayor William J. Green's administration and was appointed as the youngest City Solicitor in the history of Philadelphia. Mr. Aronchick also served as a member of the Bench Bar Relations Task Force of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Mr. Aronchick has a diverse national trial and appellate practice, including health care fraud and abuse, health care litigation, controversies involving financial institutions, antitrust, environmental, employment, securities, class actions, construction, professional malpractice, governmental, administrative, general business and white collar criminal defense cases. [25]

White Collar Criminal Defense cases? Must be easy to get pardons when the president owes you favors.

These are the individuals who signed the letter to Nancy Pelosi.

Please go through my citations. Check for the Accuracy of what I am saying. If you see any mistakes, or have any questions, or comments please e-mail me or post a comment. I only want the truth in this blog.

1. Marquis, C. "Satellite Maker Fined $20 Million in China Trade Secrets Case (2002), http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D07E7DA1039F933A25752C0A9649C8B63, (accessed March 28, 2008).

2.McMillan, A. "Loral fined for missile aid to China(2002), http://archives.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/01/09/china.loral/. (accessed March 28, 2008)

3.Loral, "LORAL AND U.S. GOVERNMENT SETTLE 1996 CHINESE LAUNCH MATTER(2002), http://www.loralpresscenter.com/inthenews/020109.html, (accessed March 28, 2008).

4.Loral, "Bernard Schwarz bio http://www.loral.com/company/leadership/bernard-schwartz.shtml (accessed March 28, 2008)

5. Sorkin, A. "Schlepping to Moguldom(2004), http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/05/business/yourmoney/05sab.html?_r=1&oref=slogin (accessed March 28, 2008).

6.Alvarado, F. "Hillary Clinton's Money Man(2008), http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-01-24/news/hillary-clinton-s-money-man/print (accessed March 28, 2008).

7. Business Week, "Stanley S. Shuman EXECUTIVE PROFILE http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=529016&privcapId=90371&previousCapId=91031&previousTitle=News%20Corp (accessed March 28, 2008).

8. Grove, L. "World According to...(2007), http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/the-world-according-to/2007/10/05/An-interview-with-Lady-de-Rothschild (accessed March 28, 2008).

9. IAS, "Amy Rao, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, http://www.iarchive.com/_company/mngmnt.htm (accessed March 28, 2008).

10. IAS, Federal http://www.iarchive.com/_federal/federal.htm (accessed March 28, 2008).

11. Forbes, "#451 Jay Robert (JB) Pritzker http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/NMVI.html (accessed March 28, 2008).

12. Avenue Capital Group, "Firm http://www.avenuecapital.com/index.cfm?sID=1766 (accessed March 28, 2008)

13. CNN, "Chelsea Clinton in new hedge fund gig(2006), http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/03/news/newsmakers/clinton_fund/index.htm (accessed March 28, 2008)

14. Morano, M. "Top Kerry Donor Faces Iranian Propaganda Allegations(2004), http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=%5CPolitics%5Carchive%5C200410%5CPOL20041012c.html (accessed March 28, 2008).

15. Worth, R. "Cash Collectors for Kerry Race Run the Gamut(2004), http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/16/politics/campaign/16donors.html?ex=1250308800&en=0d1e94d3797ddd53&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland (accessed March 28, 2008).

16. Molotsky, I. "Black Business Leaders Campaign Against Estate Tax(2001), http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E00EED9173EF936A35757C0A9679C8B63 (accessed March 28, 2008).

17. Johnson, R. "Liberia's Moment of Opportunity(2007) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/13/AR2007051301123.html (accessed March 28, 2008).

18. White House, "PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES SIM FARAR AS U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FIFTY-FOURTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS (1999), http://clinton6.nara.gov/1999/09/1999-09-09-farar-named-representative-of-united-nations-general-assembly.html (accessed March 28, 2008).

19. US Department of State, Commission Members http://www.state.gov/r/adcompd/c2440.htm (accessed March 28, 2008).

20. Buisness Week, "EXECUTIVE PROFILE - Jay T. Snyder http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=8018503&privcapId=32584044&previousCapId=4489683&previousTitle=Phoenix%20House%20Foundation,%20Inc (accessed March 28, 2008).

21. Quadrangle, "Investment Team - Steve Rattner http://www.quadranglegroup.com/rattner.html (accessed March 28, 2008).

22. Forbes, "Steve Rattner http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/FromPersonIdPersonTearsheet.jhtml?passedPersonId=1097444 (accessed March 28, 2008).

23. Universal Music Publishing Group, "Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Clarence Avant's Publishing Companies(2004), http://www.umusicpub.com/news_readmore.aspx?ID=1853 (accessed March 28, 2008).

24. Wharton University, "Keynote Speakers http://www.wharton-pec.org/conf2006/keynote_alanpatricof.asp (accessed March 28, 2008).

25. Hangley Aronchick Segal & Pudlin, "Attorneys http://www.hangley.com/attorneys/bios/Mark_Aronchick (accessed March 28, 2008).

Letter to the Editor: Let's have the Wright conversation

Wayne — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:56:54 EDT

Let's face it: there's way too much flaming that goes on in internet forums and in local newspapers over Reverend Wright's sermons.

It generates a lot of heat, but no light.

So how about if we back up a little and try to do what Barack has asked us to do: sit down and have a quiet conversation and try to understand one another?

Here is a letter...

Dont let Clinton starve the DCCC

Benin WB — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:20:15 EDT

Hillary and her donors are threatening to bring down the DCCC if Nancy Pelosi doesn’t hand her the nomination. Let’s show Hillary and her donors that they aren’t the only ones who have influence in this party. Give to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The DCCC is the organization in charge of electing and re-electing Democrats to the House. Help congressional Democrats keep the House of Representatives, give to the DCCC and send Hillary a message that our party is bigger, and more important, than her.

Visit Act Blue and spread the word and the love!

Letter from Rev. Jeremiah Wright to NY Times

Soldierette!! (CENSORED) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:05:22 EDT

March 11, 2007

Jodi Kantor
The New York Times
9 West 43rd Street
New York, New York 10036-3959

Dear Jodi:

Thank you for engaging in one of the biggest misrepresentations of the truth I have ever seen in sixty-five years. You sat and shared with me
for two hours. You told me you were doing a "Spiritual Biography" of Senator Barack Obama. For two hours, I shared with you how I thought he was the most principled individual in public service that I have ever
met.

For two hours, I talked with you about how idealistic he was. For two hours I shared with you what a genuine human being he was. I told you how
incredible he was as a man who was an African American in public service, and as a man who refused to announce his candidacy for President until
Carol Moseley Braun indicated one way or the other whether or not she was going to run.

I told you what a dreamer he was. I told you how idealistic he was. We talked about how refreshing it would be for someone who knew about Islam
to be in the Oval Office. Your own question to me was, "Didn't I think it would be incredible to have somebody in the Oval Office who not only knew about Muslims, but had living and breathing Muslims in his own family?"
I told you how important it would be to have a man who not only knew the difference between Shiites and Sunnis prior to 9/11/01 in the Oval Office, but also how important it would be to have a man who knew what
Sufism was; a man who understood that there were different branches of Judaism; a man who knew the difference between Hasidic Jews, Orthodox
Jews, Conservative Jews and Reformed Jews; and a man who was a devout Christian, but who did not prejudge others because they believed something other than what he believed.

I talked about how rare it was to meet a man whose Christianity was not just "in word only." I talked about Barack being a person who lived his faith and did not argue his faith. I talked about Barack as a person who
did not draw doctrinal lines in the sand nor consign other people to hell if they did not believe what he believed.

Out of a two-hour conversation with you about Barack's spiritual journey and my protesting to you that I had not shaped him nor formed him, that
I had not mentored him or made him the man he was, even though I would love to take that credit, you did not print any of that. When I told you,
using one of your own Jewish stories from the Hebrew Bible as to how God asked Moses, "What is that in your hand?," that Barack was like that when I met him. Barack had it "in his hand." Barack had in his grasp a uniqueness in terms of his spiritual development that one is hard put to find in the 21st century, and you did not print that.

As I was just starting to say a moment ago, Jodi, out of two hours of conversation I spent approximately five to seven minutes on Barack's taking advice from one of his trusted campaign people and deeming it
unwise to make me the media spotlight on the day of his announcing his candidacy for the Presidency and what do you print? You and your editor proceeded to present to the general public a snippet, a printed "sound byte" and a titillating and tantalizing article about his disinviting me to the Invocation on the day of his announcing his candidacy.

I have never been exposed to that kind of duplicitous behavior before, and I want to write you publicly to let you know that I do not approve of it and will not be party to any further smearing of the name, the
reputation, the integrity or the character of perhaps this nation's first (and maybe even only) honest candidate offering himself for public service as the person to occupy the Oval Office.

Your editor is a sensationalist. For you to even mention that makes me doubt your credibility, and I am looking forward to see how you are going to butcher what else I had to say concerning Senator Obama's "Spiritual
Biography." Our Conference Minister, the Reverend Jane Fisler Hoffman, a white woman who belongs to a Black church that Hannity of "Hannity and
Colmes" is trying to trash, set the record straight for you in terms of who I am and in terms of who we are as the church to which Barack has belonged for over twenty years.

The president of our denomination, the Reverend John Thomas, has offered to try to help you clarify in your confused head what Trinity Church is even though you spent the entire weekend with us setting me up to
interview me for what turned out to be a smear of the Senator; and yet The New York Times continues to roll on making the truth what it wants
to be the truth. I do not remember reading in your article that Barack had apologized for listening to that bad information and bad advice. Did I miss it? Or did your editor cut it out? Either way, you do not have to
worry about hearing anything else from me for you to edit or "spin" because you are more interested in journalism than in truth.

Forgive me for having a momentary lapse. I forgot that The New York Times was leading the bandwagon in trumpeting why it is we should have gone
into an illegal war. The New York Times became George Bush and the Republican Party's national "blog." The New York Times played a role in
the outing of Valerie Plame. I do not know why I thought The New York Times had actually repented and was going to exhibit a different kind of
behavior.

Maybe it was my faith in the Jewish Holy Day of Roshashana. Maybe it was my being caught up in the euphoria of the Season of Lent; but whatever
it is or was, I was sadly mistaken. There is no repentance on the part of The New York Times. There is no integrity when it comes to The Times.
You should do well with that paper, Jodi. You looked me straight in my face and told me a lie!

Sincerely and respectfully yours,

Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. ,
Senior Pastor
Trinity United Church of Christ

Waking Up Pennsylvania and the Country.

Julie Hensley — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:59:25 EDT

I'd like to suggest that our veterans of Desert Storm, Vietnam, The Gulf War and any others that can speak to the challenges facing our military today consider the impact they can have by writing letters to the editors of newspapers in Pennsylvania in these next few weeks.

It struck me when I heard a report on NPR, they were interviewing a relatively young Pennsylvania couple. She was a veteran of a tour of duty in Iraq, Ramadhi (sp?) at it's worse. During her entire tour, her husband, home in the US with their young son, was obsessed (his word) and checked the casualty website 9 or 10 times at day at least (again his words). He also spent inordinate effort and time writing letters, calling politicians and basically demanding an end to the war and how his wife needed to be brought home. Then he goes on to say that when she got home, although she has some harrowing stories, that they were lucky and she's fine mentally and physically. Which tells me that he's quite aware that it's NOT everyone who is remotely so lucky.

Well, that was a couple years ago. She's home and they have another baby and as the husband says, they've "MOVED ON". Know what that means? The war isn't a big issue for them. I guess they figure that no one else cares about a loved one over there enough to be obsessing or checking the casualty website compulsively, or calling their Congressmen and writing letters. No, they got through it okay so it's just not a problem anymore?

For those that think I am being harsh. He's voting for McCain. She's voting for Clinton.

I just think that veterans' MIGHT be the only voice that could break through to such mindless, self- absorbed sorts of people.

Open Letter to Lou Dobbs

Loretta Hurt — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:10:42 EDT

Lou Dobbs/CNN

Dear Lou,

I know this is a lengthy letter. If you chose to read it, I will be very grateful.

I’ve been watching your show for a couple of years and am a huge fan. Your show airs around 5pm in my hometown. I often rush home just so I can watch you on CNN.

The work you’re doing in bringing the plight of working-class Americans to the consciousness of our nation is commendable. The same with your work on border security. There have been times when I disagreed with you but always felt that you are a straight shooter who tells it like it is.

Lately, I have been saddened and disheartened by the position you’ve taken on the Sen. Obama and Rev. Wright situation during your cable news broadcast. The day Sen. Obama gave his speech on race in America; I watched your show and almost turned off the TV because it was so painful to hear your hard-line and unsympathetic rhectoric. But I didn’t, I decided to listen to the entire show and I’m glad I did.

What Ellen Tauscher had to say...

Harris — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:05:18 EDT

Ahhh accountbaility. Transparent democracy where our elected representatives are reachable just a scroll and click away. See my previous post to see what I wrote to her regarding her choice to endorse Senorita Clinton.

This is her response, two months later,

Dear Mr. Cohn:

Thank you for writing to me about the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. I am pleased that two strong candidates are engaged in an historic nomination contest, and I look forward to vigorously supporting the nominee of the Democratic Party in the race for the White House this fall. The last seven years under President Bush have served to diminish our economy, our national security, and our standing in the world. I look forward to helping unite the Democrats around our nominee and beginning to reverse the damage of the outgoing administration. I am glad to know your thoughts on this primary race, and I will be sure to keep them in mind as the nomination process continues.

Correspondence from constituents like you is essential to my work in Congress, and I hope that you will continue to inform me of your concerns. I appreciate hearing your ideas as I work to shape national policies to reflect the views of California's 10th District. To keep abreast of my work, please visit my website www.house.gov/tauscher to sign up for my newsletter, e-tauscher. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact my office at 925-932-8899 or 202-225-1880.

Sincerely,

Ellen O. Tauscher
Member of Congress

Uninteresting, thanks for the response I guess. I will be writing her a response, perhaps as amibigous. I'll post it later. Has anyone else contacted they're elected offical? How did it go?

Como se dice?, como se llama? Obama, Obama

Hillary's tactics

Caryn — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:03:27 EDT

I was talking to my friend Liz, who came over to my house last night. Liz is very excited about the Democratic race for president. After all, this is an exciting time in history. Unfortunately, with all of her excitement, she really was not terribly informed on all of the issues that both candidates (Barack and Hillary) stand for. So, after explaining to her why I made my decision to get behind Barack, I pulled out my handy dandy laptop so that we could do some research together. We found a number of articles, I took her to this website as well as Hillary's, and we, of course, went to Youtube.com. We identified a number of issues, and resultantly, Liz was better able to distinguish each candidate and their stances. She was happy to be better informed, and I was happy to help her be informed.

After this reasonably balanced position I presented to her, I thought that it would be ok to bring my bias back into the conversation. We checked out the 3am ad, Keith Olbermann's diatribe on Hillary's campaign tactics involving Geraldine Ferraro, and Hillary's 60 Minutes interview... as far as I know. :) We both watched these with suprise and disgust, even though I have viewed each piece numerous times. The suprise grows no less, nor does the disgust. So, after my friend watched these, we went on our own diatribes about these happenings. We posed this question to each other: "Does one's campaign tactics act as a reflection of one's character, ethics, and moral fiber?" We both agreed that campaign tactics may act as a reflection. Afterall, I would rather lose to a person when we were both judged by the issues rather than win to a person who was unequally judged on rumers, falsities, and innuendo. Right?

Not only do I stand behind Barack Obama's mission, I stand behind his integrity, ethics, and values. I stand behind Barack Obama because he has EARNED my respect as a human being and politician.

To Hillary, if you ever randomly happen upon this blog:

Hillary, the respect I once had for you is dwindling. As an opposing candidate, I never looked at you with hate or animosity. We are all on the same side! We are all Democrats. We share the same values. It would serve you well to remember that.

-Caryn

This letter needs an Obama Response

! ! ! ! ! Matthew McGovern !!!!! — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:16:31 EDT

Dear Obama friends,

Here we go again! In today’s Courier-Journal we have another anti-Obama/pro-Hillary letter. This one deals with how Obama has been living on the coattails of both Bush and Cheney, in regards to big oil money. Of course, any connection between Hillary and Bush has been ignored.

I specifically liked the line by the writer, “The global warming thing has only been a smokescreen to steal money.” Yea, that fuzzy science called Global Warming. Anyway, I urge everyone to spend a few minutes writing a letter to the editor in response to such an idiotic perspective.

These, and other types of letters which are printed in the CJ, are perfect focal points in which to make our Pro-Obama case to the public.

Remember that you can have published one letter per month. Not just one submission! So keep writing in defense of our candidate.

Have a great day everybody!

Matthew McGovern

Original Post:

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/OPINION02/803170314/1018/OPINION

Submit a letter here: http://www.courier-journal.com/cjconnect/edletter.htm

Get some facts:

http://www.votesmart.org/official_five_categories.php?dist=voting_category.php

THE LETTER

… Obama backed Bush

Whenever Sen. Barack Obama wants to put down Hillary, people should know that he voted for all of the tax breaks that Dick Cheney and President Bush wanted for the big oil companies. Whenever there's a tiny spot for companies to rip off the American people, Obama has been there. The failed policies of the Bush administration have all but ruined the people of the United States. The only hope of salvation is to vote for Hillary and hope that Bush and all of his buddies haven't stolen the country and sold it all to the foreign governments. The only ones to have anything to gain from the high oil prices are Bush and the big oil companies. The global warming thing has only been a smokescreen to steal money. Please get out and vote for Hillary, and let Obama continue to ride Bush and Cheney's coattails.

WILLIAM STOUP

Covington, Ky. 41011

Letter to Barack Obama 10-09-07

Art Llebrez — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:40:32 EDT

October 9, 2007

Dear Senator Obama:

When you stand in front of a white crowd you're not there because you are half white. And when you stand before a gathering of African-Americans you're not there because you are half black. You are there because you want to serve our country and our people-all our people-as President of the United States.

To do this you have to beat Senator Clinton to the presidential nomination of the Democratic party. But you and Sen. Edwards are making a mistake running as the un-Clintons. Don't run as an alternative to Hillary Clinton; run as the only alternative that makes sense, Democrat or Republican. Tell me why we should vote you President!

I tell you, if the race is between Clinton and Juliani, a lot of folks are not going to vote in '08. We really need a change in this country! So, forget about being a bright lawyer from Harvard, a social activist, even a US Senator and don't pull your punches.

Major Daily Papers in Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Blog and Letter to the Editor Links

Julie Hensley — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:57:13 EDT

These are tough one folks! The tone in the media has changed -as if you didn't know!

Please forward, crosspost, link to this information. Basically make use of it in any way that could benefit Barack Obama's campaign.

It's important to get lots of letters to these outlets and try to get into the blogs and leave comments. These are just links for the Major Dailies in Pennsylvania. I'll have the links available for other daily PA papers within the next couple days.

Philadelphia Inquirer – Blog: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/blogs_columns/

Philadelphia Inquirer – Letters to the Editor and OpEd: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/Write_to_Us__Letters_and_Op_Eds.html

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Letters to the Editor: http://biz.post-gazette.com/contact/comments_form.aspx?ID=40

(guidelines for submission): http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03001/322207-209.stm

Pittsburgh Tribune Review – Letter to the Editor: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/letters/send/

OPEN LETTER TO THE SUPER- DELEGATES: THE STATE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PROCESS

ODEH ODEH — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:48:00 EDT

Dear Honorable Super Delegates,

I am humbled to be writing you this letter in regard to the party presidential nomination process. It has been weeks of back and forth, ups and downs, highs and lows in the various campaign trail indeed and without doubt, this development has its own positive and negative attribute. However, the reason why I am specifically writing this open letter is to point out some very crucial issues and situations that might likely help in your choice of one of the two candidates we have on the ground; one the established and the other the contender- new kid in the block.

The Necessity of Exploring New Ideas

Without doubt, a party who lacks dynamism in its ideology and operation is subject to become stagnated, necrotic, static and retrogressive, with the ultimate implication of loosing its fundamental appeal to the people that are usually faithful and unfortunately unattractive to outsiders. The Democratic Party must therefore accept the challenge of looking beyond its confines, especially in terms of supporting an unfamiliar face irrespective of the party machination and taste.

Ohio Primary Fall Outs

I am resident in Baltimore, Maryland, but happened to be engaged in a conversation with a Democrat who just participated in the Ohio Primary on March the 4th. Based on what I heard, my heart is sadden and bitter for the way and manner some of our anticipated leaders have exploited our people’s ignorance, race and other forms of discrimination to try and canvass for votes.

It is not in my place to lecture any of you on democracy and politics; nevertheless, I am honored to completely and totally accept the concept of democracy that Obama is offering us, as a nation and people, who want to pursue a common goal of making life better for in the country. According to Obama’s philosophy, democracy is the building of an institution and not the participation of people in just the process of voting. By simple deduction, the current political dispensation was supposed to be an avenue to rally people, no matter your racial background, religious, social educational and affluent status behind a common goal hope and change.

Well back to the Ohio Primary, my associate happens to encounter some very ugly trend and development that is completely inimical to the Obama proposed building of a humane institution of a united people focus on a united goal. Majority of the uneducated whites that were interviewed and questioned on their perception of Obama generally come out swinging with a very familiar answer: THE NAME OBAMA SOUNDS LIKE OSAMA AND HE MAY BE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST OR HIS A MUSLIM AND EVEN A TERRORIST! Asked further why this kind of answer; and the reply goes like this: DID YOU NOT SEE THE PICTURE OF HIM DRESSED IN A MUSLIM GARB WHICH WAS DISTRIBUTED BY CLINTON, SO THAT AMERICA CAN KNOW THE TRUE OBAMA?

Wait a minute! In case, you find my narration strange call Ohio and find out the truth. The point I am however trying to justify here is this; Democratic aspirants cannot use exploitation, malicious and unsubstantiated, groundless and the deliberate nefarious tactics of discrimination and fallacies to confused voters on the necessity to vote for them at the expense of accountability, responsibility, honesty and the truth.

Sir and Madam, you are all aware that, the most dogmatic, adamant, redundant, narrow-minded stratum of the populace is the most uneducated people. However we know and appreciate the fact that, this country is in a better position to engineer and lead the world by virtue of how educated and well informed her citizens are about local, national and international issues.

We all owe the people of this great country the sacred responsibility of disseminating the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if that means we are going to loose to a better candidate.

Anatomy of Demographic Voting Pattern

I am very much aware of the fact that you all know exactly the demographic voting pattern in the both candidates campaign. Nevertheless, it is important to further stress the obvious facts, since my letter is to really express my outmost concern about some ugly trend that is fast developing and might leave us wondering what has happened.

The Clintons Campaign appealed to the elderly especially women aged 60years and above, the uneducated white and Latinos. On the other hand, Obama’s appeal is outstandingly unique among the entire population that is 45years and below, especially among the educated, White male and the African- Americans.

What this pattern portends to us, from my perspective is the stack reality of a campaign focused on the past versus those of a movement of today and focused on the future. We have to therefore be very vigilant and objective when the decision to make the choice may come down to all of you.

Idiosyncratic Campaign Tactics

Finally, we have seen the idiosyncratic campaign tactics by these two peculiar candidates.

As have been visualizing by many of us, the Clinton campaign have been very notorious in their inclination to negativism and the tactics that exploit the diversity that should have been the core of the American strength. Furthermore, the personality attack on Obama; distorting and maliciously engaging in the campaign of calumny, discrimination, contempt, disdain and lack of respect for a fellow democrat, aspiring for the same nomination sincerely bring out a very monstrous perspective to Senator Hilary’s quest.

Obama though hurting, have continued to pursue and aggressively for that matter, the re-engineering and rejuvenation of the political landscape style of campaigning. Typically it is fashion after his most cherish ideology of transparency, humanity, respect, open-mindedness, diplomacy, stability, calmness, gentleness, hope and change. I mean he could have opted out and begin to emulate Hilary’s style, but on the contrary and true to his conviction that politics can be a clean game, he is abiding by his promise to take the “high way.”

Conclusion

The entire world is watching the United States of America and very critically too. It is our responsibility to prove and continue to lead the way in telling the world that we know how best to respond to the people’s aspiration and desire, even in the face of tough choices and intricate situations. Just likes great leaders who have persevere and endure insults and discrimination, such as John F. Kennedy, Martin L. King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and host of others too numerous to count, including our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, community leaders, Obama have uniquely distinguish himself as belonging to this divine group and the world is still watching. I also want you all, the honorable super delegates to watch and decipher for yourselves, what is best for the American people and which of these two candidates possesses the qualities that can be translated into affirmative actions, that will subsequently lead to inspiration of the people of this country, so that they can hope again and join hand in changing the world.

God Bless USA

God bless Obama.

Thank you for your time.

Respectively yours,

Odeh Odeh

Dear Mr. Future President Obama,

Rebecca from Naples, NY — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:22:30 EST

I’m sure you’ve heard it all before. I’m really excited about your campaign and its possibilities for the future. I’m one of the hundreds of thousands who have contributed to a political campaign for the first time because of you. I’ve searched for your name on YouTube, I’ve read every NYTimes editorial and listened to every public radio podcast about your campaign, I’ve counted delegates and pondered superdelegates, I daydream about who you might choose as running mate, secretary of state, attorney general… I’m amazed that there are still people in this country who aren’t yet convinced you’re the best candidate, by far.

But imagine a typical someone: mid-thirties, unmarried, in relationships time after time only to be disappointed by each one in turn. One lover cheats, one can’t let go of earlier commitments, another is completely self-absorbed. And all of them eventually lie. So when a new flirtation comes along, it’s perfectly natural to feel some apprehension along with the attraction.

That’s just how I’m feeling now. And I imagine a lot of people, of both genders, feel similarly. I’m hoping with all my heart that you become the Democratic presidential nominee, and that you subsequently kick major Republican backside in the general election. But here’s some advice for afterwards, to help keep the tarnish off the delicate relationship you will have started with the American people.

Don’t be a politician, be a government representative. Of course the Democratic Party and a lot of other factions will have helped you achieve your goal of the presidency, but never forget that your post-election responsibility is to ALL the people of the country. When you make decisions, make them for civic, moral, and honorable reasons, not political ones. In a recent New Yorker article about New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer, he replies to a question about moral guidance by saying “… the toughest decisions and the right answers to those tough decisions are still the ones that you come to when you just sit down and you say, ‘O.K., what are we trying to do?’ What are the right moral values to guide it? Ignore all the politics. Ignore the screaming and shouting.”

If you really want to change Washington, you will have to ignore the inevitable screaming and shouting that will come when you push against the status quo. Instead of talking politics, develop the 21st-century equivalent of FDR’s fireside chats and communicate directly with us, clearly, honestly, and often. Encourage the American people to get educated about the issues, not by preaching or drowning us in details, but by teaching and leading by example. In a recent interview with Bill Moyers about her recent book “The Age of American Unreason”, author Susan Jacoby said that the President’s responsibility would be better defined as “Educator-In-Chief” rather than “Commander-In-Chief”. When you embark on a new foreign policy agenda, show us the map, introduce us to the people, give us the background and the perspectives. For health-care and other domestic issues, talk to us clearly about the pros and cons of various approaches and explain your choices. Show the American people that conservation equals patriotism, consuming less does not mean giving in, and a State of the Union address can be as gripping as an episode of American Idol. Give us an avenue for feedback other than polls. Then, when you need support for change against old-school politics, come to us. From your mouth to our ears and back to our Congressional representatives. You’ve been saying that it takes working together to accomplish meaningful change, and that will continue to be true after the election as well.

Change the Bush White House of Secrets and Deception to the Obama White House of Openness and Truth. Renounce the unconstitutional Executive privileges the Bush White House has procured and exploited and bring our government back into balance. Remind Congress of their responsibility to demand accountability from all areas of government and encourage their investigations on behalf of the American people. Ferret out and squash the activities that have been going on in our intelligence and military operations that have caused us to lose the respect of the rest of the world. Publicly take action against the use of torture tactics, eradicate Blackwater-type mercenaries from our military, act in accordance with the Geneva Convention, and close Guantanamo Bay. Reconfirm that, in this democracy, we are all indeed equal under the law. Last but not least, in your cleaning, scrub deep down into the fluorescent halls of government agencies like the FCC and the FDA. Remind them of their mandate to work on behalf of the people of this country, not the business entities. Get Congress to help you, and the people will help them.

Finally, in regards to the idea of “re-branding America”, I know you’re the best one for the job. We need to reinstate confidence in American values around the world and show the rest of the world that we are one of them, and willing to listen as well as talk. Help yourself by finding as many equally hopeful and dedicated diplomats and public servants as possible, people who are wise to the ways of the world without having been jaded by them in the process.

I know this is a really tall order, and more than anyone should expect from a new affair. Don’t worry, we understand change doesn’t happen overnight, and we can be patient. But from “Day One”, you need to show your commitment in this relationship, and prove that you’re serious about working with us on this change thing. I’ll vote with my heart, then hope, watch, and wait for your call to join in.

[this is a re-post of this letter from my own website, originally dated February 18. At this current date, post-Texas and Ohio, I feel even stronger that Obama needs to focus on details and approaches and specifics for his campaign to continue to be successful. Please don't let Hillary steal the nomination through her underhanded tactics!]

An Open Letter to America

David Taylor — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:44:46 EST

Here in Australia we don't have a say in who runs America but the decision America makes has an impact on all of us around the world.

For many, the United States has been a beacon of freedom and democracy, a chalice of hope and a home for our dreams but for the last few years, many of us have been saddened by the hurt and pain that you've endured and the anger with which your Government has responded.

Barack Obama fills that chalice with hope again and I, as someone who wants America to be a super hero again and not just a super power, wish him every success in his quest to become President of your United States.

Because, in a way, they're our United States too.

An open letter to HRC

Chris S — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:02:43 EST

Just finished reading the day's distortions (ie news). Read with some annoyance the report that the Republican news media (MSNBC and FOX News) is calling "Nafta-gate". Nafta-gate? Are you kidding me? This latest attack (by a Dem on a Dem) is the lowest form of ploitics known to Americans. How can you and your henchmen actually think this helps you.

HRC, I am an American, born and raised. I have voted in every presidential election since I was voting age nearly 23 years ago. I have always been a Repblican. This year, I made the decision to register as a Democrat after seeing Barack and the wonderful community of concerned fellow Americans that make up his campaign. I am excited about the prospect of a Gen X'er only a few years older than myself getting a chance at the presidency. I have never been so enthusiastic about a candidate, a political party or an agenda for change. This has nothing to do with you HRC. You represent everything that is wrong with politics today. This is not a football game. You don't get points for sacking the quarterback or spiking the ball. Your playbook is crude, predictable and ugly. Shame on you and your handlers. As a victim of the right wing conspiracy (as you call it), you are the ultimate hypocrite for acting this way. You so you are more prepared to lead on day one? On what grounds. What Federal experience did your husband have? Ronald Reagan? Suggesting your term of service as first lady counts is insulting to all those who ran for and became president based on their character and their ideas. Shame on you for lying. And shame on you for not knowing when to stop. The idea is to do what is best for the country, not what is best for you personally. Your actions may have already cost this election for your party. Your negativity even has Rush Limbaugh supporting you - congratulations, that is an accomplishment you can be really proud of. And its not even day one yet.

This is America and I personally challenge you to tell the truth, do the right thing and act like you give a darn about your party. Stop it now. And if you think I am wrong and you are right, prove me wrong. Unlike you and your handlers, I omitted the vitriole I collected during your husband's presidency and kept my comments cordial. PS - thanks for all your help in the 1990's with affordable healthcare - your experienced initiatives really made a difference.

17 Year Old Seeking Change

Richard — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:09:24 EST

Hey everyone! Letters to the editors are big deals. They get your information out to a wide audience; I encourage everyone to do it.
My article, as follows, reached print. Thanks for the support!
Dear editor:

I like Barack Obama. Not just as a candidate, but as a politician, a man, and a human being.

The reason why I like him? He allows my dream to exit. He proves that a young man from the middle class can defy the odds to excel quickly in his career, all while following his dreams. Obama’s platform rebels against the standards set today by politicians from an old era. And not only would Obama simply achieve his dream. He would leave a lasting impression on our country and inspire millions of minorities and young people to partake in the elections.

Hs ideas and platform not only evoke hope and great enthusiasm for an individual philosophy, but they make one believe in a new generation of politics and ideas that may evolve into the modern day face of reform. IT would be a great chapter in American History to elect a young, fresh, mildly experienced candidate into the role of chief executive. He would be a young president in a country that is seeing issues arise on diverse topics that senior politicians simply can’t relate to. Obama is the change we speak of. We want to move on from the so-called “experience” of Dick Cheney and Hilary Clinton, and move forth toward a new style of thought and government. One that can help people who personally bring down unemployment rates by working 3 “Wal-Mart” jobs. Analogously, through this new political movement, Obama is doing to American politics what Tiger Woods did to golf.

The opposition’s best tactic is to keep challenging the Obamians to explain what this change is. It is hard to explain, because what it is is a philosophy; A strong modern-day social liberalism. Obama’s reforms would be reminiscent to FDR’s New Deal, allowing a new movement in Government. Barack truly represents what the modern-day democrat is.

We are the United States of America. Our country is a Republican Democracy, not a Constitutional monarchy. Should we enter 30 straight years of Bush and Clinton family rule? The Young people want something new. The American People want something new. That is what we mean by change. Change to the Presidency, change to the Congress, change to the ruling party’s last name. If Obama’s dream becomes reality, then the much needed American Dream will live on as well. Keep the dream alive.

~ Richard Maopolski
Old Forge, PA

Reacting to O'Reilly

Julie Hensley — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:14:56 EST

We have ALOT of work to do. As someone who makes alot of calls I can tell you that it's not the average person who is concerned about Michelle's statements... it's the conservatives hoping to rip the candidacy appart and distract us.

If you are outraged by Bill O'Reilly's statement(s) please consider writing to fox and complaining. The form to do this is at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,77538,00.html

Once you have done that... if you choose to, let's drop it unless we need to address it with people we talk to about the election (which should be everyone!) and get back to work knocking on doors, going to rallies, planning events, making calls, writing letters, blogging... like I said WE have a lot to do. Don't you think DISTRACTION is the VERY thing that every opponent from Hillary to McCain to Huckabee is hoping for?

OHIO Links for Blogs, Forums and Letters to the Editor

Julie Hensley — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:50:36 EST

PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST/FORWARD TO EVERY OBAMA SUPPORTER IN THE WORLD!

Support www.Obamacycle.com (recycle Obama campaign gear)

I love reading everyone's blogs in here but another venue that we could really use to help get the word out is --- BLOGS in Texas and Ohio and Vermont and Pennsylvania..and you get the idea.

I've put together the links for blogging and submitting letters to the editor for the Daily papers in Ohio (and Texas, previously posted). I'll be working on the links for the semiweekly and weekly papers next.

PLEASE don't let this helpful information go to waste! Write one really good blog/letter and post it to a few locations. If you don't get it to all of them you will still have an impact on the ones you did use!!

Just think of the value of all those undecided and independent eyes seeing what you have to say about Obama!

Be SURE to include complete contact information (phone, email, name, mailing address) for letters to the editor (the first link after the newspaper name) and keep it brief (most papers won't print more than 200 words). Blog or forum links are the second link next to the newspaper name.

Letter to a Superdelegate

Jonah — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:10:03 EST

Barack has referenced Dr. King's phrase "the fierce urgency of now" to relay the importance of this presidential race for America's future. I couldn't agree more. We are at a precarious time in our future. The wealthiest ten percent of American households control two-thirds of the national wealth in a country that has the highest poverty rate in the developed world. We have the world's largest Gross Domestic Product, yet some 47 million Americans don't have health care. The United States accounts for approximately half of the world's military spending, yet in our states and local communities we are faced with deteriorating infrastructure and a broken education system.

Few times in America's history have our priorities been so misguided: we are now funding a foreign military excursion in Iraq at the expense of our domestic responsibilities to the economy, education, and healthcare, our President works to amend the Constitution to make same-sex marriage illegal instead of working on the far more important issues of global climate change and energy independence, a Republican-led Congress under President Bush eschewed all principles of fiscal conservatism and amassed staggering amounts of national debt and pork-barrel spending in conjunction with the entrenched interest groups of Washington, and the President’s reckless foreign policies have caused a dramatic loss of support among America’s allies and have emboldened those who would seek to do Americans harm.

I honestly believe that Barack Obama is the candidate who best understands what needs to be done to resolve America’s problems. I am a self-proclaimed Independent; I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past. This election, though, I am putting my faith in the man I believe can take this country in a new direction, one who as a true uniter will focus on the policies instead of the politics. I believe Barack can restore our international prestige, bring real results to our neglected domestic responsibilities, and bring us what this country most needs: hope.

John Dewey, a famous philosopher and pragmatist, once said that "Philosophy recovers itself when it ceases to be a device for dealing with the problems of philosophers and becomes a method, cultivated by philosophers, for dealing with the problems of men." I truly believe that Barack has the knowledge and the experience to pragmatically resolve problems that have been neglected by an intractable and ineffective President. Barack’s speeches are more than just words and he has true substance despite what critics may contend. I am of the opinion that Barack's stances on the issues are trustworthy and realistic because they are based on empirical facts, social justice, and practical solutions. Perhaps most importantly, his judgment is sound and more than just being ready on day one as President, he will be right.

Barack has broad appeal to Americans who understand that we need a candidate who is going to bring about the changes needed to address America's, and the world's, greatest challenges. Barack has always, and will continue to be, the real change candidate in this election, and I believe his message resonates with average Americans who are hungry for a new way of thinking and a new way of doing things in Washington. Instead of the candidate who will unite the Republican Party and bring us more of the divisive politics of the past, we need a candidate who can bring a governing coalition together to bring about real change.

There is no question that Barack has brought new people into the political process, people who feel that under an Obama presidency they would have a real say in their government. Many of these people, myself included, do not feel the same way about Hillary Clinton and would consider voting for John McCain in November if Hillary is the Democratic nominee. I believe the Democratic Party would severely miscalculate the mood of the country by nominating someone who is seen by many as divisive, calculating, and a symbol of the past, not the future. Barack, on the other hand, has a diverse following, and his supporters are drawn to him in part because of his policy positions but also because of their personal belief in him as an agent of change.

Since you are not legally bound to vote for either candidate, I would ask that you please consider voting for Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention. Poll after poll has shown that a Democratic victory in November is more likely with Obama as the Democratic nominee than Clinton. Poll after poll has shown that Clinton has much higher unfavorable ratings than Obama. Exit polls have shown that Obama draws the most Independents and even a few Republicans. More voters in more states have voted for Barack Obama than Hillary Clinton. With Obama as the nominee, Democrats can win in November, solidify leads among young voters, and bring about the change that this country so desperately needs. Please consider supporting Barack Obama. At a time such as this, our country needs him!

Letter to the Superdelegates

A.B. from the Twin Cities — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:37:49 EST

Imagine for a second that you are standing in a quiet and still forest on a beautiful autumn morning. You feel a small but cool breeze brush by you. That breeze gradually becomes a gentle gust and now you see and hear the stir of leaves on the forest floor. They move ever so slightly and maybe one or two actually leave the ground. You continue to watch. The wind picks up and now more leaves are fluttering across the forest floor. You realize the leaves seem dangerously close to – yes – dancing! You continue to stand still…and wait…to see what will come next. You find your patience rewarded when a huge gust of wind sweeps through the forest and transforms your environment right before your eyes. The leaves swirl around merrily in the air. Many are darting through and around your legs. Others leaves are playfully brushing across your face and neck. And many more leaves circle high above your head and sometimes teasingly come within reach – only to whisk away and return to the canopy again. You see red leaves, and yellow leaves, and orange leaves, and brown leaves chasing each other playfully. The forest is full of energy. You soak in the exciting atmosphere. You never realized that so little could cause something so vibrant and beautiful…

The leaves are the American people. The wind is Barack Obama. For too long the American people have lain dormant on the forest floor. The past few months have seen an extraordinary influx of first-time voters and a record number of voters have flocked to the Democratic primaries. The youth have been energized to take part in the political process. Even some older adults have testified that they feel excited about America again. We live in a great and blessed country, but the realization of how good things CAN be has yet to fully resonate with the American people. Now it has. Change is in the air. And it is no secret that the reason is Barack Obama. There’s a reason why he gets rock star treatment at his rallies. There is a reason that there are overflow crowds in 20,000 seat arenas. It’s not because Obama is such a great speaker. It is not because he has great policy solutions that address the concerns of everyday Americans. It’s not because he is ready to be President on Day 1. All those things we believe to be true, but the real reason is this. He is motivating individuals to unite as one to change our country. It’s not about HIM. It is about US. He is not inspiring us with what HE can do with the county. He is inspiring us with what WE can do with this country under his leadership. He has given us a glimpse of America that we knew (or at least heard) was always there, but never really thought much about. He has inspired a movement. This movement does not end when he is sworn into office. This movement will continue as long as Obama takes the reins of this country and this government and leads us. When the most powerful man in the United States cares this much about instilling success, hope, and togetherness in the “little people,” the “little people” start demanding it of themselves. That is the mark of a true leader and a true leader is what this country needs. That is why I support Barack Obama.

Letter to D.C. Delegates (that haven't decided)

rrobinson — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:24:09 EST

Originally posted by rrobinson (me) on Feb 7th, 2008 at 4:44 pm EST

I actually got a response from Brazile that she is "neutral" and "will remain on the fence." I'm a bit concerned by the response. Delegates owe it to their constituents to choose. The letter below was modified after sending to various D.C. Delegates.

-----------------------------

Dear Delegate __________,

I am writing to encourage your endorsement and pledge for Sen. Obama for Election '08.

I am a 28 year old African American female born and raised in Washington, DC. Despite growing up in a community ravaged by drugs, I persevered. Currently, I am an information professional with hopes of eventually earning a PhD in Information Science.

I attribute my success to the few positive people that surrounded me while growing up. Those that encouraged me to dream beyond my circumstances. People like my mother, my siblings and teachers. Those motivating me to embrace and hone my skills and talents. In contrast, the number of people propelling me toward negativity was overwhelmingly greater (as is common among inner city kids). This was my reality. Statistically, I should have had been a teenage mother turned high school drop out like many of my friends before age 16.

I didn't have any defining moments during my K-12 school years. I nearly failed at least 1 or 2 grades and wasn't sure what I would become. However, I held on to hope and the notion that I could be more than what society defined me as.

I am sharing my personal story to let you know that despite everything, I believed in something greater than me. Something inspiring me to be more than what I was (and perhaps still am) told I am. Now, more than ever, D.C. youth need hope. As elusive as the word sounds, it's very real. It is the force behind self determination. Sen. Obama inspires hope, change, unity and personal responsibility. These are attributes that speak to one's character. These are the qualities that youth must know will determine their greatness.

Because of my experiences, I have an even stronger desire to help the youth reach their potential. I am a member of D.C. Reads and have volunteered at neighborhood schools. I also taught basic computer skills at the University of the District of Columbia where I was once a Law Librarian.

I realize your demographic may appeal more to Sen. Clinton; however, I ask that you consider your constituents. The ones that can't vote and don't have a choice in policies that shape their future. Policies affecting education and healthcare. While Sen. Clinton appears to have good intentions, her stance has shifted on various issues. For me, this raises the question, what is her integrity?

While the Clintons have done good during Former President Clinton's terms, Sen. Obama has done a lot for his constituents in Illinois as well as the Democratic Party. He cares and has wonderful and very realistic plans to address serious issues including terrorism, healthcare and economic growth. He also has experience - enough for the majority of the population to support him.

Delegate ___________, I ask that you look past the politics of Capital Hill and consider your constituents in D.C. - the youth, those hoping and desperately trying to rise above their circumstances. No other candidate speaks to this country and our city in its current state.

Yes we can and we will with your support. Please endorse Sen. Obama!!!

Highest Regards,

R. Robinson

Links! Blog and Letter to the Editor Writers - get in touch with These Texas Daily Newspapers Part I

Julie Hensley — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:44:55 EST

These are the papers just through towns beginning with the letter M. Big state. Lots of papers. See prior blogs for tips and links to other papers in WI and the major dailies in TX.

Links follow, click read more to view.

Blog Writers! Letter to the Editor Fans! Links to the MAJOR Daily Texas Papers!

Julie Hensley — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:10:25 EST

Like all papers the papers in Texas require complete contact information for verification (phone, email, mailing address and name). Also keep it concise and brief - 200 words is the max for most and that's probably all a reader is going bother with anyway. So write something sharp and to the point.

BE SUBSTANTIVE! EVERYONE knows Barack is inspiring - it's becoming a major criticism because too many people, who've not paid attention, I know, think that is all he is, a feel good expedition! Mention his accomplishments including passing the most significant ethics reform package in the history of the USA. Ask them to consider, with all her experience, what Hillary got done? Her most notable accomplishment in fact the only one of note was her healthcare reform that did not pass and then rather than pursue it she became the darling of the Health Care Industry.

Try to avoid criticizing and try to avoid negatives even if it is something like Barack doesn't lie. Instead say Barack tells us the truth.

It's fine to send the same letter to every paper! Just send it!

If you've not already submitted letters to newspapers in Wisconsin PLEASE do so this today! All the links and information are available in my old blogs. If for some reason that doesn't work, write me and I'll send it to you via email. Also spend an hour or so - if you like blogging and commenting to visit Wisconsin newspaper sites and check out their blogs and participate. We can really get alot done with these last few days in helping people decide!

Links follow for the Major Daily Papers in Texas! Millions of eyes look at these papers and go to these websites for blogging and info!

Blog Writers! Letter to the Editor Fans! Links to the Major Daily Papers in Texas!

Julie Hensley — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:07:51 EST

Try to avoid criticizing and try to avoid negatives even if it is something like Barack doesn't lie. Instead say Barack tells us the truth.

It's fine to send the same letter to every paper! Just send it!

Links follow for the Major Daily Papers in Texas! Millions of eyes look at these papers and go to these websites for blogging and info!

My open letter to Superdelegates

Chris S — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:25:56 EST

I received David's plea to write "my story" and after doing it (a surprisingly emotional experience), I felt it would be good to share with everyone. So here it is...

To whom it may concern:
For the first time in many years I have registered to vote. My decision to not participate in several previous elections was the result of what I felt was a lack of importance attached to my vote. It seemed that no matter whom I voted for, election outcomes were not the result of individual voters exercising their right to democracy, but instead, the result of a select few who did not represent me and really did not care about the voice of the electorate. Supreme Court decisions, Electoral College votes, delegates, all seemed to represent someone else or no one at all, ignoring popular voting and seemingly doing their own thing behind closed doors.
Now, for the first time in many years, I find myself inspired to vote. And in fact, inspired to change party affiliation. I have been a Republican for the last 23 years and this year, because of Senator Obama, I have actually registered as a member of the Democratic Party. I am inspired, motivated and encouraged in a process that once was alien and alienating. We all have a chance to do the right thing here. But I am concerned. I am concerned that the voice of the majority, that the voice of the individual voter may once again be silenced by a secret force with the power to select the course of democracy without the voice of the public. I am concerned that this race between Senators Clinton and Obama will be too close for a decision before the Democrat Convention. I am concerned that the people who have voted their minds and their spirit thus far, will not have a voice come time for the nomination. It is for this reason that I implore you to please listen to the public, to please take into consideration the popular vote for a Democratic candidate and to do the right thing come the Convention. Sen Obama has demonstrated thus far that he is a candidate for the people. His voice is one of reason and healing for my new political party. He is a break from politics as usual and dynasties in the White House. He is a healing force, not a divisive one. He can unite our party against the Republican ticket. He represents true change, true statesmanship and true leadership. The time has come for the Democratic party to leave behind the partisan bickering and dynasty building of the Clinton's and Bush's. Please stand by us, the voters, and help us nominate the next President of the United States.

Most sincerely yours,
Chris Sparno
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Helping Barack with the Superdelegates

Julie Hensley — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:50:38 EST

Hey, what would it take to create a letter writing campaign to the SuperDelegates?

If Bill Clinton can call them and remind them of old Clinton favors and make new promises, can't I write them to tell them I appreciate their ambition but if they are ambitious they better support Barack cause *I* a voter, SURE won't forget if they don't? Course I could probably say it a bit nicer.

Where do we find their contact information? What would/should we say in the letters?

A letter I wrote to my friends

Jennifer from Santa Barbara, CA — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:49:25 EST

This is a letter I wrote to some of my friends the eve of super tues.:

Dear Friends,

First let me say I am sorry for crowding your inboxes. But for the first time ever, I am really excited about a presidential candidate. So I am compelled to tell you a bit about why I am voting for Barack Obama tomorrow. I have a feeling that I am preaching to the choir in some instances, but perhaps some of you are still on the fence. Clearly you are all intelligent people, capable of making up your own minds, but for what it is worth...

He was, of course, against the Iraq war from the beginning, which I think demonstrates better judgment on his part. Hillary voted to authorize the war. But aside from this major point, with so little difference between the two candidates on domestic issues, I think it's OK to go with our "guts" on this one. I believe the following narrative does a pretty good job of summing up what my gut is telling me:

My parents are conservative Republicans-- my mother somewhat less so, my father somewhat more so. I am not. Politics is typically a very divisive issue in my family.

I went to visit my parents in l.a. the other weekend when Obama won in South Carolina and something very interesting happened. We all watched his victory speech together. And then it happened. I looked around and everyone had big emotional smiles on their faces. My father was so moved, he even became a bit teary. My father moved by a Democrat, impossible! If you know my dad then you know this is a minor miracle. My mother said he was touched by the hand of God. My Independent leaning sister and I held hands. We basked in the glow of Obama, and for a little while, we were unified. Amazing.

The exact opposite happened with Hillary. My parents became tense when they saw her and started yelling at the TV. This is typical. My parents are not really excited about any of the Republican candidates, but they can't wait to vote against her. Whether or not it's justified (probably not), she turns them into Republican activists.

Personally, I want the kind of America that I found in my parents' living room during the Obama speech- one where we can all come together, Democrats and Republicans and support a brilliant, inspiring, and thoughtful leader. I think Obama has the rare ability to create an empowered progressive majority in this country. We need this.

Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten that leaders like this can exist. We have become cynical, all the while taking comfort in the humor of The Daily Show and Colbert Report (still love these shows of course). We have difficulty talking about politics without irony. It seems uncool to be in any way earnest.

It is without a trace of irony that I earnestly say to you, yes we can!

Perhaps all of this seems idealistic to some, but it has happened before, and it can happen again. This is what JFK did as president and this is what Barack Obama can do now.

Thanks for reading,
Jen Brundidge

Help with Recruiting Superdelegates Needed!

Tracey Malesa-Wheaton; Dyed-in-the-wool-DEM — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:34:42 EST

SUPERDELEGATES

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegates-who-havent-endorsed.html

fOLKS- ABOVE IS A LIST OF SUPERDELEGATES WHO HAVE NOT ENDORSED. As you are all aware, t his election is likely to be made or broken by them and not the primaries. It is therefore really important that we let our voices be heard. I intend to begin a petition for Obama to get thee superdelgates in his corner and will need all of yoour help in getting lots and lots of signatures in a very short period of time. I also need someone with super writing skills to help me drafe a cover letter to the superdelegates and I need someone, perhaps several people to help me e-mail this petiion and letters out because there are so many superdelegates. Please email me at malesa1842@comcast.net or see my Obama website to help. Thanks so much! TMWHeaton

Open Letter to Senator Obama

Dop37 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:23:20 EST

Dear Senator Obama,

Everything that has happened in South Carolina is distracting from your message. I understand the need to defend your record because you have a record to be proud of and someone attacking your character and misleading others on the truth is frustrating. However they have taken you off your game. It reminds me of when you're watching a basketball game and one team has momentum and the other team takes a time out and changes strategy and suddenly the winning team is playing THEIR game instead of playing their game and they see their lead start to slip away. I propose a suggestion for you - Go public and acknowledge it wasn't right what's happened in South Carolina. Just apologize to the American people for allowing yourself to be dragged into the very thing you said the American people don't want to see from their politicians. Promise to get back to your message. Promise to not allow comments made from other candidates get you off your game and off your message. If you feel the need to respond to the attacks do so in under a minute at the start of a speech "The Opponents Mistruths or Clarifications For Today". Make it quick. Don't attack the other side. Just set the record straight, do it quickly and get on with your message and what you believe you can do for this country. Eventually it will stop because they aren't rattling you and your numbers will improve because you're refusing to play into that kind of politics. They want you to talk about anything other than your message of hope because they know they can't beat that message. You will be rewarded for staying above it. I promise you that you will. I heard a quote once that said "A good leader is one who can build a firm foundation while other's throw bricks at him". I believe in your ability to build a strong foundation for a better future for this country. I want the Obama back that I saw in Iowa who was all about his message and being above this kind of politics. Rise above this. Keep your eyes on the prize not those that try to take it from you. God bless you.

Letter from John Kerry

Asher Heimermann — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:22:04 EST

Martin Luther King said, "The time is always right to do what is right." So I'm choosing this time to share an important decision I've made, one I believe is right for this country.

The JohnKerry.com community has been very important to me and very important to the Democratic resurgence over the last couple of years, so I wanted to let all of you know my decision before I confirm it with anyone else. I want to share with you my conviction that in a field of fine Democratic candidates, the next President of the United States can be, should be, and will be Barack Obama. Each of our candidates would make a fine President, and we are blessed with a strong field. But for this moment, at this time in our nation's history, Barack Obama is the right choice.

I'm proud to have helped introduce Barack to our nation when I asked him to speak to our national convention, and there Barack's words and vision burst out. On that day he reminded Americans that our "true genius is faith in simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles." And with his leadership we can build simple dreams, and we can turn millions of small miracles into real change for our country.

At this particular moment, with our country faced with great challenges in our economy, in our environment, and in our foreign policy, and with our politics torn by division, Barack Obama can bring transformation to our country. With Barack, we can build a new majority of Americans from all regions who can turn the page on the politics of Karl Rove and begin a new politics, one worthy of our nation's history and promise. We can bring millions of disaffected people - young and old - to the great task of governing and making a difference, child to child, community to community.

The moment is now, and the candidate for this moment is Barack Obama. Like him, I also lived abroad as a young man, and I share with him a healthy respect for the advantage of knowing other cultures and countries, not from a book or a briefing, but by personal experience, by gut, by instinct. He knows the issues from the deep study of a legislator, and he knows them from a life lived outside of Washington. His is the wisdom of real-world experience combined with the intellect of a man who has thought deeply about the challenges we face.

History has given us this moment. But we need to decide what to do with it. I believe, with this moment, we should make Barack Obama President of the United States.

Thank you,
John Kerry

Barack Obama and Al Gore

Thomas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:04:20 EDT

I believe that one way for Barack to bridge the gap (at least nationally) between himself and the Clinton campaign is to gain the backing of Former Vice President (and now Nobel Prize winner) Al Gore. Therefore, I propose starting a letter writing campaign asking Gore to endorse Obama. His endorsement would hold a lot of weight both nationally and in the early states. I know the Obama campaign has courted his endorsement. I think it is time that we help.

A Letter to My Children

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:06:53 EDT

One of our fantastic supporters, Dana, has been working hard to convince undecided voters that Barack Obama is the leader that our country needs and deserves. Her dedication to Barack is an inspiration to us all-- and her family is even housing one of our field organizers, Scott. One day, Dana decided that she needed to let her family know about her new-found passion for Barack and wrote this letter to her daughter Heather, and her son-in law Ryan. Their family is truly blessed to have someone as faithful, honest, and loving as Dana—who opened up about a topic that is very rarely discussed in their household, and spoke from the heart about her dedication to Barack and his message of hope.

A Letter to My Children

By Dana, Las Vegas Volunteer

Dear Heather and Ryan,

Normally, especially in the past I had little to do with any political discussion and felt a complete sense of hopelessness and ambivalence toward the whole electoral process. In fact, I think in the last four elections I only voted because it was a civic duty and I voted completely on gut reaction, or some influence from the little sound bites that were manipulated through the media. One time I even voted for a candidate because I knew it would negate someone else’s vote. It was just some vindictive little secret that entertained me for a while, but I am now ashamed that it meant so little to me. I have had a lot more time lately to pursue information, and glean details about the candidates, but mostly I feel so enraged at the present administration and the direction our political leaders have gone, that I feel more and more compelled to give time and energy to this important process.

It affects us all-- especially you two and the America you inherit. If I am as disinterested in this coming election as I was in the last few, then I must bear the responsibility of the outcome-- regardless of who is chosen. I do believe it's very important that we all find the time to inform ourselves. As adults, we have the power to weigh, discern, and evaluate the information against our conscience, our instincts, and our experiences, regardless of how limited or narrow. A candidate cannot be matched to ones values without weighing those values with a very careful measure. Even then, as we have seen with the present administration, the values we hold so firmly to may not have any bearing after they are elected. To use "abortion rights" or "stem cell research" or even "social security reform" as a basis for a platform is a misnomer. These are not the measure of a good leader-- his platitudes or policy biases. His or her leadership will be measured on how they enact the very things that the Presidency is supposed to stand for… the will of the people. They are a public servant and are supposed to honor their responsibilities.

As a future doctor, Ryan, you will be required to do things you may not agree with; probably sooner than you expect-- and you will have to make hard choices. These choices do not reflect your own values, but rather the will of your patients and the established medical traditions. Even you, Heather, will have to weigh your hard and stone set convictions against hard-set realities. Fights and little battles are not always won by setting your jaw and closing the doors.

Whatever the future holds for Barack and us as a nation, we are all better off for having him in our lives. I only saw Barack from 100 ft. away, only read a borrowed book, only volunteered at his Vegas headquarters, and only visited his website from the privacy of my own home-- but I feel like I know him. I care about what he cares about. I believe in the things he is willing to work and fight for. There is so much more behind the somewhat pensive and serious man that is seen at a distance. There is gentle but direct strength. There is conviction, thoughtful direction, purposeful action, and most of all HOPE. We all HOPE for his vision and ideals will find a strong supportive nation to help implement them. We all HOPE a person like Barack can help unify the various fractures that plague our nation. We all HOPE that with the right leadership, our collective needs and values will be respected. I believe that Senator Obama has the skills and ability to unite the necessary leaders to help create a new, brighter, more colorful and inclusive window into the American Presidency and the policies it must reflect. I feel excited, nearly giddy with HOPE for what our future can be if we do our part to help this man become the next President of OUR United States.

I am not easily swayed and carry a deep-set suspicion of all politicians, so my endorsement of Barack is something I have come by with great care and effort. I've read nearly everything I can to help me weigh my decisions. I know you are both busy with school and my beautiful granddaughter, Emmy, and everything that demands the time of young couples. I still feel compelled this time to motivate you two to become informed, to spend some time thinking about the problems our nation faces, and to commit, promise, and act on our right and responsibility to vote in the upcoming election. It's none of my business whom you vote for. That is as personal as your perspective incomes or intimate lives, but it's very important that you fulfill your obligations and your duty!

I love you two and just want the best for our country. I think Barack is the leader we need, but it’s up to you to make up your own mind. Please let me know if you want to talk more about this. Take care of my grandbaby!

Love,

Mom

Obama's green stance and ignored letters

Thomas from Waterford, MI — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:53:07 EDT

I wrote the following letter to Obama and got no response. It is nice to know he wants our votes so much.

Dear Senator Obama,
I hope you will begin to stand out from all the other candidates on
environmental issues. Based on what information is listed on
barackobama.com, it seems environmental concerns do not rank very
high on your presidential agenda. It would be nice to see you support
things like:
Waste reduction, such as a national bottle deposit and mandatory
recycling (Ann Arbor, MI and Seattle, WA are examples of two cities
that have such legislation in place). I'm sick and tired of people
consuming wastefully, putting the leftover trash in the garbage can
and thinking it is "gone." IT IS NEVER GONE. The Earth is only so
big, and it becomes smaller each day. It is sad to see that we have
locations being used solely for waste. These locations can only hold
so much waste before a new location for dumping must be found. It's
logical to assume that our the future generations are going to have
to live on top of our own waste. Is that honestly what you want for
our children? It is time that people start paying for their
contribution to this waste problem!

Eliminating all fossil fuel consumption and spurring a massive
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is another item that should be
on your agenda. Take for example Spain: they just built a green
power plant using water and mirrors. Why is Spain leading the way,
and America, the country known for innovation, is not? We put a man
on the moon and fly shuttle missions, yet we cannot create planes
that don't use fossil fuels? Instead we are wasting money on
programs like FCS-manned vehicles and trying to modernize an army
that doesn't need to be modernized with tanks.

I cannot fully support your campaign until you put more effort into
showing that you are the "Green candidate" of choice. We've already
seen what the Clinton administration did for the environment, and
that was not much. And let's not get started on what the Bush
administration has done for the environment. It is just sad to see
that you don't want a better America for our children, either.

Being that Obama is ignoring this issue it must mean he does not understand it. I don't feel he has the knowledge or experience to solve these environmental issues.

The Audacity of Young Voters

Jeff Stumpf — Sun, 20 May 2007 19:56:33 EDT

I wrote a letter to Senator Obama. It reads as follows:

Senator Obama,

First let me provide a little background as to who I am. I am a 21 year old student from Portland, Oregon who voted for the first time in 2004 for Kucinich and subsequently lost interest in voting. I wanted to thank you for being genuine, and whether or not you win the presidency, which I have faith you will, you still are an amazing role model. I used to harbor such a disdain for politics and government that I wished for a revolution, but I could never quite imagine it working. And then a friend pointed me to a video on youtube of Barack Obama speaking at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and I thought, "This man is our revolution." Subsequently you started looking into the possibility of running for president. This whole time I'm checking in on your website, just waiting for a clue. Finally when you announced your candidacy I was up at the crack of dawn watching the video. I've paid attention to you, you have captivated me. You've inspired me to do something with my life, to go back to school and deal with mounting debt because I believe that you can guide my generation and help us to fix a bond that has been broken longer than I've been alive. I want to have the skills to stop climate change and to help universal health care take off and (especially) to reform student loans.
I have a blog on your website and you're one of my top friends on myspace because it isn't enough for you to inspire me, I need to get my friends involved and I have been trying. When it comes down to it I am going to lead them to the polls or pay for the stamps for their voter registration forms. And the reason I'm doing it is because you have convinced me that it matters. So when the campaign trail gets tough, remember that there are people like me all over the country who look up to you and who stand behind you in support. That's why we show up in the thousands at your speeches and that's why you're going to be the next president.

Thanks for reading this, if you actually did.
-Jeff Stumpf

I also wrote a blog on myspace trying to inspire some of my friends to vote and here is that:

Here in Australia I have plenty of time to keep tabs on American politics since I'm not allowed to work and days seem to pass slower and slower. For those of you back in the busy land of America, let me break it down for you:

Everyone from the Boston Globe to Foster's Daily Democrat to the Chicago Tribune and even Yahoo! News are saying that voters between 18 and 30 are showing increasing interest in politics. They're saying that we're the only reason Obama is a top tier candidate and they're also saying that we aren't really going to vote. They're saying that statistically we won't take the time to vote even if we show interest initially. So to all my friends, this is important and you really better fucking vote. Young adults not voting is part of the reason our presidents are usually old and distant, it's the reason we feel like we aren't being represented. It's the reason student loans will keep you poor long after you've landed a good job.
So if you aren't registered to vote yet, or if you're not sure if they've got the right address, go to www.govote.org and print a voter registration form, maybe make sure other people in your house don't need a copy, too. Then fill it out, sign it, stamp it, and mail it in. (Remember to register as a Democrat if you want to vote in the Democratic primaries - at least in Oregon)

So when election day comes around I think I just might volunteer a little of my time to try and get as many young voters to vote as possible. I don't really care if they vote Obama or Clinton or Giuliani as long as they let their voices be heard. Still, up until Election Day, I'm going to be trying to reinforce support for Obama. This guy really is amazing. Actually, I'll link to two different articles about the same speech because it really is an amazing story as far as politics goes:

<A href="Link Globe Story</A>

If you have a minute, check them out. He's really inspiring.

If we don't come out in full support of a candidate we will probably lose. If it's Hillary or if it's Barack, we'll have an uphill fight to get either the first woman or the first black man elected. We'll have to fight against old outdated ideas and stereotypes. But all it takes from you is one vote, one stamp or short bus ride, one tick of a box. This is a movement that has catastrophic implications yet requires only a very small personal investment. If you don't get off your ass and vote you are letting down all of those people in our generation who do. For every person between 18 and 30 who stays home, we're outnumbered by 1 more. We need as many people as possible to commit to this and to actually follow through.

Vote if you value your life. (accidents happen)

Letter to a Congressman

Jer — Tue, 08 May 2007 04:43:37 EDT

The following is a letter I wrote to my NY congressman, Pete King:

I would just like to take a few minutes of your time to consider the current War, our place in the world and our nation's recent actions. I would also ask of you to leave your opinions at the door, and I will try too. I see far too often that before anyone opens their mouths they become so opinionated, neither will listen to one another and all that remains is a clash of perspectives. I hope we can see the point of both perspectives here, so let's be as objective and open as we possibly can.

Consider our foreign policy as of late. Before the Iraq war we circumvented the United Nations and acted on our own accord. If America needed immediate action, it is argued that this was the best way to go about it; taking matters into our own hands. On the other side, we have another serious point. Being one of the most powerful and influential nations in the world, would acting out of accordance with an organization that we already had a large say in, and has carefully been formed after a century of wars, the U.N. also a rash act? By taking matters into our own hands, independently and not cooperatively, we risk setting the example for other nations, rogue nations, to act as they please. I hope you can see the points on both perspectives sir.

The War in Iraq itself has bred such controversy. Why is it that we wish to change them so much? Do we understand what they are in the first place? Before you want to change something, isn't it very important to understand what it is you want to change? Isn't it vital to understand what is before we hypothesize what should be? We are told that we are implanting democracy, setting down the seeds in fresh soil. But what's there in the first place? Perhaps there is something else growing in that earth and there is no room for our seeds, not yet. Do politicians and members of congress entertain this notion? It's not that we should or shouldn't involve ourselves in the world, but before we do, can we understand our differences? Can we understand that Iraq is not just war torn, it is a clash of different idealisms? Different cultures? Did we know this before we went in? Is it so easy to implant one strong ideal into an area with drastically different ones? Can we force an ethnocentric culture to be worldcentric? Such questions I feel have not been answered by politicians, or congress for that matter. And by doing so, does this mean that we are going into the world with our eyes half opened?

So here we are, at a crucial point in American history. I ask you sir, to keep in mind, that we are indeed opinionated, and sometimes it is our own views and ideals that prevent us from seeing through to the truth, reaching compromise, and understanding one another - in effect, gaining some sort of peace and awareness. Perhaps before we continue bickering and attacking, or going headstrong into our points of view, we have to consider the consequences of our actions. This goes for matters as large as national security to our own security in our personal lives. For what is small extends to the large. Are we not society? Do we not create and project what is within, without our civilization? I feel we must be very careful with this, because our own issues extend and cloud the judgment and responsibility in office. I ask you to consider these things and evaluate, inquire your own sides. I do not ask you to adopt more liberal values or more conservative ones, just to see that we are what we label ourselves, and not the other way around. We are more than those labels, but we often enough become to comfortable with points of view.

Please consider these things in your actions as a representative of this district, and please consider them as you are, a human being within a world full of ideals and points of view, and truly concern yourself in relation to your position in government and ability to make decisions. Your responsibility is a wonderful thing, and I ask you to use it wisely.

Barack's Stances on Gay Rights

Scott A. Giordano — Mon, 07 May 2007 09:43:07 EDT

The Following is Barack's Automated Response to a Letter I Wrote ...

Neighborhood Flyers

Misty F — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 14:10:15 EST

A member of Utah for Obama provided me with the following sample cover letter that can be attached to your choice of a transcript of one of Obama's speeches and handed out in your neighborhood. (This will be available on UtahForObama.org as a Word document after the website goes live)

Letter to Senator Obama

Greg Fisk — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:32:35 EST

The Honorable Barack Obama

Dear Senator Obama:
I am writing to thank you for considering a run for office of the President of the United States. I sincerely hope that after you have given the matter its due diligence you will have decided to move forward with this decision to run. I feel that our country is at a precarious crossroads both domestically and obviously internationally. It is a crucial time in American politics and what our country needs now is common sense and progressive non- partisan leadership. I feel after much research that you are uniquely qualified to fulfill this position at such a crucial time. I have been both a declared Republican and registered as un-affiliated in the past. If you decide to run for the office of President I will change party affiliation, to the Democratic Party, and campaign tirelessly in an effort to assure your nomination as the Democratic candidate and eventual President of the United States of America. If there is anything that I can do on the grass-roots level to assist you and your staff to this eventual end please do not hesitate to call on my services.

Sincerely,

Greg Fisk

Obama's Iraq War De-Escalation Act

Mike — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 16:53:41 EST

Senator Barack Obama has proposed an Iraq War De-Escalation Act calling for a cap on troop deployment and a phased withdrawl of troops with a deadline of March 2008.

I've written a letter to my senators (Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer) urging them to support Obama's legislation.

Here is the text of the letter. PLEASE copy it and send it to your Senators. You can find out who your Senators are at www.vote-smart.org