Posts with the tag maryland

Let's have real reform this year

Nate — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:33:53 EST

Dear Senators Cardin and Mikulski,

Let's have real reform this year, one that gives us real choice. Not the A or B, Coke or Pepsi, choices of a rigged private market controlled by an oligopoly of large corporations. This is not cars or stereos, this is whether people live or die. It is simply too important to leave to the private market alone.

I don't need subsidies to funnel more tax payer dollars to private corporations; we've already had $700 billion of that this year. I need a non-profit, publicly run, and publicly accountable option for my health care. One I can afford and trust. And I'd like to have it before the next time I get sick, so I can stop turning to charities for my medical care.

And let's be honest, this shouldn't be hard to do. The majority of Americans (and an even bigger majority of Marylanders) support a public option. So here's a great idea, why don't we give Americans of all ages and incomes the option to buy into Medicare instead of buying on the private market. No new, wasteful, bureaucracy needed, just expand what we have. If a person qualifies for the new subsidies they can choose to apply them to a private plan or a Medicare plan. Simple. Quality, affordable choices. Just like Barack said.

If the fact that I, as your constituent, am 40% more likely to die than you simply because I cannot afford health insurance (whereas my tax dollars pay for yours), and my employer does not offer me health insurance (the hiring freeze in Montgomery County, a result of the recession, means that I have been hired essentially as a permanent temp, instead of a full time teacher, and therefore do not receive benefits), is not enough to convince this Congress to fight for real reform, perhaps it is better we, the people, appeal to your self-interest instead.

So let me make it real simple for you. No strong public option (preferably Medicare open to all ages) = no vote, no canvassing, no phone banking and no donations in 2010 or 2012. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only Democrat that feels this way.

Trading the public option for an expansion of Medicare by a decade, is of little consolation to the majority of us uninsured who are under the age of 40. Nor does it change the fact that I, and tens of millions of other Americans, will be mandated to buy a product we cannot afford while giving us no new options as to which product is available to us. So please, I beg you, if the public option is to be canned in favor of expanding Medicare, then make open to people of all ages.

So this holiday season, please, bail out the sick and dying, the laid-off and underemployed; don't bail out the insurance industry. Because again, it's simple math: universal mandate + no public option = insurance industry bail out. You would be forcing me to bail out the insurance companies by mandating I buy their over priced, insufficient products. At the end of the day working class Americans, of all colors and creeds, can no longer afford to “pay the bill for every major government program and get nothing or little in the way of return” (Mikulski, 1970).

How young people are treated by government today will shape how we vote for decades and generations to come. What FDR and the New Deal Democrats did for my grandparents - the children of poor, east European, immigrant factory workers, both Catholic and Jewish - is the inspiration which you, and I, and countless other Americans carry forward with us today.

Let us not forget that it was the critical support of people like us - the millions of first, second and third generation Americans, and their children, whose political views were laid by the haunting experiences of the Great Depression and the progressive agenda of the New Deal - which allowed Democrats to end segregation, to pass civil rights, and to create Medicare. And it was us, together with a new wave of immigrants, which elected not just our first African-American president, but also only the second in our history to have come from immigrant descent. We have now built the alliance of Asian, Latino, “white and black, white collar, blue collar and no collar based on mutual need, interdependence and respect” (Mikulski, 1970). And this time, with laser precision, our anger is generated towards those who have power.

It is time now that this coalition carry the torch forward for a new generation, and remind the people once again what Democrats are supposed to stand for. That is why the young cannot be left out of any compromise on health care, for so too then will we be left out of the experience which made my family, and your families, Democrats in the first place. The young generation is equally part of this new Great Recession; do we not then deserve to be part of this new New Deal? Let’s open Medicare to young and old, rich and poor alike. Let’s do it for our party and for our country. To honor those who came before us, and to lay the path for those to follow.

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas

Gov. O’Malley: upgrading Port of Baltimore will bring 5,700 new jobs

Friends of Martin O'Malley from Annapolis, MD — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:27:26 EST

Today, Governor O'Malley announced a public-private partnership with Ports America that will bring 5,700 new jobs to the state of Maryland.

This public-private partnership is about three things: jobs, jobs, and more jobs," said Governor O'Malley. "These challenging economic times call for new ways of doing business."

3,000 of the jobs will be in construction - both improving the highway and the port - and the other 2,700 jobs will handle the increased container business. Because of the nature of the jobs, this project will net more jobs per $1 million spent than the jobs that are created by economic stimulus funds.

In addition to new jobs, the partnership will net Maryland $1.3 billion over the next fifty years.

The agreement leases control of the Port of Baltimore to Ports America for fifty years. As part of the agreement, the company will build a new fifty-foot berth and make other improvements to the port.

As the Panama Canal is being expanded, more large ships will be porting on the East Coast of the United States. With the capacity to handle larger ships, Baltimore will become one of the primary destinations for the increased traffic - bringing even more revenue to the state.

Governor O’Malley renews commitment to fight hunger

Friends of Martin O'Malley from Annapolis, MD — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:26:01 EST

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Partnership to End Hunger in Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley renewed his commitment to the project by declaring this week- November 16 through 20 - "Maryland Hunger Awareness Week."

Governor O'Malley made the announcement at a lunch with children at Annapolis Child Care on Friday.

"Especially during these tough times, together, we must ensure that no child goes without the basic nourishment needed to thrive. Ending childhood hunger is an issue which transcends politics," the Governor said. "It's an issue that speaks to who we are as a people, to what kind of society we choose to be in the tough times when our shared efforts matter most, to what kind of society we choose to leave for future generations. When a child goes hungry anywhere in Maryland - it impacts us all. It's all connected."

Governor O'Malley launched the Partnership to End Hunger in Maryland last year with nonprofit organization Share our Strength.

Funding and participation in school lunch, summer meals and food supplement programs has increased substantially since the public-private partnership was founded.

Governor of the Year

Friends of Martin O'Malley from Annapolis, MD — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:24:50 EST

Governing magazine has named Gov. O'Malley its 2009 governor of the year.

The magazine singled out Gov. O'Malley for "bringing no-nonsense, statistics-based performance measurement to his state, producing a better-informed, better-managed government."

Governing pointed out that as states throughout the country are struggling through difficult economic circumstances - Gov. O'Malley is helping to prove that "strong, smart leadership is possible in the most difficult of circumstances."

Governor O'Malley was praised for his use of programs like StateStat and BayStat, which ensure that taxpayers' dollars are put to the best use.

Will you show your support for Governor O'Malley by making a donation now? He needs our support so that he can continue to put his unique vision to work for Maryland in the years to come.

http://www.martinomalley.com/smartgoverning

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

Maryland Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:12:18 EDT

As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."

It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Maryland to post a message on the Maryland Election Blog.

Maryland Election Blog
maryland-election.blogspot.com

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:01 EDT

During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSE

The question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:

1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army
2. Donate time to Americorps
3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots
4. Donate blood at the Red Cross
5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry
6. Donate money to Save the Children
7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital
8. Donate an hour a day to your Child
9. Donate to the Make a Wish Foundation

Participation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh

Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson

Hopeful signs in stimulus legislation process

Independent Voter for Obama — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:36:36 EST

As an independent voter who was/is a strong Obama supporter I'm watching the stimulus legislation negotiations for signs that the new administration will deliver on the promise of change to the partisan political process. So far I'm encouraged that Obama and the Republican leadership are at least talking and have some hope that the result will be better, more balanced legislation.

Just by way of background, in 2000 President Bush had also run partly on the promise of a bipartisan approach. Apparently he was not sincere because there was almost nothing bipartisan about his 8 years except briefly after the 2001 attacks when the Democrats came to him.

I believe that Obama is sincere about bipartisanship but I'm still afraid that the strong partisan currents will sweep his good intentions away. I'm enough of a realist to understand that partisanship will remain, but enough of an idealist to hope that our elected representatives may sometimes choose in favor of the greater good of the country rather than partisan advantage and that balanced, moderate legislation may sometimes result.

In the latest report on the stimulus neogtations I see both good and bad signs http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR2009012400661.html.

Bad:

- The Republicans say they were completely shut out of the stimulus drafting process

- The legislation bears some Congressional Chrismas tree imprints; such as money for the National Endowment for the Arts. (I don't object to funding the arts but don't understand why that should be in the jobs bill. Bills should be kept clean and specific to their purpose, not used as a way to sneak in funding for other things in a non-transparent manner)

- The bill will be very expensive and I don't understand how our country will ever pay off all its debts and if/when foreigners stop buying our Treasury bills we'll be ruined

Good:

-Obama met with the Republican leadership, listened to their input, and hopefully gave them reason to be constructive and bipartisan in their turn

- One of the ideas that Obama and the Democrats will reportedly consider is abatement of the effect of the AMT tax. (This tax is an abomination because it continually increases without Congressional transparency and accountability. And its abatement is arguably stimulative to the economy so it is not another Christmas tree ornament.)

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

WEBMASTER — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:36 EST

Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009

My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama

Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all people
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT

source: David Apperson, webmaster

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

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

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:06:01 EST

Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -

The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:14:56 EST

President Barack Obama

Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers

If you are an independent webmaster, designer or developer and have linked a business, personal, or political website or blog to your barack obama posts or other barackobama.com web pages and would like to be recognized for your efforts let me know.

Mail your contact and other pertinent information to:

David Apperson, Webmaster
10336 Loch Lomond Rd PMB 105
Middletown CA 95461

or email contact information to yofast@gmail.com

Congratulations EVERYONE!

Henry M — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:59:57 EST

The country is the winner in this election. We have so much to look forward to, but on a personal note, permit me to look back again for a moment.

I was gratified that Virginia went for Barack after the long, hard work of so many VA, MD, and DC volunteers. We did it! (with a little help from Barack's Election Eve Rally :-)

Sorry, WV. We tried.

Henry M

Thoughts on Maryland's Questions 1 and 2

Ed Terry — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:11:28 EST

It's a quiet election this year in Maryland.

For the most part, the people and the propositions on the ballot are without major drama. There are a few exceptions: on the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel, there is a highly contested Congressional race between Democrat Frank Kratovil and Republican Andy Harris. They are battling to take Wayne Gilchrist's old seat. Our support is with Frank Kratovil. He would be a great representative for this constituency and his growing lead in the polls hopefully will translate to a win.

There are two Constitutional Amendment questions on the ballot as well.

Question One would permit Maryland to institute early voting. As we have seen in the news, the ability to vote early has been utilized widely in several states. No evidence of any fraud in these activities. In Colorado, over half the eligible voters have already cast a ballot. As you stand in line today, think if half the people in front of you were gone.

So vote YES on QUESTION ONE.

Question Two is about slots. I oppose slots in Maryland.

While I appreciate the contention that those who play are the least able to afford to loose, the problem I have is introducing gambling interests as players in state policymaking. If slots are approved, the operators of the slots franchises will become very powerful players in state government. The money they are pouring into this election is a window into the future. Every time they want to influence policy or regulation, they will again pour money and influence into the public debate. They are spending boatloads of bucks on tv and radio ads and have plastered Maryland's roadways with their misleading lawn signs. The price to tolerate such policy manipulation is simply not worth it. The relatively small amount of revenue will never meet their optimistic projections. There are also other valid reasons to oppose slots. For more info, visit http://www.marylandersunited.com/

Some people say, "What about the lottery?" The one thing that differentiates the lottery from slots is that the lottery is run by a state agency. Slots will be run by very powerful private enterprises and the state will never see the money that the operators will keep. Without combined reporting, the franchise operators will hide profits and not pay taxes - just like Wal-Mart and other nationwide commercial entities do. We end up footing the bill again.

So vote NO on QUESTION TWO.

Thanks and please vote,

Ed Terry

Thoughts on Maryland's Questions 1 and 2

Ed Terry — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:07:15 EST

Election Day Nov. 4: The Urgency of Now

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

By Steve Charing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com

Canvassing tomorrow

Timothy O'Neill — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:03:21 EDT

Tomorrow will be my second day canvassing during the general election campaign. I did do a bit of canvassing in Baltimore before the primary, but that was pretty friendly territory. I first canvassed for the general election last Saturday in Norristown, PA, a Philadelphia suburb. It was exciting seeing how much support Obama has in these white neighborhoods that most years are flooded mainly with signs for the republican candidate. The volunteers I canvassed with were amazing people, and I enjoyed the whole thing immensely.

Also, on Wednesday night I ordered some "dope gear" from the Obama store - about 50 buttons, a yard sign, and a long-sleeved t-shirt. Can't wait to get it!! Hope it comes before election day...

Voices For Change: Justin in New Mexico

Sarah Ramey — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:05:26 EDT

We just spoke with Justin, a member of the United States Air Force, and like a lot of people in the armed forces he's always on the move. Originally from Maryland, his family now lives in Florida and he's currently stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"Such is military life," he says.

But neither moving nor military life have stopped Justin from voting. In fact:

I just voted for Barack through absentee ballot and would encourage everyone to vote early if they can.

Great advice!

Millions of people across the country have been waiting for the day they can finally cast their ballot for Barack Obama -- and the wait is over. You can exercise your civic duty and get the ball rolling today by requesting your own absentee ballot right now. Just go to VoteForChange.com to get started.

Justin did, and now he's working on his friends in the Air Force to do the same.

When I talk to people about Senator Obama and Senator McCain I like to point out the differences between the two candidates and let them decide for themselves. I have found that if you let people choose on policy differences rather then personal attacks they find it easier to choose.
For example, I let people know that if they're make less than $250,000 a year, they're going to get a bigger tax break from Barack Obama's plan than from John McCain's. Those are just the facts.
...I also point out that many of the arguments John McCain seems to have with Obama, well Senator McCain seems to have those same arguments with himself. He's changed his positions so many times, it doesn't inspire a lot of trust.

Finally, there's another big reason Justin supports Barack Obama: he and Senator Obama both opposed this war from the beginning.

I'd like to see an end to the war in Iraq, and a redeployment of troops to Afghanistan. The key is Afghanistan. It always was. Barack is one of the only politicians who's been standing up and saying so all along.

So, take a few minutes and take a page out of Justin's book: register to vote or request an absentee ballot today.

Deadlines for voter registration and ballot requests are less than two weeks away -- and we need every single vote we can get to win this election. That involves our supporters making sure that everyone they know is registered.

The good news is that it's easy. Very easy. Just go to our one-stop voter registration website to register or get answers to your questions.

Now's your chance to make your voice heard.

Help In Other/Swing States by Phone

MJ from Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:27:35 EDT

I am trying to initiate the option for out of state callers in states like mine, CA, that are solid, to help in the swing states through calls.
Here's a suggestion!

Perhaps we can get involved by making calls in on behalf of/ in connection with swing states' local events, like phone banks, and have access to the call lists from elsewhere? (Outside of our own state.)

I would suggest promoting this feature if it can be allowed. I would be more motivated to call Virginians, for instance, than Californians.

It seems like a way to get an army of loyalists to work remotely to the zones that need work. You could even link it to Skype so it's cheaper than normal calls.

We're computer saavy! Let's use the net to join forces and hit the swing states!

Thoughts? Other ideas?

Meredith Offen
mjoffen@yahoo.com

Palin, pleeeeaaaseee!

SonyaMD — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:41:16 EDT

What a joke! I'm sure we all had the same initial reaction, the gasp and then "wowwww." But once I closed my mouth and thought about it ... One, it would have had more of an impact (for those he was trying to reach) if he had announced her before the DNC. If he had, he may have been able to pick off more of the diehard Hillary supporters. It also would have looked more sincere. But come on, with McCain's voting record (or lack thereof) on women's issues, it is so clear that this was strictly a political move. Woman are NOT stupid by a long shot. Palin is no Hillary Clinton. And even though some of her supporters may be angry, again they're not stupid. She should be ashamed of herself for running with him. The women that may vote for him (because he chose her) just because they want to see a woman in office before they pass on may do just that. But she's set the whole "woman's movement" back a decade by accepting his offer. Hopefully he won't get those votes but stranger things have happened. All we can do is continue to enlighten folks. Maryland did well in the primaries but nothing can be taken for granted.

Wow! My Own Blog!!!

Lauren — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:26:26 EDT

Hi, I'm Lauren, a.k.a the Button Lady. I started selling Obama campaign buttons in mid-july, in Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and PG Counties, because I couldn't find any at the campaign offices... and the ones on line are soooooooo cool! So, now I buy them on-line in bulk and sell them at events. If you want to see them, or have me come to an event, please just ask. I've even designed some myself. www.zazzle.com/qwlauren35aol

But actually, I want to talk about something more important. Grassroots campaigning. If you've never participated in a presidential campaign, then welcome. We were all new at some point. If you're an old hand, PLEASE share your knowledge. The thing is: all of us, as different as we are, are needed in order to reach enough voters to enable us to win the election. I think everyone knows that unless it's a 60-40 split, it will be manipulated out from under us. It cannot be close. And that's going to take work.

PLEASE. Be as visible in your support as you COMFORTABLY can. Buttons, shirts, car stickers, etc. Now, don't feel bad if "visibility" isn't you. Working behind the scenes is also important. Registering voters is important, and doesn't require that you proclaim your candidate from the rooftops. And making calls can be relatively anonymous.

In the end, though, whether we win or lose depends on how much ground each of us will break and how far out of our comfort zones we will go to get Obama elected. The biggest thing we need is for people to be able to talk about the aspects of Obama and his campaign that have the most meaning to them. When we have those one-on-one conversations, it's more powerful than any ad the McCain campaign can throw at us. If we do NOT have those conversations with people on the fence, as many as we can, then McCain will win, and no number of great speeches will make a difference.

I know why I'm supporting Obama. For me, it's 3 big things.

Faith Based Initiatives - as someone who has done a LOT of volunteer work, I truly know that we'd (the US) be dead in the water if it weren't for churches and other religious organizations around the country that open their doors to the homeless, the hungry, to Scout groups, to Alcoholics Anonymous, and so many other NON-SECTARIAN groups who need the space and/or the charity of these religious organizations. I support giving them grants, and hope that many will rethink the possibilities of the Faith Based Intiatives program when done with proper oversight.
Next, I ***LOVE*** Obama's position on service. PeaceCorps, AmeriCorps, YouthBuild, Foreign Service... he has thought through so many avenues and recognized that we simply need to let the American people know how they can serve, and many who did not know will step forward to make a difference in this country. And not just for the $4000 college tuition tax credit! I really want to see this mushroom.
And last, (not because Iraq, abortion, women's rights, civil rights, healthcare etc. aren't important, but to me, this last one is part of what defines him), I value Obama's commitment to alternative energy and how he plans to integrate it into revitalizing the nation's economy. So much of the technology for alternative energy exists on a small scale, but simply needs to become factory scale. And the factories have to be run by SOMEBODY! Why not us! And then, if we're going to use these goods and services, why not make them in the US???This is Obama's plan, and I think it's a darned good one.

So, those are my reasons. And I can talk about them 24/7. Please have your reasons for supporting Obama handy at all times. It's not just because he is a great speaker, has a great smile, a nice family, an honest face, a fascinating personal history... hopefully it's not JUST because he's black (hint, Clarence Thomas is black...). There's got to be something about him, his message and his candidacy that's driving you. Please don't be afraid to let it show.

I've created a yahoo group where I can store a Maryland based flyer for canvassing. It's a double-sided tri-fold pamphlet with information about Obama, his stance on issues, how to get involved, and how to contact the local MD offices. The file is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mforo/files/ (you have to register w/Yahoo, but it's otherwise pretty painless.) I hope anyone who would like to distribute the flyers will download it.

It's late (12am), it's time for me to tuck in for the night. Tomorrow, I'll be back at work, earning a salary so that I can donate part of it to the campaign!!!! And in my spare time, I'll be thinking of ways to help this visionary man win the Presidential Election.

Fired up; ready to go.

Lauren F. Brooklyn, MD - qwlauren35@aol.com

Motivational Note

Friends of President Barack Obama — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:19:02 EDT

Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.

Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.

Nothing or no no one is perfect.

Just keep taking steps.

Keep making those phone calls.

Continue following your plan.

Remain focused on your goal.

Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.

Complete every task.

Keep every promise and commitment.

Don't look back.

Stay on track.

Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.

Remain teachable.

Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.

Talk with teachers.

Walk with winners.

Climb with champions.

Study successful people.

Something great is about to happen for you!

Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.

Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.

-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author

Another busy week in Anne Arundel - Upcoming Meetings

Rog — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:22:50 EDT

We had another successful meeting at the volunteer Anne Arundel campaign office in Severna last Thursday. Plans for staffing the new satellite office in Annapolis starting in August are being completed; it'll be open 12-8 everyday except Thursday and Sunday. We also had two Obama Fellow - full-time volunteers trained by the national campaign - at the meeting to talk to us about how to participate in canvassing operations both locally and in Virginia and Pennsylvania.

For this coming week, there will be Voter Registration training on Tuesday, 7/22 in Glen Burnie, and we'll use the regular Thursday, 7/24 meeting to hold our Platform meeting. For more info Please see

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?type=advanced&circle_id=25709

SING-OUT FOR CHANGE, ROCK FOR BARACK

Arthur from Columbia, MD — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:43:06 EDT

The "Sing-out for change, rock for Barack" fundraiser is coming up soon on July 22 at 7:30 P.M. at the Oakland Mills Meeting House. Hope you can be there!!

Please go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/obamat-shirt/ to see the latest event pics!

Some Questions (and Ideas) About Fundraising

Lucy — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:27:30 EDT

[Sent substantially the same content to the group listserv, but never saw it come through, so I'm posting here, now that I've figured out how. Apologies if you're seeing the same material in two places.]

Hi, all – Happy to have found this group. I’m a reasonably long-term volunteer (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania) and contributor, just now starting to fundraise. I have some questions, plus a few ideas on which I’d value the group’s input.

CHANGE from the bottom up. Get to know your local candidates!

Travis J. Todd, Founder, GrowVotes.org — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:37:53 EDT

We've just launched a new social network that revolves around local elections called GrowVotes.org. We're trying to get people as passionate about their local representatives as their presidential candidates.

We could use your help in getting our community growing, signing up local candidates and generally working out the bugs in our site. So, if you know anyone running in a local election, point them our way and of course sign up yourself to be notified of candidates in your local area.

We're a non-partisan company and trying to create an open platform for discussions leading up to elections. Thanks!

Travis Todd

Founder

GrowVotes.org

The Establishents Fears!

Gregg Malin — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:01:15 EDT

Also posted on the New York Times:

For the last thirty years the political establishment in this country have been self righteous, self serving profiteers. Americans have finally begun to wake up to being manipulated by the press and rich serving politicians and judged them a miserable failure.

Our hard earned dollars are harvested for their corporate political interests through heavy taxes and rarely used to serve the American people. Instead they have created an environment for the death of our young people to protect corporate markets overseas. They create laws that send jobs overseas and open our borders to depress labor markets. They create laws to make themselves and their rich friends richer and richer while they watch the poor get poorer and poorer.

When those Americans no longer support these types of politicians their attitude is much the same as Hillary's "screw 'em" comment when referring to the working class Americans that would not support her husband. They feed lies, distortions and character assassinations to an accommodating press to fan in a disparate battle to belittle those that would point out their depravity.

Introduction

Andrew Marcinko — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:46:46 EDT

It seems appropriate to begin with a little introduction, because I'm sure it will be easier to understand what I have to say if you know better where I am coming from. I'm a 19 year old college student attending the University of Florida. I'm originally from just outside the Beltway on the Maryland side of the river. My father's in contract law and my mother is a high school teacher. Both are liberal, neither is heavily involved in politics.

I myself am a psychology major, and have no real political aspirations. That being said, I have long had a strong interest in politics, albeit often of a cynical nature. Kurt Vonnegut and Jon Stewart are two individuals that I look up to for their political ideals.

There's nothing more upsetting to me than being marginalized in the political process due to my age. Perhaps that is why so many of my generation have turned to cynicism for relief. And don't get me wrong, I know Mr. Obama's goals are selfish in reaching out to the youth vote. He sees a largely untapped block of voters that if motivated could easily propel him to the presidency. However, even being used is far better than being completely ignored.

I do personally believe Barack Obama will make a great president. I recently drove to Philadelphia during my spring break to volunteer at the campaign headquarters, and I urge everyone to do whatever they can to support his campaign. However, perhaps Zach de la Rocha of the political band Rage Against the Machine says it best:

"The challenges that we face, they go way beyond administrations, way beyond elections, way beyond every four years of pulling levers, way beyond that. Because this whole rotten system has become so vicious and cruel that in order to sustain itself, it needs to destroy entire countries and profit from their reconstruction in order to survive - and that's not a system that changes every four years, it's a system that we have to break down, generation after generation... Wake up"

MD Super Delegate contact List

Penny — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:58:30 EDT

Contact the Maryland Supers With the primaries dragging on and more discourse developing within the party, please take amoment to write a short, polite note to the super delegates on the fence asking them to cast their support for Obama. I have found that fax or email works great. I have even received responses to my correspondence. Below is a list of delegates who are undecided that Hillary has listed on her website as supporting her along with their contact info. As soon as I get the complete contact info for the undecided delegates I will post that info.

Alvaro Cifuentes - has dicontinued his email address...he can be contacted at:
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

Maria Cordone
mcordone@iamaw.org
W: 301-967-4500
H: 301-474-4874
F: 301-967-4588

Nancy Kopp
treasurer@treasurer.state.md.us
W: 410-260-7160
H: 301-229-0385
F: 410-974-3530

Richard Michalski
rmichaelski@iamaw.org
W: 301-967-4575
F: 301-373-2850

Glennard Middleton
gmiddleton@afscme67.org
W: 410-837-7278
C: 410-371-2636
F: 410-752-1848
H: 410-466-0818

Barbara Mikulski SENATOR
W: 202-224-4654
F: 202-224-8858

Martin O'Malley GOVERNOR
martin@martinomalley.com
W: 410-974-3901
F: 410-974-3275

Carol Pensky
H: 202-625-0125

Dutch Ruppersberger CONGRESSMAN
W: 202-225-3061
F: 202-225-3094

Michael R. Steed
msteed@PaladinCapGroup.Com
W: 202-595-2690
H: 301-652-3981
F: 202-293-5597

BARACK OBAMA - ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE

WEBMASTER — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:23:04 EST

BARACK IS A UNIVERSAL WORD MEANING TO BRING A BLESSING.

ACCORDING TO HOSEA 4:6 WITH A VISION WE HAVE THE ETERNAL RIGHT TO SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP, GUIDANCE and HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE.

In 1999, the Federal Communications Law Journal revealed how Bill and Hillary Clinton were put in a compromising position. see PLAYING THE NAME GAME - A GLIMPSE AT THE FUTURE / page 411

In this digital age we need courage, leadership and true vision. Obama has shown such in the proper use of political blogging. It is my belief that the message of HOPE spoken by Obama is a God given word and that the vision must not slip from the grasp of the American people or the other nations, peoples and tongues that support Barack Obama around the world.

This is a day the Lord has made. Barak Obama is on his way to the THE WHITE HOUSE . . . .

and I am humbly honored to finish this message with the closing remarks of the world famous CIVIL RIGHTS leader, DR MARTIN LUTHER KING, born 15 JAN 1929, who proclaimed to the world at the LINCOLN MEMORIAL on 28 AUG 1963 in his famous freedom speech:

I HAVE A DREAM

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

THAT DAY IS HERE - YOU ARE FREE

UPDATE: OBAMA MAKES HISTORY as FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT and YES HE DID

HONOR PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1861-1865

Join me in PA!!

Erick — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:18:18 EST

ROAD TRIP time!!

This swing district South of Philly will be my new home over some of the weekends coming up:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania's_7th_congressional_district

I will be speaking to area contacts about their plans for the district, and will post info on activity dates.

Feel free to reply if you want to join the team, or can help familiarize me with the area (especially decent lodging for Saturday overnights).

E in MD

Truth be told!

Ogie — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:49:15 EST

The truth be told, the Clinton campaign did an incredible job on March 4th. It is also important to understand that the silver lining in all of this is that they did throw the "kitchen sink" at our candidate and sadly for them he came out with as much delegate count as he went in. The worst is over, their campaign has done their worst and now all we to do is rebuild the momentum and take it to PA to hit a knock out punch.

We are essentially going after the same selection of voters as the ones she did so well with in Ohio, now we understand their strategy and there are no surprises: A negative campaign only works in darkness and it would be our job as Obama supporters to shine the light on our candidate: we must arm ourselves with the facts and find ways to get the information accross the PA voters. We must also do this expeditiously, starting as soon as possible!

Timing is everything! The 3.00 am Ads pulled it off in Ohio and this time we must be ready with phone numbers and email addresses to nullify any such onslaughts if they were to appear again. We, like our candidate must adapt and improve with every single day of this monumental campaign. Although TV/Radio Ads are worth their weight in gold, only human contact can overcome them. Anytime they go negative we must be ready to reassure the voters on a more personal level of his true stands and opinions and policies on any and all issues!

Truth be told...he will win the nomination for the party but more importantly unlike Sen. Clinton we must be constructive and positive and do it by PA primaries so we don't harm the party any further. I appeal to everyone to come together and attend any and all possible functions, get the message out there and above all remain positive! Not sure how the blogging works here but I am looking forward to an intelligent conversation from everybody out there, let's get this going.

Grass Roots

Will Smith — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:41:43 EST

    I have spent the last three days canvassing on behalf of Senator Barack Obama in the suburbs of northern Virginia and was ecstatic to see the results pour in last night. Obama’s big victories in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. only tell part of the story. I want to tell you about what is happening at the grass roots level for every victory has a back story and every call for change can only be answered with the hard work of citizens who look to themselves to bring about that change.

   Over one thousand people showed up at Barack’s Falls Church headquarters in the four days prior to the primaries and they were immediately put to work canvassing, phone banking, or simply filing papers and helping out around the office. I would like to share the story of the five people I canvassed with:

Tom- A third year law student at Georgetown, who had also traveled to South Carolina to help get out the vote for Obama. Tom has been so inspired by Barack’s message of hope that he has decided to forgo a high paying corporate law position for a job in Boston working on immigrant rights and issues.

Sonya- A 60ish mother of three who was once politically active but said she had not worked on a campaign in over two decades. We went out twice together in the brutal cold of Monday and I ran into her again on Tuesday morning as she was working to get out the vote.

Will- a librarian from Philadelphia who had driven down on Sunday and was sleeping on a friend’s couch. Will was heading on to Wisconsin to help bring that state home for Obama.

Julia- a sixteen-year old high school sophomore from Falls Church who felt so passionately about Obama that she was willing to tromp around in sub-freezing temperatures with a complete stranger to encourage people to vote even though she cannot yet have vote herself.

Berhanu- a naturalized Ethiopian who was greatly upset at what our foreign policy has done to his adopted country’s image around the world. He spoke of how his friends and family in Africa look on in complete befuddlement at the American people’s apathy towards the democratic process, since they can only dream of having a say in how their country is run and who is running it.

   I found them all to be intelligent, caring people who are truly engaged with the world around them. These are the people that are out there working for Barack Obama. The reason Senator Obama won and won big on Tuesday is because of these five and hundreds, if not thousands more like them, all across the Mid-Atlantic. His opponent for the Democratic nomination just does not inspire this level of commitment and dedication. Barack’s army was out in full force in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. and is getting fired up and ready to go in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania.

   Now let me tell you a few quick stories of the people who we met as we beat our knuckles raw banging on doors these past few days. We talked to an eighty-year-old white woman who said she couldn’t wait for Tuesday so she could go with her daughter and vote for Barack Obama. I ran into a small corner grocery store in Arlington to talk to its owner, a middle-aged Latino man. He gave me a hard time at first, telling me he was voting for MoCain. After a little back and forth, he smiled and pointed out a sign in support of Barack. He offered to pass out pamphlets and talk up the Senator. We came across a man who said he and his partner fully supported Barack Obama and were willing to volunteer to help out the cause. We talked to an African-American woman who told us how tough things had been since 9/11 and how she was working her way through school, trying to support her eleven-year-old son. She said she looked to Obama to make things better for her son’s generation. Yesterday at around three I knocked on the door of a Marine who answered in full uniform who proclaimed proudly that he was about to head to the polling place to cast his ballot for Barack Obama as Commander-in-Chief.

   Senator Obama talks about bringing together black and white, Latino and Asian, gay and straight, old and young. I can tell you from being out on the streets this is exactly what is happening in the United States of America.

   I write this note to share my impressions about what is going on in this crucial election, but to also ask for your help. Senator Obama has had great success raising money from the donations of everyday Americans. He has already received donations from over 420,000 distinct donors in 2008 and his goal is to make that number 500,000 by the March 4th primaries. Doing so would send an unequivocal message to the super-delegates that Barack Obama is the choice of the people. Please help.

   While his army is mobilized and fighting on the ground, he needs money spread his message of hope and change. Please make a donation through my personal fundraising page. Every dollar counts, but more importantly, every donor represents a concerned and engaged citizen.

   Another way to help is to go to barackobama.com and sign up to make phone calls to voters in crucial upcoming states. Pass along this letter. Call your family and friends. Get involved.

   Thank you for taking the time to read this and please help elect the right person for the job of President of the United States.

YES WE CAN!
SI, SE PUEDE!

Will Smith

不可阻挡的奥巴马浪潮- 2月12日横扫三州

AsianforObama - Chinese Language中文 — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:47:15 EST

Feb 13

多么振奋人心的胜利！在2月12日举行的马里兰州，弗吉尼亚和哥伦比亚华府区的三州初级竞选中，奥巴马以绝对优势胜出克林顿夫人。

据CNN报道，截至2月13日14点30分奥巴马和克林顿夫人分别获得的代表数为：1253和1211个。奥巴马的代表支持数已经开始超出克林顿夫人。民主党方面，初级竞选人要获得2050个代表的支持才可以成为总统候选人。

当更多人了解接收到奥巴马'变革，希望和团结'的信息，更多人了解了奥巴马本人的领袖风范后，奥巴马浪潮将会势不可挡，胜利席卷全国是可以预期的。

Fired up, ready to go! 热血沸腾，整装待发！

UMD Students Lead the Way to Victory

Marc R. Peters — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:38:34 EST

By Chris Sopher

The University of Maryland’s Diamondback newspaper reported today that more than 1,000 UMD students turned out to vote on their campus yesterday in the presidential primary, despite treacherous weather and long lines that were the result of record turnout across the state.

Barack won UMD’s precinct by an overwhelming margin, thanks to high student turnout.

Voters showed in similar numbers to the similarly contentious 2006 gubernatorial race, with 623 ballots cast at the Stamp Student Union and 453 at Ritchie Coliseum. The student union turnout exceeded voting numbers in the 2004 primary, with nearly 13 times as many students voting this year.

In Maryland, as across the Potomac region yesterday and across the country over this primary season, students are making the difference.

Unfortunately, the effect was not as great as it might have been under perfect circumstances. According to the Diamondback as many as a third of the students had to cast paper ballots or leave without casting their vote. (Paper ballots only count in close elections).

You can read the entire article here

Barack Obama Scores in the Potomac Primaries

Matthew Negrete — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:18:51 EST

Barack Obama’s winning streak continues to build momentum. Yesterday, he won the Potomac primaries in the states of Virginia and Maryland, as well as, the District of Columbia (D.C.). The results can be viewed on CNN.com Election Center.

Barack Obama’s victory speech can be viewed here.

The text of the speech is below (as prepared for delivery):

Chesapeake Tuesday was Super Tuesday...Thank you MD,VA, and DC!!!!

Meir — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:18:32 EST

I was upset that Maryland was not part of Super Tuesday. I wanted our historical state to be engaged in creating history. Yesterday I believe the Chesapeake Primary was the real Super Tuesday. We launched Barack Obama powerfully toward victory. We Marylanders voted with our heart, our soul, our spirit as we worked tirelessly to support Senator Obama. His supporters, us, have a special knowing that he is in the right place at the right time when the world has never more needed an inspirational leader. When new volunteers join us, my heart becomes full when they too become aware of that deep knowing that Barack Obama is here for great purpose. Yes he is. Yes we can. Yes, “we have waited a long time for us.” I thank you in loving gratitude, Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

NOW LET'S GO HELP WISCONSIN!!!! THEN TEXAS, OHIO, and PENNSYLVANIA!!!!

HERE WE COME...FOR.... YES WE CAN!!!!

Election Day

Gretchen Doughty — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:45:47 EST

Was at the Polling Station off & on all day, some of the time w/ my two little girlies (3.5 & 2 years old) in tow. We gave out planted "Seeds of Hope", held signs, cheered & gave out info. Most people were very positive (and, I think the poll results show it)! Besides, who doesn't love a 3 year old yelling "'Arack Obama! Yes we can!" I have a fantastic photo of the dynamic duo for Obama.

The Power of the Potomac

Timothy O'Neill — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:59:13 EST

We here in the Potomac states are not all the silver spoon-fed liberal literati that the press make us out to be; still, we know how to pick a winner.

And it was on our shoulders, tonight, that Barack Obama stepped ahead of Hillary Clinton in his rise to what might become the presidency of our generation.

Maryland, take a bow.

Obama powers into the lead, callling Billary on her words.

jgabriel — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:24:15 EST

Well, last night was a great night for the Obama campaign. As we all know, Barack scored convincing wins in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Next up, on Tuesday, February 19, are Hawaii (caucus, 29 delegates) and Wisconsin (primary, 92 delegates). If Barack can win these convincingly he will continue to build momentum. We absolutely cannot let up now. We cannot take our foot off of the Hillary campaign's throat. There's a saying I have been reading recently that goes something like, "Never count out the Clintons." As we saw in New Hampshire, it ain't over till it's over, so Barack will need all the support we can muster for him.

By the way, the New York Times has a clearly written guide to which primaries happen when - http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/primaries/democraticprimaries/index.html

One thing that I don't think Hillary has been called on enough in this campaign is her flip-flopping on the nature of Obama's campaign. She has been calling him unprepared, not ready for the job, etc. (by the way, Barack had a pretty good response to this on 60 Minutes - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHe8N5hL0Wo).

Yet as her campaign has stumbled in recent days, I notice she has taken to calling herself the "underdog" and - even more outrageously - called Obama the "establishment" candidate. If that isn't the biggest bunch of baloney I've ever heard, haha. Here's Bill calling him that - http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-15-bill-clinton-nevada_N.htm.

Here's Hillary calling Obama the establishment: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/02/09/politics/fromtheroad/entry3812338.shtml

Wait a minute - I thought Obama hadn't been in Washington politics long enough. Now he's too "establishment"? Sounds like a desperate ploy to me. Certainly the Clintons are not above trying to use every advantage. Here they are attempting to twist the facts. If someone can explain how a candidate can be both inexperienced in the Washington establishment, and yet simultaneously be part of the Washington establishment, please let me know.

Call your friends in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. If we can get at least one of those states, I think it will put a serious dent in Billary's campaign.

Barack réalise une nouvelle fois le grand Chelem : Columbia, Maryland, Virginia avec plus de 60% des votes !

Dunia SENDWE — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:27:03 EST

*Cliquer sur les images pour atteindre les liens

Barack OBAMA détrône Hillary CLINTON !

Merci à tous les supporters de Barack OBAMA pour leur soutien. Le nombre de délégués à atteindre est de 2025 pour aboutir à l'investiture démocrate. La campagne électorale continue ! Yes We Can !

Barack OBAMA : 22 états - 1262 délégués

Alabama, Alaska, Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Hillary CLINTON : 13 états - 1213 délégués

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee

Flux RSS

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Email : dunia@sendwe.be
Tél : + 32 4 375 30 75

Tonight's Sweep

Michael Kotyk — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:35:56 EST

Senator Obama, a noted baseball fan, played like his 2005 World Champion White Sox, when he swept the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Colombia. He responded to his supporters that "this is what change looks like". Change is coming folks! It's time to sweep out the old and herald in the new. Way to go, Obama!!!

Anyone else think his speech tonight was recycled?

San Ramon Charles — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:56:29 EST

Like all of you i'm glad our train is still burrowing down the track as we continue gobble state after state and delegates in convincing fashion.

However I felt tonights speech was a bit recycled. I'd like to hear a different tune or hear our beloved candidate articulate more change. At one point when it got the "Yes We Can" segment it was almost verbatum to his infamous speech from New Hampshire and had overtones of Wil I Am's song.

I know. Who am I to criticize him and his advisors right? I know his delivery is ALWAYS spot on. It always impresses and inspires city after city.

But I know at some point, Hilary and McCain (if not the media) will ask him, "What else is there after hope? What else is there after change?"

Anyone else with me or am I alone in this one?

It's a Grand Slam for Obama in the Potomac Primaries

!* Jeffrey Pierce *! — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:55:08 EST

Tonight was a shot across the bow of the Clinton campaign!!

Obama pulled off a clean sweep of all three Potomac primaries, winning all by a large margin. I believe Obama's message of hope is catching on with more and more citizens. Americans are hungry for change, and tonight shows that they believe Obama is the agent to bring about that change.

Furthermore, with news of another resignation from the Hillary camp, it sounds like the Clinton campaign is finally feeling the HEAT

Sweeps week for Obama!

Kyle — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:23:24 EST

Barack Obama has won mightily in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. These weren't even close races, these were landslide victories. TKO Obama! I just want to take this moment to thank everyone who volunteered to campain and phonebank for Barack Obama and those who continue to pray for him. Keep up the great work and thank God for Barack Obama!

Barack dips into Clinton's base

!* Jeffrey Pierce *! — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:06:17 EST

With his second win of the night, Barack Obama has begun to dip into Hillary Clinton's base. Garnering a substantial increase in votes from rural, working class white, and senior Americans, Barack has managed to capture a large portion of Hillary Clinton's core voters. This should be a wake up call to both the pundits and the Clinton campaign, who both claimed that Obama's advantage in the Potomac primaries came exclusively from his edge with black and young voters. If this is is a sign of things to come, then Barack Obama's chances in Texas and Ohio look all the brighter.
Jeff

Update: Barack Obama won the majority of the Latino vote in Virginia. This is the first state in which this has happened. This does not bode well for Senator Clinton in the delegate rich Texas primary.

NYTimes: For Clinton, Bid Hinges on Texas and Ohio

Chip Roberson in Sonoma, CA — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:08:20 EST

Just to re-enforce how important calling and getting out the vote is, I would like to point out another New York Times article -- this one from today's edition (Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008). It is titled "For Clinton, Bid Hinges on Texas and Ohio" and it highights just how critical the effort is becoming:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/us/politics/12clinton.html

Maryland/Virginia Exit Information

Julie Hensley — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:07:55 EST

I know ...I know too early to say much but this article is pretty good regarding current dynamics in the race, what the candidates are doing now and links to other articles and info about Maryland's voting history.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.primary12feb12,0,6260533.story

Maryland, Virginia, and DC. The Potomac Primaries.

jgabriel — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:49:29 EST

Well folks, the so-called Potomac Primaries - Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia - are held today. If Barack can win these, he should be in good shape. If you haven't already, please call some of the voters in these states and encourage them to vote for Obama.

Hillary..oh, excuse me, "Billary"...is expected to make a strong stand in the next round of primaries after that, which take place in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. I think Texas especially will be crucial, because it's a big state, and Hillary expects to win the big states. Also, it has a large Hispanic population, which has generally voted in her favor. We don't have all that much time - Texas votes March 4th.

I think that the Hispanic population is a bit skeptical of Barack's "change" message. Therefore, I think for Barack to have a chance at doing well or even winning in Texas, he needs help telling his story to people. Especially how he was a committed community organizer, and was raised by a single mom.

Let's hope tonight's results work out in our favor. Yes We Can! Si, se puede!

Maryland for Barack Obama, Yes We Can!

Timothy O'Neill — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:58:35 EST

I really got a kick out of the rally today at the 1st Mariner Arena in downtown Baltimore. I'll write more about it later. For now, at least, I'll say that I feel like I witnessed a significant event in American history this afternoon. What an exciting night this is, on the eve of the Potomac primaries - it sort of reminds me of Christmas Eve when I was a kid.

Tomorrow, Maryland, my home state, will play a major role in this nationwide process of choosing the Democratic party's nominee for president. And I'm very confident that we've done the work and are prepared to deliver the Potomac primaries for Barack Obama tomorrow. In so doing, we'll have fanned the flames of "Obama fever" that will continue to grow all the way to August in Denver where he'll accept the nomination. Think I'm a dreamer? Just call it hope. Yes We Can, Maryland!

This is TSUNAMI TUESDAY!

Lenny Sharlet — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:41:09 EST

Some commentators were falling all over themselves trying to come up with clever names for Super Tuesday this year.

True, more states voted, and more people voted than ever before... BUT, many of them voted weeks ahead of time (early voting in California), before Obama's message was able to get out.

Tomorrow, Tuesday February 12th, the true power of this movement for change will be shown.

I've made over 50 calls to MD and VA and talked to around 20 people in person. I'd say 5 weren't interested, and 3 were Hillary supporters and the other 12 were for Obama!

That's about as unsientific as you can get, but I think we are going to win big tomorrow!

Let's keep rolling! GoBAMA!

Why you should vote for Obama. His own words.

Chuck — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:54:42 EST

If you have not yet seen his YouTube response to a woman who asked "why should I vote for you" go to

http://my.barackobama.com/MDprimaryday

It is well worth the view. I wish his entire response would have been viewable.

Now its our turn. GO Maryland! Go Obama!

Time to hit the phones

Lenny Sharlet — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:27:11 EST

I am on my way to my folks' house for dinner. I am going to take advantage of their landline and make as many calls as I can to MD and VA tonight.

GoBAMA!

Latest Maryland Polls Results: Obama 55% Clinton 32%

RNC_for_Obama — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:14:21 EST

SurveyUSA:

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportPopup.aspx?g=1db1f4a4-0829-40a3-8b0e-5b18754118b5&q=45730

Poll Averages Show Obama Lead

Chris Comninel — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:41:55 EST

In poll averages from both Virginia and Maryland, Barack Obama is show a significant lead over Hillary Clinton for Tuesday's Patomic Primaries.

Virginia Polls...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/va/virginia_democratic_primary-507.html

Maryland Polls...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/md/maryland_democratic_primary-514.html

It also sounds like Barack is leading in Washington, DC.

Let's hope these polls are a sign of what's to come Tuesday!!

TIME Magazine: "Inspiration vs. Substance"

Reality Check — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:41:09 EST

A must-read for all Obama supporters. Really read this article and think about it before making a decision based on emotion over intellect.

Thursday, Feb. 07, 2008
Inspiration vs. Substance
By Joe Klein

Correction Appended: February 7, 2008.

"We are the ones we've been waiting for," Barack Obama said in yet another memorable election-night speech on Super-Confusing Tuesday. "We are the change that we seek." Waiting to hear what Obama has to say — win, lose or tie — has become the most anticipated event of any given primary night. The man's use of pronouns (never I), of inspirational language and of poetic meter — "WE are the CHANGE that we SEEK" — is unprecedented in recent memory. Yes, Ronald Reagan could give great set-piece speeches on grand occasions, and so could John F. Kennedy, but Obama's ability to toss one off, different each week, is simply breathtaking. His New Hampshire concession speech, with the refrain "Yes, We Can," was turned into a brilliant music video featuring an array of young, hip, talented and beautiful celebrities. The video, stark in black-and-white, raised an existential question for Democrats: How can you not be moved by this? How can you vote against the future?

And yet there was something just a wee bit creepy about the mass messianism — "We are the ones we've been waiting for" — of the Super Tuesday speech and the recent turn of the Obama campaign. "This time can be different because this campaign for the presidency of the United States of America is different. It's different not because of me. It's different because of you." That is not just maddeningly vague but also disingenuous: the campaign is entirely about Obama and his ability to inspire. Rather than focusing on any specific issue or cause — other than an amorphous desire for change — the message is becoming dangerously self-referential. The Obama campaign all too often is about how wonderful the Obama campaign is.

That is not unprecedented. It has echoes of Howard Dean's 2004 primary effort, although in Dean's case the propellant was substance, not rhetoric — the candidate's early courageous voice against the war. But Dean soon found that wasn't enough. In June 2003 he told me he needed to broaden his movement, reach out past the young and the academic and find a greater array of issues that could inspire working people. He never quite found that second act, and his campaign became about process, not substance: the hundreds of thousands of supporters signing up on the Internet, the millions of dollars raised. He lost track of the rest of the world; his campaign was about ... his campaign.

Obama would never be so tone-deaf, but he is facing a similar ceiling, a similar inability to speak to the working people of the Democratic Party (at least, those who are not African American) or find an issue, a specific issue, that distinguishes him from his opponent. And his opponent, Hillary Clinton, has proved herself tough, specific and reliable — qualities that become increasingly important as the economy teeters and as worries about the future gather in the land.

This has become an odd campaign for Democrats. There is good news ... and fear. The good news is that this time the people seem far more interested in their party than in the Republicans. On Super Tuesday, at least 15,417,521 voted Democratic, and 9,181,297 voted Republican. And more good news: both Obama and Clinton are very good candidates who hold similar positions on most issues, moderates who intend to reach out to Republicans after they are elected — although, given Clinton's undeserved reputation as a partisan operative, that may be a tougher sell for her than for Obama. But this is not a struggle for the ideological soul of the party. It may, however, be a struggle for the party's demographic soul — older voters vs. younger, information-age workers vs. industrial and service workers, wine vs. beer. There is also — and I will try to tread lightly here — the classic high school girl/boy differential: the note-taking, front-row girl grind vs. the charismatic, last-minute-cramming, preening male finesse artist. Both Clinton and Obama have difficulties reaching across those divides, and that is where the fear resides: neither candidate may prove strong or broad enough. As this campaign progresses, their weaknesses — the reasons for their inability to put away this nomination — are going to become more apparent than their strengths.

Clinton's strengths are most apparent in debates, which is why she is pressing to have one each week. She simply knows more than Obama does. In recent weeks, she has been far more likely to take questions from the press and public than Obama is. That appeals to voters more interested in results than in inspiration; it especially appeals to the middle-class women, juggling job and family, who are the demographic heart of the Democratic Party. Clinton's weaknesses are intractable. They are wrapped up in her husband, who nearly ruined her campaign in the two weeks after Iowa but seems to have been relegated to the back of the bus in recent days. And they are wrapped up in her age. She is a baby boomer, of a generation that has been notably obnoxious and unsuccessful in the public arena. Perhaps the most dreadful baby-boom political legacy has been the overconsulted, fanatically tactical, poll-driven campaign — and Clinton has suffered whenever she has emphasized tactics over substance. Her lame attempts to "go negative" on Obama have been almost entirely counterproductive. Her husband's attempts to paint Obama as a "race" candidate — his resort to the most toxic sort of old-fashioned politics — only reinforced the strangely desperate nature of their campaign. It was the very opposite of "Yes, We Can" politics.

Obama's strength is inspiration, and it's also his weakness. In the recent past, Democrats have favored candidates who offer meaty, detailed policy prescriptions — usually to the party's detriment — and that is not Obama's game. After his Iowa victory, his stump speech had become a soufflé untroubled by much substance of any sort. He has rectified that, to some extent. He now spends some time talking about the laments of average Americans he has met along the way; then he dives into a litany of solutions he has proposed to address the laments. But those are not nearly so convincing as Clinton's versions of the same; of course, Clinton has a tragic deficit when it comes to inspiration.

There is an odd, anachronistic formality to Obama's stump speech: it is always the same. It sets his audiences afire, but it does not reach very far beyond them. It is no accident that Obama is nearly invincible in caucus states, where the ability to mobilize a hard core of activists is key — but not so strong in primaries, where more diverse masses of people are involved. He should be very worried that this nomination is likely to be decided in the big working-class primary states of Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania.

Then again, one of Obama's most effective lines is about the "craziness" of trying the same old thing in Washington "over and over and over again, and somehow expecting a different result." The first politician I ever heard use that line — weirdly attributed to everyone from Benjamin Franklin to Albert Einstein — was Bill Clinton. It is a sad but inescapable fact of this election that Bill and Hillary Clinton have now become "the same old thing" they once railed against. In a country where freshness is fetishized — and where a staggering 70% of the public is upset with the way things are today — the "same old thing" is not the place to be. Unless, of course, the next new thing turns out to be a mirage.

Because of an editing error, the original version of this story distorted Joe Klein's characterization of Howard Dean's 2004 primary effort. A sentence in the third paragraph has been changed accordingly.

Find this article at:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1710721,00.html

Head Over to Hagertucky

Jonathan — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:57:00 EST

I wanted to make sure I had my blog on Barack's web site but my blogging activities tack place over at Hagertcky.com where I write about Western Maryland. If people are interested is seeing what is going on there please go to:

http://www.hagertucky.com

Thanks,

Jonathan

Baltimore Sun Endorses Barack Obama for President

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:49:17 EST

The Baltimore Sun has endorsed Barack Obama...

"Betting on Change, Reform"
George W. Bush's presidency can't end soon enough. Many Americans are fatigued by the state of the nation: a relentless war in Iraq, a bottomless deficit, the bruising mortgage crisis and the United States' flagging image abroad. So it is not hard to be energized by the prospects for a successor.

When Marylanders vote in Tuesday's presidential primary, both Democratic choices are promising a new political era for this century, and each has the intellect and the skills to deliver. Hillary Clinton, with her years in Washington and most recently in the Senate representing New York, brings rich experience. She is tough and keenly focused, pragmatic and driven. But Barack Obama, her Senate colleague from Illinois, offers a more compelling vision for the country that he would lead. He wants to forge a new reality in Washington where consensus replaces confrontation. And he has shown a remarkable ability to enroll a diverse array of Americans in his cause, convincing a new generation that it too has a stake in Washington.

That's why The Sun strongly endorses Mr. Obama as the Democratic nominee for president.
When Mr. Obama promises change, surprising numbers find the pledge credible. Despite his few years in the Senate, Mr. Obama exudes confidence and assesses the nation's problems with a fresh eye. When questioned by us on a number of tough issues, he showed a sophisticated understanding of them. His opposition to the war has been steady, and while committed to an early withdrawal from Iraq, Mr. Obama recognizes the challenges to that course.

Asked how the troubled No Child Left Behind education program might be salvaged, Mr. Obama said achievement testing should not be abandoned but rather complemented with other measures of progress and more aid for schools.

As the first African-American president, he would deliver on America's promise that there is no barrier to success.

Mr. Obama is a powerfully inspirational speaker, engaging listeners with energy and warmth as he describes his goals. That's the essence of leadership. His conversations feel more heartfelt than calculating, which reminds us of President John F. Kennedy.

Untested in foreign affairs, Mr. Obama is not afraid to disagree with popular opinion, favoring dialog with Cuba, Iran and other hostile powers, for instance. But he still has lots to tell America about how he would govern and whom he would rely on to help him lead. His promises to work across party lines may favor hope over reality, and the same might be said of his plans to reach out around the world.

Mrs. Clinton told us she would be "ready on Day One" to lead decisively, and indeed, her experience is one of her most appealing attributes. But her years of sparring with conservative adversaries have left her bruised and unpopular with many Americans. Mr. Obama is more likely to turn the page to a new era and deliver real change that is urgently needed to deal with the nation's economic, social and political problems.

Obama's next steps: ME, VA, DC, MD

EMK — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:54:11 EST

OMG, that was great that Obama got all those states! Maine is next, and as far as that state is concerned, if he can visit that state for a little while fine, but I would understand if he cannot since they vote today. In the later case, shout out some prayers for Obama so he can continue his momentum in ME.

Now the "Potomac Primaries." The good news is that MD and DC aren't very large in area, even though VA is large, so he can see all the large cities as well as the small towns. And if I were him, now is a good time for him campaign in the rural areas of the states/districts so he can cast a wider net on the voters. Even though he has two days, these primaries are litterally next door to each other, so he needs to take the time and canvas those more rurual areas.

So, if anyone from the Obama campaign is reading this post, please heed my advice. If you can start getting those rurual votes, you can close the demographic gap even further.

You can do it Obama!

EMK

Maryland matters... finally

Matt Palmer — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:38:33 EST

Tuesday's huge, on both sides of the political spectrum and Maryland can go a long way to deciding the candidates for president, so get out there and do your duty. Vote in the primaries.

You're never going to agree with everyone, but find the person who's most agreeable for you.

I'm looking forward to Monday at 1st Mariner Arena. If history is made in November with Obama, I want to be able to tell my children, "I was there."

Why Virginia Is So Crucial

Steve — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:18:50 EST

Most of the networks report that Louisiana, Nebraska, and Washington are easy wins for Barack Obama. Louisiana because of his standing among blacks and southerners, and Washington and Nebraska because they are caucus states, with which Obama has proven to do quite well.

He may win Maine, as a caucus state. It has been reported that Washington D.C. will vote Obama. And ultimately, it has been reported that Maryland and Virginia are battleground states.

Why? Because Obama and Clinton are tied. Yes, Obama has more states. Yes, he has a higher amount of delegates. However, Hillary currently has more overall delegates when you count the currently committed superdelegates. I don't like it either, but at this point, we still have work to do.

After Virginia and Maryland come Hawaii, which Obama should have no issue winning, and later Ohio and Texas, two states that reportedly are currently for Hillary. Political pundits and cynics are saying that she might gain momentum if she wins Virginia and Maryland. And that is something that we cannot allow.

Let's show the nation that we, Virginia, and our 'neighbors to the north' in Maryland, are for Barack Obama. Let's show that we are for progress, not a return to the Bush and Clinton dynastic era. We are for a candidate that represents the American dream, a dream founded here in this very state.

Because if the situation stays tied, the future of America may be in the hands of the Democratic National Convention. Not the people, but the bureaucrats. They may well decide to count the delegates in Florida and Michigan, two states in which Obama did not get the chance to campaign because he was following the rules. In fact, his name was not even on the ballot in Michigan. Hillary did not withdraw her name, even though she committed to not participate. Hillary held a fundraiser in Florida, a place she vowed not to campaign. AND EVEN SO, in Michigan UNCOMMITTED won 40% of the votes.

But if the DNC decides to count those delegates, delegates that were unfairly won, simply to settle a tie, it could be a bad situation. Yes, there's a chance they will ask for a re-vote, but why bother?

Let's make the decision for them. How can we do this? We can vote for Barack Obama, win Virginia and Maryland for Obama, and show the nation that there is only ONE choice left in this race. We can show the DNC that they don't even have to worry about Florida and Michigan. We can show that we've already decided.

And can we do this?

YES WE CAN!

Jamie Raskin to the Rescue?

Annalee — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:42:25 EST

My county's board of elections is refusing to release an absentee ballot to me. The gentleman I spoke to's exact words were 'it is our fault--we lost your paperwork.' But there's nothing, he said, that he can do about it. The only way for me to get a ballot is to go pick one up myself. That's a problem because I'm out of state at school, and it'd cost me a couple weeks' pay to get home.

So I called the local Obama For America office. They said that they'd try to look into it, and recommended that I call Jamie Raskin, my Maryland State Senator (he's apparantly also an Obama supporter, but I'd like to think that wouldn't be relevant in a case where a constituent's being denied her right to vote).

Raskin's office, bless them, took down my information and told me they'd look into it and get back to me tomorrow. The woman I spoke to was very optimistic that she could find a way to fix this. This is certainly something I'm going to keep in mind the next time Senator Raskin's up for re-election.

At least I can take a bit of comfort in knowing that when Barack Obama's in the White House, he'll make sure that boards of election across the country will take their responsibility to voters very seriously.

Our Work Has Just Begun!!!

DaveNY1979 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:03:52 EST

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to drop my own personal two cents of thanks for everyone who worked so hard here in New York to close the gap with Clinton -- a big reason we're able to claim more delegates across the nation from last night!

But I also wanted to remind all of you that our work has just begun! The Obama campaign is going to need continued fundraising in order to compete in the remaining states. Also, some very big prizes are still up for grabs -- and right in our backyard! Next Tuesday sees Maryland, DC, and Virginia vote -- all potentially very strong states for Barack. Best of all, round trip bus fare there costs under $40 from NYC!!! So let's try to get some groups together to go down there and volunteer!

Pennsylvania is also coming up soon -- so let's see what we can do there! As James Carville once said, Pennsylvania is "Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Alabama in between." But we all know who won Alabama last night!!! So let's make sure that's another win, and a big bunch of delegates for the best candidate in the race!

Finally, you'll note how much progress we were able to make over the past few weeks -- even in states with seemingly unsurmountable obstacles. Look also at how OVERWHELMING Obama's victories in caucus states were. This, to me, is the strongest evidence that our work as volunteers -- getting the word out to our friends, families, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers on the street -- is THE biggest difference-maker we have.

So keep up the great work. No one ever said it was going to be easy. But together, YES WE CAN!

-Dave Silverstone

NYC

Undeclared MD Super Delegates 02/04/07

Eric — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:49:49 EST

If you look closely at the delegate count you will see that Senator Clinton's lead is primarily based on the number of Super Delegates. These party leaders can take away the results of our popular vote - DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN. Call, write or e-mail these people and convince them to join us in announcing for Barack Obama. Given the Democratic Party's proportional delegate system (which works for and against us) it may be very difficult to close the marging on with the popular vote. These Super Delegates must declare for Obama! I will continue to post on this Blog information on how to contact the delegates - please let me know if you find any contact information.

Go Obama.

UPDATED: 02/05/08

Over the weekend the media and talk shows began to speculate on the role of Super Delegates in the choice of the Democratic candidate for President (visit: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/02/foreman.raw.politics/index.html ). Because most Democratic Party primaries award delegates by some proportion formula Super Delegates may play an important role in deciding our candidate. I looked on the DNC site and could not find a list of Super Delegates. A Google search turned up the following site:

http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/01/superdelegate-list.html

From the list provided on the site I developed the following list of MD Super Delegates who have not declared for a candidate - to be honest nearly half of the Super Delegates in the country have not declared and Senator Clinton is estimated to lead 198 delegates to 107. These Super Delegates are ideal candidates for a strong letter/e-mail writing campaign.

Most of the names do not have contact information. Anyone who wants to send me contact information at civitan.erichanson@gmail.com I will be happy to update the list for all.

IF ANY OF THIS IS INCORRECT PLEASE LET ME KNOW I WILL CORRECT IMMEDIATELY.

Representative John Sarbanes (MD)
Representative Steny Hoyer (MD)
Representative Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Senator Ben Cardin (MD)

DNC Members:
Susan Turnbull (MD)

Michael Cryor - MD Democratic Party Chair, mcryor@mddems.org
Lauren Glover - MD Democratic Party Vice Chair, lglover@mddems.org

Maryland Democratic Party
188 Main Street Suite 1
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-280-8818

Glenard Middleton
Hon. Heather Mizeur
Hon. Gregory Pecoraro
Mary Jo Neville

DNC Members at Large:

Alvaro Cifuentes (MD)

John Gage is General President of AFGE - www.afge.org

80 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 737-8700
comments@afge.org

Janice Griffin (MD)
Janice Griffin is President & CEO, Griffin and Associates, a government
relations and political consulting firm. Ms. Griffin is a veteran
political strategist. Ms. Griffin is Co-Chair of the Women's Leadership
Forum (WLF) of the Democratic National Committee. She is an At-Large
Member of the Democratic National Committee where she serves on the
Rules and Bylaws Committee.
http://jgriffinandassociates.com/contactus.html

Belkis Leong-Hong (MD)
Richard Michalski (MD)
Michael Steed (MD)

John Sweeney is General President of AFL-CIO - www.aflcio.org

AFL-CIO
815 16th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006

Maria Cordone (MD)

It ain't over til its over....Feb 5 watching the polls all night!

Lex — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:39:03 EST

I prayed on it... I have been excited about this race since Iowa proved to me that we had a chance, but I've feel in love with him at the 2004 DNC. I remember thinking, man he should run, I'd vote for him and then the doubt came, I thought wouldn't that be wonderful...Back to business, Missouri is the state I was born and raised in, but I live in Maryland now, and I'm fired up!

Marylanders Sign Up

Eric — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:54:56 EST

There are a lot of Web sites out there being used to support Barack Obama's Campaign. One of those that I see people repeatedly directed to is below, it allows you to volunteer on primary day, make phone calls, knock on doors, provide housing for volunteer, etc.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/mdgotv

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon endorses Barack Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:49:28 EST

BALTIMORE, MD – Today, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his commitment to bringing people together to create change that matters for all of America's families.

Mayor Dixon said, "I am proud to support Barack Obama because he is the candidate in this race who has proven he can bring people together to create change that matters for working families. As a community organizer he made life better for the poorest people in Chicago by improving housing and fighting job loss. In the Illinois state senate, he brought people together to pass universal health care for children. And in the United States Senate, he has reached across the aisle to fight the power of special interests on our government. He has a plan to make sure every child has a world-class education and every family has affordable health care, and those are the things that truly matter in people's lives. I am proud to support his campaign."

Senator Barack Obama said, "As the first woman to hold this office in Baltimore, Mayor Dixon is a trailblazer, and she has spent a lifetime working to make life better for Baltimore's families. From her years as a Kindergarten teacher to serving as president of the Baltimore City Council to fighting poverty and homelessness as Baltimore's mayor, Mayor Dixon has worked to bring change that matters in people's lives. As a working mother herself, she knows firsthand the demands on working families in our country, and she is committed to making policies that work for the future of Baltimore. I look forward to working with her to bring change in the months and years to come."

Mayor Sheila Dixon became mayor in January 2007, and is Baltimore's first female mayor. Previously, she served as the first African American female to serve as the Baltimore City Council president. Dixon also sat on the Baltimore City State Central Committee, and spent years as a kindergarten teacher in Baltimore.

LET'S REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE! - See Sun article

Joyce Dowling — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:47:19 EST

Maryland primaries could matter after all

"...Maryland's large population of African-Americans and affluent white liberals could tilt the state to Obama. The hot congressional primary in a mostly black district in Prince George's and Montgomery counties figures to boost African-American turnout even higher...." (more here)

I hope everyone has plans to help between now & Feb. 12 or especially on Feb. 12!

Check out all the blog posts about Obama in the Prince George's Bloggersphere - click link here

Get it started

Amirah Naim — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:24:12 EST

Hi Guys!

I am inviting you to my blog. Yes, I am on the bandwagon. The purpose of this blog is to have some impact on the primaries in our respective areas. It is a good place to meet to discuss upcoming events, rallies and voter registration.

It goes without saying that I hope you all are registered to vote and eligible to participate in the upcoming caucauses, primaries and conventions. If you are not, we need you. If you don't know how, let me know and I can help.

Get involved or do.not.complain.

Maryland Women For Obama "Kickoff To Change" A Great Success!

Vanessa from Washington, DC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:09:01 EST

I am excited to report that my first fundraiser "Kickoff To Change" Holiday Event in Montgomery County Maryland was a great success. We raised a total of $800.00 for Obama's campaingn, with over 25 women in attendance. That's not bad for a first! Most people who attended the fundraiser were not Obama supporters, but by the time they left they were educated about Obama, and they ALL gave a financial donation. I had lots of literature for the guests to take as they left and encouraged each one to bring along someone else for the next event. I want to thank all who came out and supported our first fundraiser. Herman - Thank you for giving such a wonderful speech on why you support Obama. Hussein - Thank you for helping set up, putting up the Obama signs on the outside and inside of the house, moving furniture, etc. Thank you for being such a loving and supportive husband. Chiquita - Thank you for all your hard work, your support and dedication to the fundraiser. Nadia - Thank you for your phone support and being a great host and registering the guest as they came in and in handing out the Obama buttons to all guests. Tenika - Thank your for your supplies and the food. Sheila - Thank you for encouraging me to go forth with my plans, for your support, the food, and for bringing in Erika to entertain us with her lovely voice. Kathy - Thank you for the delicious cookies and your support. I want to thank you all for your support and I know that the Obama GFC is proud of all of you. Happy Holidays to all!

Maryland for Obama website

Ed Terry — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:40:25 EST

The Maryland Campaign Committee for Senator Obama has published it website.

www.MarylandForObama.com

Your feedback and suggestions are welcome.

Anne Arundel County Maryland Women for Obama

Natalie — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:20:55 EST

Please contact me if you are interested in helping to identify Women in Anne Arundel County who are interested in voting for Senator Obama. ntbesanson@verizon.net

Barack in Newark NJ !!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:24:07 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ !!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Senator Obama’s going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here’s the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let’s show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:20:58 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven't heard yet, Senator Obama's going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here's the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let's show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:17:13 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Senator Obama’s going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here’s the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let’s show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Senator Obama Visits Maryland

Ed Terry — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:04:24 EDT

On Wednesday, October 10th, Barack Obama came to speak to Marylanders at Prince George's Community College. With close to 3,000 people in attendance, Senator Obama spoke about the promise of opportunity and fairness. He words received a very warm reception.

Here is a link to Senator Obama's speech:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPCQb-qg_3A

A welcome break from midterms...

Marc R. Peters — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:13:02 EDT

Yesterday, college students in my home state of Maryland skipped a night of studying (gasp). These students did not simply blow off work. These students got actively engaged in the democratic process.

Taking advantage of a rare presidential campaign event in Maryland, students from colleges and high schools from all around the state showed up in Prince George's County to see Barack Obama speak about his vision for America:

"He's definitely appealing to college students. He's doing things to reach us, and that's appreciated," said Trisha Chakraborty, 18, a freshman at the Johns Hopkins University who drove 40 miles south with several classmates. "I'm looking for someone fresh and new, who's not jaded by the process," she said.

Call to change

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:54:10 EDT

Recently, we announced our National Call Team program, which makes it easy for you to reach out to folks in your community and across the country to let them know about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Some of our grassroots supporters have gone above and beyond the call of duty (pun intended). Sherry, a Maryland real estate agent, has made over 350 calls to let people know about tonight's Countdown to Change event in Largo, Maryland.

"When I called people they were so nice," says Sherry. "I’ve worked on other campaigns before and people weren’t so nice when they got a call from a campaign worker. But on these calls, virtually everyone I spoke to was enthusiastic. People were really excited that he was going to be in Maryland and lots of people asked 'can I bring friends?'"

In addition to phonebanking, Sherry also stood outside local train stations and collected information from nearly 300 people. She says Obama makes it easy to reach out to people: "His platform speaks to the average person, not just the political pundits, so people want to get involved."

Join Sherry and other activists across the country who are helping this grassroots movement grow: sign up for our National Call Team.

Obama Mama Match

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 14:44:01 EDT

"Hold on--I'll get my guitar."

Within ten minutes of our conversation, Celeste had her fiance holding the phone on her end, and a rapt, foot-tapping Obama blogger here in Chicago.

With a catchy chorus and a country twang (not to mention a great voice), Celeste wowed this listener with a pretty incredible original song and an ear for all things rhyming with Obama.

"Barack Obama," she said after her performance, "has the three magic words: Honest, Kind, Listens."

Celeste has been teaching in Baltimore's public education system for thirty years.

"No Child Left Behind has to be changed. It has a lot of good aspects, but it's going in the whole wrong direction and needs to be addressed. That's why I'm an Obama Mama."

She's a teacher, so she doesn't make a lot of money--but she wants to give as much as she can. Instead of donating one lump sum, she decided to give multiple donations to the Match program. "I broke up what I could give into smaller donations to encourage more people to get involved," she said. "That's what this whole campaign is about: it's the philosophy of being inclusive."

Celeste has plans to tape a video for her new song tomorrow, so keep an eye on YouTube.

Make a Match donation yourself and double your impact. Today is the last day of the financial quarter...so time is of the essence.

Michael's match

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:17:29 EDT

Michael was one of the first firefighters in the Pentagon the morning of September 11th. He spent the following ten days recovering the bodies. His experience was visceral and he felt that we had to respond. He supported the war in Afghanistan and he believes that we have the right to defend our country. But he also believes that we must seek the best possible intelligence, understand the history and the culture of an adversary, and that we must strive to be prepared in the first place. This is why he opposed the war in Iraq and this is why Michael just made the first political donation of his life.

He first saw Barack Obama speak at the DNC convention in 2004 and he suspects he experienced the same stirrings of emotion people recall from the first time they heard JFK. What he saw in Barack was, "A vision for the future—and a brain."

And he couldn't kick the feeling—not that Obama might make a great President—but that Barack Obama would be the next President.

After that speech, Michael (who is a firefighter and paramedic in Frederick, MD) was just waiting. When Barack decided to join the race, he was thrilled. But it wasn't until this week—as Michael can really feel the campaign heating up—that he decided to make a donation.

"At this point I figure I need to put up or shut up," he said, getting right to the point.

He thought the Match program was ideal for him because he figured he could ante up, and at the same time encourage someone else out there to make the first step with him.

And he was right: two days ago, his pledge was matched by another first-time supporter, Ermias in Virginia, who wrote a note to Michael saying, "I believe in a new direction that comes from a new era… I believe in someone who walks and talks with this era's issues—someone like Obama!"

To inspire another first-time donor yourself, click here to make a matching donation.

EVERY City and State for Barack Obama!!

Homeboy — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:12:13 EDT

It's been a crazy month for me. I've spent countless all nighters trying to improve my grassroots Barack Obama website that I hope will make a difference in the younger voters out there. There are still a few glitches to fix, but for the most part, the new site is online and ready to help promote Obama as best as it can.

Probably the biggest difference is that there is now a page for every US city and state where people can leave comments and quickly interact. I chose the simple comment system because I know that many younger voters won't take the time to sign up for Barackobama.com but still want their voices to be heard, so this is their chance to be heard.

The most time consuming part of the whole website redesign was the creation and upload of over 30,000 images people can get on t-shirts. Like I mentioned earlier, there are a few problems with a few cities and states, but basically, EVERY CITY has its own Barack Obama t-shirt.

Let me say that again... EVERY US CITY has it's own t-shirt design!

I'm an artist and web designer, and this is how I'm supporting Obama. It doesn't matter what you're good at.. there's definitely something you can do to help him get noticed.

Goodluck!

-Homeboy

PS... here's links to the state pages...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Annapolis Rally for Obama

Johanna from Annapolis, MD — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:16:07 EDT

I would like to start a group of Obama supporters bases in Annapolis. If you want to join just make a posting..I would like to set up rally groups on corners during FEB 08 elections in Maryland...

June 28th Luncheon with Michelle Obama in DC

Franklin Katunda — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:07:45 EDT

Hello All - I am a co-chair on a luncheon with Michelle Obama on June 28th in DC. Tickets start at $250, and it will be a wonderful event and unique opportunity. Please email me at rmedavid@aol.com (please do not reply to the whole listserv) if you would like the invitation, and please excuse the double email if you belong to other groups I send to.

Thanks very much.

Ruthi David with"Families for Obama.org"

Email Source: group "Alexandria Virginia for Obama", and posted in 8 groups by Franklin Katunda

Straw poll surprises with total by Obama

Ed Terry — Mon, 21 May 2007 08:56:30 EDT

from Saturday's Baltimore Sun:

Straw poll surprises with total by Obama
Originally published May 20, 2007

Barack Obama narrowly edged out fellow U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards in an unscientific, but interesting, presidential straw poll of some of Howard County's most dedicated Democrats.

The poll was done at the party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner Thursday night at Clarksville's Ten Oaks Ballroom, with Clinton supporter (and straw voter) Gov. Martin O'Malley the main speaker.

The results surprised some of the more than 300 people attending.

Obama got 65 votes to Clinton's 61, and former Senator Edwards got 56 votes. Next highest was New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with 12 votes, former Vice President Al Gore with 6, Sen. Joseph R. Biden with 4, and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich got 1.

"It was surprising in that I had not really heard of an effort on behalf of Obama, but I had heard of an effort by Hillary," said party Chairman Michael C.A. McPherson, who announced the results.

Carol Fisher, a longtime party stalwart working on Clinton's behalf, said the results mean nothing because she has done no real work yet, other than spread a few bumper stickers around.

"With Martin O'Malley and [U.S. Sen.] Barbara Mikulski in her camp, that's pretty good support," Fisher said.

O'Malley said nothing as the result was announced, said Del. Elizabeth Bobo, who was sitting next to him.

"I was surprised. I'm liking both of them very much," Bobo said. "People say we want to pick who is going to win, but how do you figure that out?"

C. Vernon Gray, an Obama supporter who said he did not vote in the poll, said the Illinois senator is exciting because he has fresh ideas.

"People get tired of the same old traditional answers to problems," said Gray, who added that it is just a straw vote.

OBAMA in DC: Please Sign up for the H2O Event, May 23rd

Franklin Katunda — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:43:08 EDT

A Message from Tobby (Please Read)

Hello fellow compatriots!I received a call last night from the Senator about how grateful and excited he is on our plan to host him at H20 this coming Wednesday. He informed me that we are all in this campaign not just to win, but to truly transformed our politics for the betterment of our generation and our country. After our discussion, I was certain that this campaign is not about him: he is in because of the passion and love he has for this great country. My fellow supporters of Obama, I want to relay his profound message of gratitude and appreciation to you all for committing your time and money to this great enterprise of reclaiming our country back. For those that have not bought the ticket to this event, please do so before Saturday. Your contribution is priceless and it will help in actualizing our shared dreams of achieving a more perfect union. Be part of a generation that actually bend the arc of justice to its rightful place. Be counted! It is now time for us to actually "turn the page" by participating in this one-for-lifetime fundraising with Senator Obama. It is official that Senator Barack Obama will be coming to H2O on May 23, 2007 for a fundraising event. This is a low-dollar and affordable fundraising event for all of us that are civically minded in changing Washington DC, from a trading post to place of solving our shared problems.

The minimum ticket price is $100 for regular attendees and $500 for a VIP pass It is a great opportunity for all of us supporters in the area to come out en mass to grace this august visitor. You will have the chance to shake hands, hear, question, take pictures and share the same stage with our noble, intelligent and next president of the United States, Senator Barack Obama. This event is similar to the one organized by the folks in New York in February, which the tickets were sold out within three days. Therefore, seize this opportunity to buy the ticket now before it will be sold out. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE TICKET.For any question, email me at tobbybonk@yahoo.com. NOTE: Pass on this mail to others who may be interested in attending this important fundraising event. It is going to be the only relatively cheaper fundraising event that the Senator will be in attendance.

Thank you,Tobby with the group "AFRICANS AND AMERICANS FOR OBAMA"Posted by Franklin Katunda

Vote in Maryland Straw Poll

Ed Terry — Tue, 15 May 2007 18:05:40 EDT

The Maryland Democratic Party is holding its second "Blue Crab" online Presidential straw poll. The poll is open for a week (until Tuesday, May 22.) www. mddems.com/president

It only takes a few seconds to cast your vote for Senator Obama.

To vote, click Link

Our candidate won MDP's first Straw Poll in March by a wide margin and we need to keep the momentum going.

Spread the word!

RIverdale Park May 30

Joyce Dowling — Thu, 10 May 2007 21:06:34 EDT

Prince Georgians,

Interested in attending an organizational meeting in Riverdale Park on May 30 7 PM? Let me know and I'll fill you in.

This is an excellent flier:

Top 10 Reasons to Vote for Barack Obama

1. Barack Obama has personal experience with poverty and the growing income gap, having grown up abroad in Indonesia and working as a community organizer in the south side of Chicago.

2. After graduating Harvard Law, Magna Cum Laude and president of the Harvard Law Review, Obama could have become a wealthy corporate or trial lawyer but returned to Chicago to practice civil rights law.

3. He also taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago, so he knows how our government is supposed to work.

4. He has the most experience as an elected official and legislator with over 10 years in state and federal public service. He is the only top Democratic candidate who understands both state and federal government as an elected legislator.

5. He opposed the Iraq war before it started and has a specific plan for redeploying all combat troops by March 31, 2008.

6. He has received an A+ score from the Genocide Intervention Network for being a "champion" and taking crucial action to end the genocide in Darfur, co-sponsoring and voting for all significant Darfur legislation.

7. Barack Obama is committed to universal health care by the end of his first term.

8. He has sponsored, co-sponsored and advocated for significant and realistic legislation to end global warming by capturing and safely disposing carbon dioxide, raising vehicle fuel economy standards and replacing petroleum with home-grown biofuels like cellulosic ethanol.

9. He has the broadest base of supporters, has not accepted PAC money and is the least compromised by big money special interests.

10. Barack Obama has the intellect, natural talent and charisma to communicate effectively to the entire world, bring people together, change the status quo and move our country forward.

If you want to see the reasons I gave, see my previous message. If you'd like a PDF of this or a link to the original page which has photos on it, it is with PDFs for printing at the bottom of the page: Link

Contribute here: Link

Sharing to help the community & world

Joyce Dowling — Tue, 01 May 2007 16:41:46 EDT

Why I support Barack Obama: Sensible plan to pull out of war. Not accepting lobbiest funds. Has the qualities of a winner & president we can be proud of. Promotes open government. Good education, energy, and family & communities policies. Supports election reform. Pro-faith & "universal language" to keep specific religion out of government. We need a president who is really for the people - not just his buddies or his kind, but all the people. Obama has the qualities to be that president.

Here are some other sites you can see:

My personal home page Link - My family, Present employment, Volunteer projects, Past employment, My writings, Other info

My personal blog Link UU Mom Portal to Active Life

Creating a Jubilee County: Prince George's Co., MD Link - News and announcement – feel free to comment

Race Matters in Prince George's Co., MD & the USA Link - open dialogue on racial issues

Prince Georgians Care Link - About Prince George’s Co., resources, non-profits, interfaith resources, civic associations, jobs, forums, issue links, meeting notes, county bloggers

Contribute to the campaign here.

Prince George's for Obama Meeting

Ed Terry — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 15:45:29 EDT

The Next meeting for Prince George's for Obama is
Wednesday, April 18th 7pm at the

HYATTSVILLE BRANCH Library
6530 Adelphi Road
Hyattsville, MD 20782

If you have any questions please conctact Walakewon
Blegay at 202-441-7650 or wblegay@gmail.com

An update and a reminder...

Tim Chambers — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 01:30:25 EST

For folks from Maryland:

An update that my petition to Governor O'Malley, Senators Ben Cardin, and Barbara Mikulski to endorse Barack for President are all getting good response, with roughly 40 signatures each so far....

If you are a local Maryland resident, be sure to sign up!

Tim

Prince George's for Obama Meeting

Ed Terry — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 23:38:37 EST

The next meeting of Prince George's for Obama is scheduled for this Wednesday, March 14th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in the private room of Fratelli's Restaurant on Rt 202 at the B/W Parkway in Cheverly. Address: 5820 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD, 20785 At this point, we are just working on our organization and develop the resources we can bring to the Obama campaign for our candidate's success in our county. Hope you can join us.

Please bring your ideas and suggestions to develop a vibrant network in our county that the Obama campaign can use to reach out to all the communities within Prince George's.

Sen Obama Wins Maryland Poll

Ed Terry — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 23:27:53 EST

The Maryland Democratic Party just concluded it first on-line poll of Presidential hopefuls and Senator Obama won - collecting more than twice the votes of Hillary or John Edwards. In fact, he beat second-place Al Gore by 561 votes.

Of the 4,394 votes cast, Senator Obama collected 1,444 (32.87%).

Gore came in second with 883 (20.08%), followed by Hillary with 683 votes (15.55%).

While the poll may not be scientifically accurate, it does demonstrate broad support in Maryland for Senator Obama. Imagine the support the Senator will have once we get busy getting his message out to our friends and neighbors.

Complete Poll results can be found at: Link

Vote now in Maryland Democratic Party online poll!

Mike — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:33:53 EST

The Maryland Democratic Party is running a 2008 Blue Crab Presidential Poll on their website, and Barack Obama is leading — but it's close.

An email went out from the MD Dems a little over an hour ago asking people to vote in the poll, and listing the current results. Activity in the poll should start to pick up, so head to the website and vote, then send the link around:
Go to the poll now.

Barack Obama Leads in Maryland Presidential Poll

Senator Barack Obama is leading in an online Presidential Poll sponsored by the Maryland Democratic Party.

2000 Presidential candidate Al Gore is currently second, even though he has not announced that he is running. Senator Hillary Clinton and former Senator John Edwards are virtually tied for third place.

There are still a few hours left to cast your vote in this poll. Please visit www.mddems.com/president to cast your vote. This poll will end on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 6 pm.

For Maryland Residents: Petitions to Endorse Barack

Tim Chambers — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:29:03 EST

Using the free service Petition Online, I've created the following petitions for the Governor and Senators of my state to endorse Barack Obama's candidacy for President.

If you are a resident of Maryland, please do sign these:

Democratic MD Governor O'Malley

Link

Democratic MD Senator Cardin

Link

Democratic MD Senator Barbara Mikulski

Link

More after the jump ...including how to make your own petition for your state...

Prince George's for Obama Meeting

Ed Terry — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 12:38:52 EST

The next meeting of Prince George's for Obama is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 21st at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in the private room of Fratelli's Restaurant on Rt 202 at the B/W Parkway in Cheverly. Address: 5820 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD, 20784 At this point, we are just working on our organization and develop the resources we can bring to the Obama campaign for our candidate's success in our county. Hope you can join us.

Welcome to Baltimore Co. for Barack Obama

Matt — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 07:55:33 EST

Hello, my name is Matt. I created this group in order to create a chance for Democrats and Republicans voting for Obama to reach out to those not. This group was made pretty much exclusively for residents of Baltimore County. Though I am honored if anyone joins this group, I would prefer if only residents of Baltimore County would join since this would make planning events easier.

I am a high schooler, so I won't be able to create too many events. I will try my best but, if anyone in this group wants to take over that for this group, just let me know so i can tell everyone else.