Posts with the tag stories

Health Care Stories

Eileen M. from Rhinebeck, NY — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:12:46 EDT

The most powerful tool that has helped shape opinion about the need for health care reform was a link I received back on June 26, 2009 to individual stories of how health care has impacted their lives. Organized by zip code, I was able to access comments from people in my neighborhood (or any neighborhood nationally).

I have lost the link to this tool and would like to access it again to share stories with my daughter about individuals in her neighborhood.

Can anyone tell me if this tool is still available?

Tell US Health Care Stories- Charlotte

Ms. Mary — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:55:21 EDT

I remember not having many health care issues. Mostly, my mother gives us an annual check-up and we basically needed glasses and had cavities from eating too many sweets. How did she pay for it, I cannot answer. I wasn’t sickly or need medical attention as a child. Fast forwarding to when I was married, my medical expenses and needs were covered by my ex-husband insurance, 1199 National Union. When I had children, I had governmental coverage but after my children became 18, I lost all benefits. Currently, I have health coverage through my work but when I go to the doctor, the bill is more then my co-payments reaching 1,000's of dollars. What is a person to do? I do not have a pre-existing condition but I am afraid if I do, how will I be able to pay the medical expenses

1st Economic Recovery Meeting: Muncie, IN group

Rodger from Muncie, IN — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:01:11 EST

On 9 February 9 Muncie IN citizens met to discuss the President's Economic Recovery efforts, to tell their stories, and to understand what they might be able to do to help the economy. Below is a summary of some of their ideas as well as a link to a website where video's of their stories are published as well as a discussion on education and the recovery.

http://web.me.com/rodgerwsmith1/Economic_Recovery_Meetings/1st_Economic_Recovery_Meeting.html

Ideas/thoughts/concerns:

Democrats in congress need to reach across the isle to their republican counterparts. Dems should not make the same mistakes of hubris as Bush did when it was a Republican controlled house and define bipartisan as the other guy giving in. As well, we should Republicans on notice that they are there to serve the people first and their party second.
Shovel ready applies to the Arts as well as construction. And, construction applies to infrastructure, especially where education is concerned as those repairs put private construction companies to work.
Loans should go to refurbish neighborhoods and individual homes at very low rates. These loans would put construction folk back to work.
Banks need to take a local look and loosen up lending to improve their communities lives, culture, and real estate.
An educational program like the ones after WWII and Korea should be put into place to lower tuition and make education once again affordable and available to all. This promotes jobs and takes an aim at strengthening the future.
Digital and greening technologies should be moved to the front of the line to encourage growth, strengthen our nation for the future, and help us regain market and international leadership.
Local newspapers should demand local politicians become as transparent with their programs as the President is trying to do with national programs. In this way newspapers could help solve their problems by truly focusing on the problems in local government and thereby increasing circulation which turn means jobs and a smoother political process.

Perhaps the most important result from this meeting was not that members left sending letters to their congressman (which they did), but agreeing to another meeting and to expanding membership. We don't necessarily know what we can do, but we are interested to discover what can be done and to participate in a recovery.

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:46:06 EST

AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY

If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.

HELP WOUNDED VETERANS
Source: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD

http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9

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

BARACKOBAMA.COM INTERNET RANKINGS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:53:18 EST

Special Note: Those interested in analytical search engine data please see Alexa Traffic Rankings

OBAMA HEADLINE NEWS

WEBMASTER — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:44:29 EST

"Our veterans are part of an unbroken line of heroes who have defended the American people and stood up for American values" - PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA

ABC * AP * CNN * C-SPAN * GOOGLE * MONITOR * MSN * REUTERS * TIMES * UPI * CARTOONS

Alabama * Alaska * Arizona * Arkansas * California * Colorado * Connecticut * DC * Delaware * Florida * Georgia * Guam * 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 * Puerto-Rico * Rhode Island * South Carolina * South Dakota * Tennessee * Texas * Utah * Vermont * Virginia * Washington * West Virginia * Wisconsin * Wyoming *

NEW YEARS PRAYER AND CELEBRATION

WEBMASTER — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:22:45 EST

"Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today."
PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

RSVP MIDNIGHT PRAYER AND CELEBRATION - 31 DEC 2008

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS OUR NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

We invite everyone breathing, or not, the opportunity to show global unity and dedicate three [ 3 ] minutes of time on News Years Eve to thank God for President Obama and ask the Creator of All Things for a GLOBAL BLESSING for ALL NATIONS, PEOPLES, AND TONGUES.

May we agree that 2009 can be a year of healing for the nation and the world as we celebrate this historic election. All faiths are encouraged to join the festivities. LET US GO DOWN TO THE RIVER AND PRAY.

Text translations of the readings supplied by GOOGLE TRANSLATE through GLOBAL BIBLE STUDY.

baa baa baa baaaaROCK

LM 27 — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:13:39 EST

Kid Story

Kindergarden teacher passed this story on. She asked one of her kids today if the kid's candidate won. The elementary school held a mock election with a voting booth and registration.

The kid said yes and that he was the only one in his family that voted for Obama (the kid crossed party lines). Barack won by a 30-19 margin in the elementary wing.

So the teacher asked why he voted different than the family and the kid said: "My parents like McCain but I like my ROCKS.

MSU/U-M pre-game for change!

Josh In Michigan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:33:39 EDT

We don't need to tell you who's playing tomorrow - but we do need to tell you about the great Obama event happening outside of the Big House tomorrow:

Tailgate for Change with Senator Levin
Noon, Saturday, October 25
511 E. Hoover Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI

Also, watch the skies tomorrow... we'll have a plane flying overhead during the game, and you won't want to miss it! Send us your best photos from the game here, and we'll feature them on the blog after the game.

Whether the Wolverines or the Spartans win tomorrow, the real winner will be all of Michigan and America on November 5, if we all do what we must do to elect Barack president. Sign up for Michigan Students for Obama today, or if you're not a student, sign up to help our Get Out the Vote efforts around the state.

Sherri's story

Josh In Michigan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:02:25 EDT

All this week, we'll be featuring Michiganders who have been volunteering and working to bring the change we need by helping to elect Barack Obama. Today, we're featuring Sherri from Milford, who sends in a photo of "the real reason I've worked so hard on this campaign - my new grandson Wyatt."

Join the Obama Campaign for Change and help us in this critically important stretch before Election Day. With only 15 days until the most important election in our lives, it's so important to keep our momentum going and keep making the phone calls, knocking on doors, and doing everything possible to bring about the change we need on November 4. Visit a Campaign for Change office near you to learn more about how to get involved, or check out our online action center today!

As a retired public school teacher of 30 years, I would obviously count education as one of my top priorities in terms of issues facing the new President. Several years ago I listened to an interview on NPR with Barack Obama, at the time a brand new member of the U.S. Senate. I had been following his career and was particularly interested in this interview because the topic was education. He spoke about the fact that there were some excellent places of learning in this country and we needed to study those places of success in order to find models for educational reform in districts that were failing. I was currently involved in a program that was developing lab sites where teachers could learn from other teachers, so I was impressed with his depth of understanding the power of professional learning communities. I looked up the names of some of the individuals advising him on educational matters and was further impressed by a line-up of professionals whose books I’d read and used in my own teaching practice. Barack continues to inspire me with his broad understanding of issues and his ability to find the brightest minds in the country to advise him on the details. I sincerely believe it will be the American children who will most benefit from an Obama administration.

Letters from the Field: "Aunt Traci, who do you think you are voting for?"

Josh In Michigan — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:36:43 EDT

Traci in Cadillac sent us this story:

The night of the Vice Presidential Debate I was babysitting my eight-year-old niece. I asked if she minded if I watched the debate for a little while and she said to me that it was ok because if she could tell her teacher one thing from the debate then she would get five points of extra credit, mind you, she's in third grade. So we watched the entire debate, and towards the end she asked me, "Aunt Traci, who do you think you are voting for?" I turned to her and said well, I think we are in need for a serious change and the only option I see for that change would be if I voted for the Obama/Biden campaign. She looked at me with a very serious expression and asked, "do you wanna know who I would vote for?" Being curious about the undterstanding an eight year old would have of the election and the debate going on I said I would really like to know. She shrugged her shoulders and with tears in her eyes said, "I might not know everything they are talking about, but I would vote for Barack Obama because I am smart enough to know that the war is wrong, and McCain supports staying in the war." So shocked, I said Haley, why are you crying? She then told me that her best friend's dad was in Iraq for a fourth time and he was going to miss his little girl's birthday for the fourth time.

People Like Me Blues--DemConvention

Madama Ambi — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:37:16 EDT

Mashup of women speakers at DemConvention with MadamaAmbi vocals. These are the stories and the voices I understand and recognize. Summertime, from Porgy & Bess, was sung to me at bedtime by my mother, and is supposed to be a lullabye.

click here to listen...8:15 min.

Saddleback: McCain Happiest Talking War Stories

Madera Strong - Team Co-ordinator For City of Madera — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:23:21 EDT

Saddleback was interesting because you could see McCain relax and get a twinkle in his eyes and a sense of "honor" by getting into those old war stories. It was also a good way to delay another question from the moderator.

McCain had a lot of "old war stories" on hand for the Saddleback interview. It was as if I became a kid again and was sitting on grandad's knee listening to his "war days." It is McCain's strength. It was only missing a fireplace or a Christmas tree.

News Articles, and a Plea from David Plouffe, Barack's Campaign Manager

jgabriel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:59:25 EDT

Hello everyone,

First off, Barack's plan for Iraq, an op-ed in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/14/opinion/14obama.html?ref=opinion

An interesting Newsweek piece about Barack's religion and religious beliefs (perhaps you can share this with one of the 12% of Americans who think he is Muslim):

http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971/page/1

Here is a piece from the New Yorker on Obama's Chicago rise:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/21/080721fa_fact_lizza?printable=true

Another piece from the New Yorker (http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2008/07/21/080721taco_talk_hertzberg) on Obama's supposed flip-flops. Quoted from the story:

"Meanwhile, McCain has been busily reversing his views in highly consequential ways. He opposed the Bush tax cuts because they favored the rich; now he supports their eternal extension. He was against offshore oil drilling as not being worth the environmental damage it brings; now he’s for it, and damn the costs. He was against torture, period; now he’s against it unless the C.I.A. does it. He keeps flipping to the wrong flops. But he and Obama can both take comfort in what they’re avoiding. If they were clinging to every past position, the flip-flop police would be busting them for stubbornness and rigidity in the face of changing circumstances. Bush all over again! Flip-flops are preferable to cement shoes, especially in summertime."

And finally, David Plouffe has made a video call to donors to help make up the difference with the RNC. According to his calculations, the RNC/McCain war chest is about a $100 million. Take a look here: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/stepup?source=20080714_PV_ND_B-STCO

Please Share Your Story: FierceUrgencyOfNowProject.com

Victoria — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:44:50 EDT

See note from Lisa Rivera, and contact her to join this project!!

Hello Everyone,

I am sitting here in my living room, feeling a bit sick today but could not be happier. Tears are streaming down my face as I listen to Barack make his speech. Thank you Spirit. We did it. As a team, everyone doing a bit. I mean everyone, if you donated money you own a piece of this campaign, if you did anything you were involved. That means wearing a button, talking to a friend or even keeping an open mind. Now the real work is coming and we need everyone!!!!

I KNOW we can do it!!!!

You can start by helping a project I am spearheading.

I am collecting stories for a book I am visioning to be out before the general. We are collecting stories of people traveling for the campaign. Please take a look here......

www.fierceurgencyofnowproject.com

If you have traveled or not I need you to forward this site to everyone on your email list and ask them to do the same. Please blog the address everywhere you can. Get the word out. If we can get our stories out we can show people how much this campaign has affected us all. So, even if you have not volunteered yet for the campaign, this can be your first step. Please get the word out.
Thank you everyone. Please hold the vision!!!! Barack his hand on his family bible taking the oath of office. It will happen!!!! We all need to pull together even more and get that energy out there. One of unity, welcome and love.

Peace and Blessings to all.

Lisa Rivera

John McQueen's Wednesday Wire - April 30

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:25:16 EDT

John McQueen's Wednesday Wire - April 30thThe wonderful Wednesday Wire is by John McQueen, active Democrat in Heidelberg, Germany. John's insights, reporting, and reading recommendations are perceptive, and reflect a week's worth of superb journalism to pull together everything for readers in a concise format.

Carole
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday Wire No. 137Thu, 05/01/2008 - 07:23 — John McQueen Volume CXXXVII, April 30th 2008

Dear Democrats Around the World,

This is DA Wednesday Wire No. 137, 30 April 2008.

Wednesday Wire is copyright protected, but I choose not to exercise it. If you do quote what is here, it would be nice to give credit.

Topics This Week

Indiana and North Carolina – the Numbers speak loudly
A crazy campaign week
The Indiana Voter ID Decision
Help Improve Overseas Voting
The Senate Races from the Money Angle
State by State
Reading Recommendations
And finally…The future of WW

Calls Some fun stories

Jeff — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:28:11 EDT

Here are a couple of my favorite moments from todays phone calls.

On one I called and asked for a male, the wife answered asking who was calling to which I replied oh hi it is Jeff S Im a volunteer for Senator Obama’s presidential campaign . This was answered with a woo hoo. She then gave me to her husband who told me that they were both for Senator Obama. I laughed saying the whoop kind of gave it away. He then told me they were 60 and 70 had been republicans but had switched to support Senator Obama.

The other was a lady who also was a supporter but she said, I just wish you would call my friend K. I said well she isn’t on my list but go ahead give me the number. I called her and she was so excited to receive a call. She said she had received one from the Clinton camp but wanted one from Obama’s

I had a nice long talk with an undecided about health care and coverage for preexisting illnesses.

Many people were very excited to hear from someone, several asked me to tell him something (sadly had to point out but a plebian making phone calls). There are occasionally drunk folks (it was march madness) but most were just mad about Obama

Its a great experience one I would highly recommend.

Volunteer Stories and next meeting

Fort Wayne 4 Obama — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:41:22 EST

There are amazing volunteers all around the State and this country. I wanted you all to meet some of ours. We are building a strong outreach in Allen County and hope this will inspire you to participate in the campaign for CHANGE. Julia Beck, Fort Wayne Julia is an assembler at General Motors. She joined AC4O on Feb 19th. Knowing how important it is to get Barack's stance on the issues out to voters, Julia was empowered to make additional tool kits for the next meeting. She came in with nearly 70 kits for new members! Everyone can get involved and have a piece of this campaign. Get involved and play your part. Aisha Hallman, Fort Wayne Aisha is an employee of the Dupont Branch of the Allen County Public Library. Knowing she had some time to enter data that we collected, Aisha stepped up and asked if there was any data to enter. We had just received more than 50 supporter cards in addition to new group sign ups at our last meeting. She took the stack and entered each name, email address and phone number to help complete our group information. There is a place for each person with whatever skills you have in the Barack Obama campaign. Join us to make CHANGE happen. Stacy Banks , Fort Wayne (Chicago) Stacy Banks is originally from Chicago and was a member of Barack's Church Trinity UCC. She stepped in where she felt she could help just like many volunteers. The volunteers in the Obama campaign are given ideas of what things need done, but are empowered to do whatever they feel they can to help. Stacy made enough copies to create 100 MORE tool kits for volunteers to spread the word about Barack Obama and his stance on the issues. Stacy continues to be active at meetings and is considering further participation by being a State Delegate. Robin Simunek, Fort Wayne Robin didn't let a scheduling conflict slow her participation down for the group. Although she couldn't attend the last meeting, she baked a fresh batch of banana bread for callers that attended the phone banking for Ohio voters. Nothing makes volunteers happier than FOOD. This was Robin's idea on how she could make a difference for the morale of our volunteers. Don't you want to join us? Roger McNett, New Haven Roger host the site ourdems.org. Knowing that AC4O may need a place to host messages about events and tasks, Roger stepped up and volunteered his skills to program a page just for us! He is constantly making sure we have everything we need posted and is wonderful about making suggestions and providing ideas on getting the word out about AC4O. Roger is a huge asset in our communications for the group! Our next meeting is Wednesday March 12 at the Allen County Democratic office at 7:15. Meet these wonderful volunteers and others like them who are just ordinary people trying to do extraordinary things.

Please Submit Your Story

Crystal Houtman — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:56:13 EST

I have decided to compile supporter stories and put them into a book. Everyone calls the Barack following a phenomenon; we call it a call for change.

Let's tell those people our stories.

If you are interested in being a part of the book, please email your story to seattlechic@gmail.com.

I have already started typing out my story...doesn't need to be long or fancy, and don't be worried about grammatical errors, if there is any editing needed we will do it and send you a final proof to approve.

I plan to have a portion of the proceeds (or should I say as much as law will allow) go to Barack's campaign for the presidency...once he is officially the nominee. =) Whatever I cannot donate to Barack will go to Brad Pitt’s Make It Right, creating housing for Katrina victims.

Please include your name (first and last if you don't mind, if you do mind than just first), city and state. If you would like to include a headshot, go ahead and attach that as well. At this point I am not sure if they will be included, but at least I will have them available.

This is our chance to explain to the people that this is not a phenomenon; this is over a million voices crying for change.

I am flying down to Texas to help with the effort there through the 4th and will only be able to review and respond to emails in little bits and pieces. Feel free to take your time writing this story, as of current I don’t have a deadline for a completed project, but I am going to estimate it will be about three weeks. If I don't get back to you right away, please be patient.

Why Hope?

Robert from Wauconda, IL — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:01:49 EST

Why We Dare to Hope

In an electronic world where macro-information comes in bits an bytes, with little fact-checking and an almost reckless pursuit of the country’s highest office, I refuse to get caught up in the information flow – mainly because I really can’t tell what factual, what’s a lie and everything in-between.

Over the past several months I focused on candidates with experience, like Hillary and McCain. I felt change could only happen in small incremental steps, led by experienced politicians able to navigate the complex waters of politics. However, the more I thought about it, the more I came to the realization: why can’t we shoot for the stars? Why can’t we reach as high as possible? Why can’t we take a giant step? Is it risk we fear? Is it change we fear?

I believe strongly that we can create a better world with more security for our citizens, a better way of life, and prosperity – while marginalizing those who conspire against us.

Here’s why I hope for Obama and hope for America to rise again in the hearts of all citizens and in the hearts of foreigners who aspire to live the American dream:

Security

Foreign Policy

Our ability to improve the opinion of America does not come from forcing our way of life on others. Instead it comes from inspiring foreign people and countries to be like us; a land of opportunity and prosperity; a land of compassionate giving; a land of support for those choosing freedom and independent thinking.

Military Strength Through Precision

By inspiring people around the world to have aspirations of an American way of life, those who conspire against us will be isolated, remote and therefore more visible among free-thinking societies. By illuminating smaller, more precise targets around the globe we will still have the military strength to protect our citizens through precision attacks from a distance. Without a need to occupy, we will keep our soldiers at a safe distance from our enemies.

Innovation

We are the most innovative country in the world. The people of the United States have innovative ideas and supportive technology far advanced from our adversaries. We’ve demonstrated this with our military technology. Now we should use this unprecedented capability to protect our citizens with port security, border security, transportation security and a pinpointed focus on individuals and groups that conspire against us.

The Economic Responsibility of the Superpower

The Glass House

Before we can help others outside of our country, we must first help those at home. Our country has the means and our people have the ability to help those in need. As a country that can afford to help our citizens, we are obligated to do so. As Katrina pointed out, no citizen of this country should ever take a back seat to those efforts abroad. We had a unique opportunity for citizens to rally around the needs of Katrina victims, but were handcuffed by our commitments abroad – and we failed our citizens. Every law-abiding, hard-working citizen of this country deserves a chance to have a peaceful, free, and most-of-all, fair chance to succeed and contribute to a better America. It starts by giving everyone a solid foundation on which they can stand.

Health Care

We don’t need to give away or mandate health care for all of our citizens. Instead we need to allow our citizens the freedom to choose heath care, and freedom to do so comes first from an affordable set of options, not a mandated universal system. Those of us who can afford health care, or have it provided by our employers should have the freedom to choose to keep it. However, we must address the needs of others who are less fortunate. We need to make sure children are protected. In doing so we close the divide between rich and poor, and ultimately across gender and racial divides too. The health care system in America shouldn’t be government-run – it should simply be more affordable to all.

Job Opportunity

With a focus on efficiency and bottom-line profits, its no wonder so many companies outsource to foreign lands for cheap labor. However, this comes not from the financial greed of CEOs, but rather from the pressure of U.S. citizens to keep prices down and affordable. As citizens, we must consider sacrifices in support of our countrymen, including the potential for higher prices and even a higher sales tax. Remember the times when “Buy American” meant supporting the jobs of hardworking auto workers? Remember when Wal-Mart only sold American-made goods? It’s time for us to put our words back into action by imploring our companies to bring jobs back to the U.S. and accept the slightly higher prices that come with it. Think of the sacrifices our parents made during the WWII era – we can accept the change and responsibilities they did.

Infrastructure

We have an opportunity to change the focus of our resources to domestic infrastructure, including our programs for energy dependence, infrastructure safety, and education. To do so, we must first reduce our dependency on foreign resources. It’s our dependency on foreign oil, foreign manufacturing, foreign food and drug production that puts our country at risk. We should shift our focus on being less dependent on foreign influences to support our country’s infrastructure while improving our long-term investment in education for all of our citizens in every corner of our country.

Compassion for Others

Secondary to providing equal access, equal support and equal opportunity to our citizens we can focus on helping those outside of our country. We have the ability to improve life for millions outside of our country, and as the world’s superpower we’re morally obligated to do so. This is not an issue of race, gender or religion. It’s the obligation of the highest power to help others in need, beginning with those who need it most – those whose lives depend on the help of others; those in war-torn countries, those who are starving; those who die of curable disease but cannot get access to medicine; those who need clean water; those who depend solely on the compassion of others to survive. It is this gift of compassion, given simply because we can.

Hope: The Role of President

Not since John F. Kennedy have we had a President who inspired citizens to act on behalf of country and people with a gift of inspirational speech. FDR, Truman, and others had a unique ability to inspire the citizens of this country to reach deep within themselves to support one another, support our troops, support our economy, and support our ideals. The citizens, like my mother and father, were known as “The Greatest Generation”, not because they were rich and successful but because they gave for their country and other citizens in a way no one has done since. But today, politics have changed. No more is it enough to create goals, vision and inspiration. We require our candidates to tell us exactly how their plans are to be executed – we want details. Has any President delivered results in line with the exact details provided during their candidacy? No – it requires a team effort from cabinet members, staff and congress. That’s why it’s more important to focus on who they want on their team then how the plan would be executed.

I expect our President to create goals and vision for our country, build a team of capable leaders to formulate a plan outlining how these goals can be achieved, and building teams to execute in support of the President.

Hope is important. In fact hope is critically important because we need inspiration and promise that our lives and the lives of others will be better. We expect the President to inspire us to create our prosperity, not to simply hand it to us. Obama dreams and tells us we need to contribute to our own success; we need to sacrifice to achieve independence from foreign resources; and we need to be compassionate to the less fortunate.

That’s why I am hopeful.

Send Me Your Government Horror Stories

Asher Heimermann — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:41:58 EST

Dear Friends,

Have you ever found yourself waiting forever on the phone to talk to your Representative? Maybe you have a bad Mayor or Governor that does a bad job? Or, you just have a horror story that you would like to share with me?

Send me a short, factual account of what has happened to you, a close friend, or family member. Then, e-mail it to me at asher@asherheimermann.com. I will read every single one of them. After reading each one, I will make sure to reply to your e-mail so you know that I've read it.

Thank you, all of you, for your help and your continued support through the past weeks and months. I promise you that I will not give up for fighting for Honest Government, Student Rights, and a Better World!

Yours Truly,
Asher Heimermann
asher@asherheimermann.com http://www.AsherHeimermann.com

Remembering Our Veterans: My Grandfather's Story

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 28 May 2007 10:58:17 EDT

As we reflect on those who served our country, I'd like to briefly share the story of my grandfather, who served in World War II and passed away in 2005.

My grandfather, Leo Felsen, grew up in Munich, Germany. As a Jew, he faced constant persecution, and when the Nazis rose to power that persecution turned violent. One night, his family's shop was destroyed. He knew he had to get out as quickly as he could, so he fled to England. His sister, Hannah, was not so lucky. She was deported to Poland, where she was presumably killed in the Warsaw ghetto.

In 1940, when he was only 16 years old, my grandfather boarded a ship headed for the United States. His ship dodged German submarines as it made its way towards New York City. The first thing my grandfather saw was the raised torch of the Statue of Liberty. He knew he had finally made it to the land of opportunity.

He found work in a clothes-packing factory in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but his dreams were bigger: he wanted to be an engineer. Soon, he was drafted in the Army and sent to the Philippines. After serving his country, his country served him. On the GI Bill, he achieved his dream, attending Brooklyn Polytechnic University. He stayed at Brooklyn Poly for his PhD, and eventually became Dean of the University.

I always remember my grandfather's fervent love for this country. In Germany, he was told that he was worthless, even subhuman. In America, he was not only treated with dignity, he was actively granted a chance to achieve his dream. My grandfather excelled because, after he gave of himself to defend this country, his country gave back. That's a lesson I'll never forget, and it's something that hits me particularly hard on Memorial Day.

Rest in peace, Gramps. And to all of the veterans who have valiantly served, thank you for your sacrifice.

Letter from Jersey

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 03 May 2007 16:06:01 EDT

This just came in from Akin S., a volunteer in New Jersey:

So this will sound a bit crazy but I was just at my local Stop & Shop wearing my Barack shirt & this older black guy who I've known since I was a kid creeps up to me with the shroud of shame he's carried since the bank took his house from him and he goes, "Will ya'all except 89 cents for Barack?" I gave him a shirt, but I think there is something to telling people who have financial woes that even 89 cents is helpful.

"Obama is a leader for the future... he represents the diversity of this country"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 01 May 2007 14:27:09 EDT

Jose C. is a 27-year-old math tutor from North Hollywood, California.

He recently graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. After high school, Jose worked full time to help his mother pay the bills; eventually he went on to community college, and from there, was accepted into UC Berkeley, one of California’s finest schools.

Jose’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1975. “It was a time of economic crisis in Mexico and economic opportunity in America,” says Jose. “They came in search of opportunity and to provide a better life for their children.” Both have worked in what Jose describes as “hard labor jobs”; his father is a gardener and his mother is a housekeeper at a hotel. Neither of them ever got a chance to receive an education. “My parents feel proud that I graduated from Berkeley,” says Jose. “At first, they didn’t really understand the magnitude of it, but now they do, and they realize that all of their sacrifices were worth it.”

Jose, who majored in engineering, is currently working as a math tutor. He serves many privileged children who can afford his tutoring, but he also offers discounted tutoring to poor children who can’t afford his normal rates. “I come from a low-income, underprivileged family, and I know what it feels like to struggle and work hard so you can go to a good school,” he says. “I relate to the underprivileged population and I want to give back.”

As a child of immigrants, Jose cares deeply about the direction of immigration policy. "We have to understand as Americans that the country was built by immigrants and we need immigrants," says Jose. "People have to understand why immigrants are coming here, and once we understand that, then we can start creating fair policies.

Jose supports Senator Obama because he believes Barack will address the issue of immigration in a fair and just way. “Obama comes from a very diverse background and I think he understands where a lot of Americans are coming from,” says Jose. “A lot of Americans today also come from diverse backgrounds and Obama is a leader for the future... he represents the diversity of this country.”

This is the first time Jose has ever donated to a campaign. “In fact,” says Jose, “Obama is the first candidate I ever liked in my life.”

“I feel Obama—the way he came to be. He didn’t get where he is just because his relatives were in positions of power,” says Jose. “He came to where he is today because he worked hard for it, from the bottom up. He understands the grassroots because he is grassroots.”

"I tell the young people I work with that the Gospel is a message of hope"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:41:39 EDT

Dalton R. is a youth minister working at a United Methodist church in Atlanta, Georgia.

He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee in a “very conservative” household. Dalton’s parents, who are members of an evangelical mega-church, raised him as a Republican and he remained one all throughout high school.

But when I got to college, and began studying politics and religion, it all started to slowly make sense to me. I didn’t buy the compassionate conservative stuff— it didn’t work. I appreciate the idea of limited government in some ways, I mean, I’m against wasteful spending. But the problem I have is that Republicans don’t actually believe in limited government—they believe in cutting programs that don’t get them votes.

I didn’t all of a sudden say ‘I’m a Democrat’ but I slowly began to realize that there was a lot of injustice out there. I felt that both religion and politics had a role to play in dealing with these problems, and that the Democratic party was best equipped to tackle the problems that the church can’t on its own, especially with regards to health care.

As a youth minister, Dalton is extremely concerned with the state of public education policy. “Every week one of my youth tells me they’re going through testing that week in school and they’re exhausted and worried and completely nervous about the tests,” says Dalton. Under No Child Left Behind, he says, these students are so bombarded by mandatory exams that they learn little to nothing beyond test prep. “A standardized test education takes away from what teachers can teach and what students can learn,” says Dalton. “The students can’t blossom and grow under the current system.”

Dalton also discusses the Iraq war with his congregation. Several of them have parents and friends’ older siblings who have fought or are currently fighting in the war.

They are a bit confused because of what’s going on—a lot of them have been told by their parents we’re in Iraq because they attacked us first. We talk about whether it’s a just war, why we should be over there. They know something should be done but they’re scared to death because they don’t think they can do anything about it. One of the things I try to tell them is that getting involved in politics, especially voting (when they’re old enough), is a way to actually change things. It’s not fair for me to say, ‘It’s gonna be alright,’ because I’m not sure what’s gonna happen.

Dalton says he “got on board” after hearing Barack deliver a speech on faith and politics at the Call to Renewal conference last year.

Barrack doesn’t just co-opt evangelical language in order to appeal to the lowest common denominator of religious voters. So many politicians just say God or Jesus or the Lord and I feel like those are just code words to try for ‘I’m faithful, you should vote for me.’ At the Call to Renewal conference, he talked about doing more than just doing lip service. He presented a more nuanced understanding of religion—making religious values a part of your life. He talked about the way someone disagreed with him on abortion and how there is real room for people to disagree on fundamental matters of faith in a way that is civil and not divisive.

Here’s a picture of Dalton and his wife Stacey. They married in January.

For Dalton, Barack’s message of hope resonates on a deep level. “I tell the young people I work with that the Gospel is a message of hope and to remember at all times to be hopeful.”

Dalton, who is working and paying his way through Seminary, gave ten dollars to the campaign. “It’s not a lot, but it’s what I could give considering my circumstances. I think it’s important to become involved the best way you can,” he says.

Dalton was counted among the more than 40,000 of you who have given in April. Now it’s your turn. Stand up and be counted.

Writing a New Chapter: "I would like once again to be proud..."

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:35:24 EDT

On Tuesday, April 24th, we asked for your thoughts on foreign policy and how America can reclaim its moral legitimacy in the world's eyes. You responded with thoughtful stories and personal insights. We are sharing a sampling of the many remarkable responses.

Raymond C.

I would hope to see the United States become the nation I thought it was when I graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1961. That is: a nation which does not impose its will through use of force, that leads by example (the only effective leadership), and that is willing to step up and use its wealth and strength to help relieve human suffering in those areras where suffering is most prevalent. Today, that would be in sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular Darfur, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Those areas may have no oil, but human beings need relief there none the less. In 1961 we were a nation deicated to alliances and not shoot first and ask questions later foreign policy and the just war policy (fight when directly attacked), or so I believed. Had I not believed that, I would never have entered Annapolis. I have seen a steady erosion of our policy ethics since Vietnam. I would like once again to be proud of the moral and ethical stances of my country.

Please continue to share your thoughts with us. To read Barack's speech on how America can retain moral leadership in the world, click here.

Writing a New Chapter: "I have pictures of 5 students serving as Marines"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:04:49 EDT

Julie D.

I'm an English teacher and have been for fifteen years. I take my job very seriously and feel it is my mission in life to educate young people. Right now, on my wall of fame in my classroom, I have the pictures of 5 students serving as marines in the war. When they come home on leave, they come to see me, and I hear and see the discouragement they feel because they truly don't see why they are serving in Iraq.These are wonderful young men who willingly signed up to serve their country- I want them to come home whole! I want the years I spent teaching them to benefit their future, not be lost to a sniper or car bomb, or worse. I want them to feel some sense of accomplishment when they leave the service, if they ever get to...

I now have several more contemplating joining up or entering the military academies. It's hard to watch and not want to influence them to go another way. I have never felt this dilemma before- I support the troops and love my country, but I care about these individuals too much to watch more go away to a war that should have ended a long time ago.

Please continue to share your thoughts with us. To read Barack's speech on how America can retain moral leadership in the world, click here.

Writing a New Chapter: "Our foreign policy... is personal for me"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:42:11 EDT

Peggy R.

Our foreign policy and moral leadership is personal for me because of the many loved ones I have who are serving in the military.

Derek, my son, is in the Navy's Mobile Security Forces, 9 months into a 2 year tour in Bahrain where he provide security throughout the Middle East where there is a "high value asset" that has no other security infrastructure. He's 19.

Daniel, my nephew, has served one tour in Iraq with the Army and I expect he'll be sent again if the surge is not stopped. He's 22.

Jason, my son's best friend, just graduated as a Navy SEAL and will be sent on many dangerous missions during his commitment. He's 20.

David, my son's friend, is in the Marines, currently finishing up his last month in Iraq...unless he's extended. He's 20.

Alan, another of my son's friends, is in the Marines and just recently returned from his first deployment in Iraq. He's 19.

Frank, a fourth friend from high school, is in the Marines and just 2 months into his first Iraq tour. He's 20.

All these boys are fighting for this country at a time when nobody seems to care about their service. There has been no sacrifice on the part of those non-military families in this country. There is no understanding that there are still boys sent to war short of safety equipment unless they buy it themselves or that their meals and water are not provided for them on the base they are stationed. This is a time when the US is despised around the world for the choices made by the Bush Administration.

My son wanted to serve his country but thought that his country would also serve him. That's not been the case. And more than anything, he wants to be proud of what our country stands for and currently, he's not able to feel that pride.

Stay tuned for more stories and thoughts on foreign policy. We're reading all of your input, and we've been floored by these candid and powerful personal stories. Please keep sharing your views with us-- your ideas, experiences, and motivation will drive this campaign.

A New Chapter: Your Thoughts

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:24:57 EDT

Yesterday we asked for your thoughts on why a new chapter for American foreign policy must be written. We asked you to share your stories and relate how you feel, on a personal level, that a new direction is necessary. Here's some of what you had to say.

Peggy S., North Carolina:

I was a Peace Corps volunteer (in Yemen) 30 years ago during the Carter presidency, and felt first hand the respect of the local people and their hopeful attitudes toward the US. We were treated as honored guests and welcomed into homes wherever we went. When Jimmy Carter met Anwar Sadat, and during the Camp David talks, as we were trying to explain Thanksgiving to our hosts, all of us were so sure that solutions to the problems of the Middle East were at hand. I was thrilled to represent the US then, and I can remember the palpable sense of relief and hope for peace in the region. Where is that goodwill now? Squandered by our arrogant, ignorant, and brutal behavior.

Now my daughter is a Peace Corps volunteer (in Moldova) and avoids all political conversations -- it's just too difficult to be seen as a representative of the US government now.

It's WAY past time for a change!

Debbie B., Illinois:

My eldest son is presently serving in Iraq with the Arkansas National Guard. He would never say a disparaging thing about the present administration. Mr. Bush is his Commander in Chief. I on the other hand would comment. I remember when it was announced that we would be going into Iraq, I stood in front of the tv and said aloud, 'What in the world are we doing?'...
I knew from personal experience that the military took a huge cut in active duty personnel about 14 years ago. My ex-husband was finishing his career in the AF at that time. I doubted that we had the resources to handle two fronts. I believe I was correct. My son has been away from his young family 2 out of the last three years. He served in Bosnia, then home for a year and now Iraq. He knows that if he does not get out of the military when he returns he will be redeployed...
He has lost three friends in one of the helicopter crashes a few months ago. My daughter-in-law attended three funerals in one week... My father served 20 years in the AF and flew many missions in Viet Nam but he was never deployed two out of three years out of country. This is rather unprecedented. Our military members and their families are exhausted.

Tom B., Wyoming:

As a 19-year old Wyoming ranch boy turned 15th Air Force bombardier, our planes flew over the mountains of Yugoslavia, the rivers and streams of Eastern Europe, and the plains of Hungary. Down below would be many small villages and some bigger towns, all with people in them. I would [think to myself]... "Folks, we are up here to set you free, not bomb you out of existence. When this war is over, we want you to have the freedoms we enjoy. We want you to know we are friends and we will work to see you have good government. We want to be able to work with you in the causes of peace and liberty and justice. We want to have a better world just like you do. I respect all of you just as I would like for you to respect me as we work together for this better world. Do not fear me for I love you as a fellow human being." I want the United States to be respected and loved again, not feared and hated. I want our government under a President Obama to reach out... so we can all work together for a peaceful and productive world.

Please continue to share your thoughts with us. To read Barack's speech on how America can retain moral leadership in the world, click here.

From David Plouffe, campaign manager, Obama For America

lionanimal — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 22:51:17 EDT

The following is text with links of an e-mail from David Plouffe, campaign manager, Obama For America dated April 23, 2007.