The matter of a comprehensive national health care system for all has been debated for over 60 years. We can no longer financially sustain our current "national" health care system, created in the 70's. Not only do we pay 23.8% of every federal tax dollar toward our current national health care system, but not all Americans are insured. It's a system that has been built to sustain obscene profits for a few off the backs of the many - the taxpayers. As we continue to throw good money after bad, our Country has fallen into an economic decline that has us shackled by taxation without receiving the social services we pay for with those dollars.
In that context, WE have become SLAVES to our system. A system that requires us by law to pay for many non-social programs that are divisive in policy. A system that is built on profit for government subsidized corporate entities, paying huge bonuses to CEO's, while millions of Americans are struggling between paying for health care and feeding their children. A system that has consistently robbed from our social programs, like Medicare and SS, in the name of the "general fund" to support profit initiatives like the War in Iraq. A system where an average of 400 citizens die daily, because they could not get health care treatments to save their lives. Where is "We the People" in our public policy?
Further, what is the opposition really opposing? Nothing. They're asking us to continue these corrupt and corrosive systems - health care, energy, and defense for example, with convergent ideology that is focused on maintaining status quo, protecting profits for a few with our tax dollars, substituting democracy with popular sovereignty. The opposition is telling us we're Socialist, Communists, Obama-Nazi's, and societal deviants for supporting the President, and any effort to restore balance to our fractured systems. An opposition willing to destroy our property, disrupt free speech, and monopolize the airwaves with hate filled rage and politcal dogma, just to be heard above the voices of reason.
Recently, I've been hearing the "tea baggers", rightwing political pundits, and opposing legislators refer to Lincoln, as the cornerstone of their beliefs and principles. I believe Lincoln would have had much to say about the opposition to our reforms, and the general state of our country today. The roots of "tea baggers" didn't start with throwing tea into the Boston harbor, as many would like you to believe. Their roots started around the 1840's as a rage filled faction, demonstrating and obstructing the rights of 3 million immigrants, mostly Irish and Germans, from being part of "We the People". Strange as it may sound this faction group was also "anti-slavery". They disrupted town meetings, they used symbolic propaganda to perpetuate fiction from fact, they burned immigrant shop owners' stores, and used force to keep immigrants from exercising their right to citizenship and voting. As such, adehered to principle of "popular sovereignty", to discrupt the minority voice, and allowed to develop a strong platform within the legislative and judicial branches of government during that time. Sound familiar?
In Lincoln's day they were called "Know-Nothings", and - ironically part of a splinter group, which formed the National Republican Party. Lincoln had utter disdain for the "Know-Nothings", and their discriminatory beliefs. In a letter to friend Joshua Speed, he writes, "How can any one who abhors the oppression of negroes, be in favor of degrading classes of white people? Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid. As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' WE now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty- to Russia, for instance". Lincoln's concerns couldn't be clearer today. It seems that this faction, the "Know-Nothings", have become the reigning voice in our current public policy, despite the numbers of citizens who do not believe their position is representative of our country's founding principles.
We've compromised our best legislation, trying to appease this group for decades, integrating their concerns within our process. Further, the "Know-Nothings" have risen to the foremost voice and driving force of who we are in the eyes of the world. Hypocrits in slanted ideologies. A country so loathsome we are hated around the world. This is NOT America. Fear and Hate, two prime emotions that feed our opposition's addictive dogma have no place in our progressive society. They've been allowed by virtue of free speech and "popular sovereignty" opportunity to bastardize our Democratic Republic, and confuse fear with sound public policy. Free speech is not the issue. It's the public policy written to give this group almost free reign within a media that supports infotainment and fiction, instead of information and facts.
Our Democratic Party with supporting Progressive Republicans/Independents represent the principles of our forefathers, and Abraham Lincoln. WE are the voice of diversity, and we need to be louder and clearer than our opposition. WE the People elected a President most representative of our nation's core principles with our democratic process. Yes we did, and WE know WE can reform this country.
Like many of you, I receive emails with glorious pictorials of our forefathers, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights from the opposition, annointing themselves the voice of "We the People" - revolutionaries with a purpose to dethrone President Obama, the new King George. Some may look at their feelings as sour grapes. Perhaps. However, I believe it goes much deeper, and essentially a litmus test for who we are as a nation. Our voices and strength in this country's principles must be stronger than the opposition.
The new "Know-nothings" will stand on the pulpit of "We the People", waving the American flag as proof of their commitment to protect it's ideals from change. If you can stand to listen, "We the People" is laced with exclusions. "We the People, except homosexuals, Latinos, blacks, immigrants of any color, non-Christians, atheists, agnostics, welfare Moms, union members, socialist programs (Medicare, SS, public educations), and liberals, etc., etc., etc." Exclusionary principles based on personal bias toward a group within the human race, believing these people/groups are the reason for our country's and world's problems. This is nothing less than bigotry, racism, and prejudiced biases that are not reflective of our nation's core values of inclusion. Values that have a history of dismantling the most powerful nations of the world by virtue of inclusive diversity.
Convergent ideology simply implodes upon itself, since it's purpose is to maintain "status quo" - stagnation. Our nation, and this world, are not stagnant. It is constantly changing. The human race is not stagnant, and change is part of the evolutionary process. Essentially, many fear "change". These modern day "Know-Nothings" believe that they are the revolutionaries in this "war against change"; rallying together in the name of our forefathers, and Lincoln, and their principles. They take up arms in the name of hate and fear, essentially fighting a principle that established our Country - change! It's political dogma and popular sovereignty they're really supporting - not our nation's principles, and certainly not representative of the Democratic Republic our forefathers established. Lincoln in his words and actions would have been adamantly opposed to our oppositions' dogmatic rhetoric, and concepts of "We the People". In time of change we need courage, not fear.
Who is served by this fear? Fear is essentially divisive, fragmenting "We the People". Fear compromises the natural process of change. Change is a constant many find difficult to embrace fostering deeper fears, and lack of control to stop it. Further, these fears are fed, financed, and promoted by those entities who profit from our current system. A system that has allowed profit driven government subsidized entities to write (the lobby), and legislate (sympathetic legislators on both sides of the aisle), and dictate the terms of "We the People" in our public policy, making trillions (our tax dollars) to keep "We the people" fighting among each other on political dogma, instead of debating and promoting progressive policy. When We the People are fragmented, we cannot mobilize against these special interests that dictate the terms of our public policy.
WE are at a critical time in history. It's not simply health care reform for all, it's changing the dynamic of how we define "We the People", and establish policy based on the principle that "All men (humans) are created equal". WE, all (yes, all - undocumented and/or otherwise) of us living in this great Country deserve what is essentially basic human rights, and the covenant with we have with our forefathers. Providing social programs that help all the people is not socialism, it's social responsibility. We pay taxes to pay for services that provide us with basic human services - health, clean water/air, education, good roads, all based on "non-profit" principles. Principles Lincoln, and many of our forefathers supported, as elementary necessities in a free society. Instead we confused the basic needs of all with the other need called profit. When 78% of our tax dollars are allocated to profit driven government subsidized entities, leaving financial scraps for our social programs, we as a people have lost sight our our responsibilities. Imagine the possibilities for All, if we were able to adjust the numbers? Imagine policy that is clear about our priorities as a nation, instead of being shackled by governments subsidized entities who dictate the terms of our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
Lincoln phrased it beautifully, in response to the infamous Dred Scott case, castigating the Court's decision with their flaws of logic in deciding in favor of pro-slavery initiatives, "The Chief Justice insists at great length that negroes were not part of the people who make, or for whom was made, the Declaration of Independence, or the Constitution. Yet at least five states, black voters acted on the ratification of the Constitution and were among the "We the People" by whom the Constitution was ordained and established. The founders, did not 'declare all men equal' in all respects. They did not mean to say all were equal in color, size, intellect, moral developments, or social capacity. But they did declare all men "equal in certain inalienable rights, among them were life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".....They meant simply to declare the right, so the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances should permit". Clearly, the Constitution is an evolving document.
WE are entering a time of "Civil Reform". Health Care will be one in many battles to move our nation forward in progress. We have the opportunity to take back this Country and continue the promise of what was established over 200 years ago. Each one of you on this list is part of that promise that "All men (humans without exception) are created equal", and "We the People" (without exception) will govern, NOT the profit driven entities that have enslaved us. Health Care Reform is just the start!
WE are in a new Civil revolution. WE, the people of liberty and the children of our forefathers, are now enslaved by factions within this system, who believe WE does not mean ALL. It is not simply a matter of being compromised. We are compromised. Our economy is testament to the greed that has become common place. Our policies are not consistent with our inclusive principles. We are imbalanced economically, progressively, and morally. When legislators don't write policy, and lobbying interests do, WE the people are no longer represented. Lobbies for profit driven government subsidized corporations, and WE are taxed accordingly. Public policy that is not written to be inclusive, but public policy that is divisive at its core. Policy that robs our social programs, that serve us, to virtual collapse.
WE elected a President and legislators willing to change the direction of this country with reforms that represent opportunities for all. We cannot allow the voice of a divisive, fear, and hate inspired group to dismantle our efforts. We know the wolves in sheep's clothing to be the government subsidized entities receiving 78% of every federal tax dollar paid to support their profits and CEO bonuses, while 22% is disbursed among the social programs that help us.Let's make our voice strong, our efforts specific, and the courage to stay focused on what is wrong with our country. It is not the "Know-Nothings", it is those government subsidized entities we've allowed to write our policy. Let's minimize the "Know-Nothings" voice, by focusing on the entities that created them. When we talk about "We the People" let's be firm that "WE" is ALL with NO exceptions.
We must continue to push our legislators from both sides of the isle to support reforms that are inclusive for all. Let's not stop until WE, the people of liberty and inclusion become the reigning voice in public policy. I am proud to be in support of progressive reforms being addressed by our President and this Administration at this moment in history. Many opportunities to collectively restore balance and inclusion to our failing policies and regain economic stability and prosperity for all. The "Know-Nothings" and our legislators need to hear our voice to help them to reassess theirs. They need us, whether they realize it or not. The fact is, these government subsidized entities, these shackling forces that bind us like slaves, also have a habit of cannibalizing their own. Let's use our weapons - voice, fact, and knowledge in this battle, and act with resolve. After all we, means the opposition, as well. "We the People" will take back our Country. We have the power to change that which does not work! It is our civic responsibility.
Respectfully,
Anita Sherman Hughes
It's clear our movement has sparked the change we want to see locally, nationally, and globally. Who can deny the powerful call to action our President gave? Yes We Did, and Yes We Will continue to support President Obama!
Soon, this website will transition from the President's campaign site to Organizing for America, the President's and progressive legislators grassroots organizing base. In the weeks to come, OFA liaisons will work in tandem with the DNC, and our State CDC to promote the President's agenda. I will do my best to keep blogs current on info, and welcome your input, information, and happenings at the group site "GarCo for Obama". Many of us have taken the steps to continue our efforts with OFA, and would encourage all to stay involved with this transition.
"Campaign for Change" offered us a diverse voice across racial, gender, and party lines, oftentimes lost in political diatribe. We have, with our efforts, created the greatest filibuster of our time! Unequivocally, we've been able to support and elect a Progressive President, and reform campaign funding, We have effectively moved our Democratic Party back to the left of the pendulum, and we've given disheartened Republicans and Independents a place to share a common vision.
We have changed the face of leadership and broken glass ceilings. We have generated a paradigm shift locally, nationally, and globally that redefines "prevailing culture" dynamics. This campaign has given all a safe place to discuss differences and engage each other in dialogue not diatribe. We have shown each other that we can respect each other's differences, and move forward with common goals. It's reflective of the real America, and we are engaging the world!
As we continue to keep this momentum going, do not forget that all elected officials represent us. Even if we did not elect that person, introduce yourself kindly. Let them know you are involved, and will not accept mediocrity. Additionally, we need to remember to "Thank" our legislators when support is given to progressive legislation. Sometimes, it's that bit of recognition that reminds them why they bothered to be in public office.
Stay focused, stay involved, and let's keep it going. No doubts - WE CAN!
It's been a wild primary from Caucus to State Convention! Now the real work begins. My time on this campaign has gone from an hour daily before the girls wake-up to a full-time committment with girls in tow! The results are eurphoric for all in the Obama campaign. Our efforts have been rewarded. Sen. Barack Obama is our Democratic nominee. In the midst of our afterglow we need to remember those warriors that have also given their time to a candidate worth their passion and committment. It's time for us in the Obama camp to extend our hands in solidarity to those in the Clinton campaign. Further, we cannot expect immediate acceptance. It will take time for some to gather their thoughts, learn about our candidate, and make decisions based on their connection to the greater cause. Let's give them that time with patience and respect. Our candidates have been vetted beyond what any election has called for in the history of the US. Now, we need to give the same "vetting" to Sen. McBush. Many of us will agree this is where the GOP house of cards will fall. We have a lot of work ahead. I want to have the Clinton warriors and Hillary Clinton on our side in the march to take control of our Country, and secure a future for our children. There is no mistaken their convictions, committment, and sharp elbows when it comes to changing this Country from old guard policies to a new generation for change. United we stand. Yes We Can!
Firewalls and Super Delegate stalls. Forget the race between Obama and Hillary. These 20 major donors want to make certain the Democratic Party knows who's in charge. Nice message to send to the working class about the Party for the People. Any doubts why our nation is in such a message? Read on about our "Super Donors" and their will for Hill from Capitaleye.org:
WAS DEMOCRATIC DONORS' LETTER TO PELOSI A RANSOM NOTE?
Prominent backers of Hillary Clinton sent a multi-million-dollar message to Capitol Hill this week: Watch out, Nancy Pelosi. In a letter to the Speaker of the House that urged her to stay out of the debate over how superdelegates should cast their votes, the 20 major Democratic donors didn't call direct attention to the fortune they've given to the Democratic Party, but they did remind her of their "enthusiastic" support over the years. The Center for Responsive Politics has found that the letter-signers, along with their spouses, have contributed $23.6 million to Democrats since 1999, including $554,000 to Clinton's campaigns and PAC -- 10 times what they've contributed to Barack Obama. Nearly $3 million has gone to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the party fundraiser for the Democratic members Pelosi leads in the House.*Read more and review the donors' contributions: http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=341
The endorsement reads: Farrakhan endorses Obama. Since then the Clinton campaign has attacked our candidates church, his religion, his ethics, etc. Endorsements, according to Hillary, are reflective on the candidate. Hence the push for Obama to renounce and reject Farrakhan's endorsement. Unfortunately, Farrakhan is not a Super Delegate. However, Gov. Elliot Spitzer is a Super Delegate, who is endorsing Clinton. Both have contributed to each other's campaigns heavily, and have been tied to legislative efforts, etc. A bit different from the Farrakhan endorsement. Sort of takes the punch out of the Clinton's campaign arsenal on "endorsements". There are 250 Super Delegates that have not given endorsement, as of 3/6/08. They need to hear from us.
We've all read the headlines in NYTimes, whether it's "Clinton being forced to play dirty - her only shot at winning" or "Clinton wants to make Obama VP". A person can only rant for so long before it falls on deaf ears. Sadly, it's almost predictable. I'm shutting off the media. I can tell the pundits are scraping for anything. The news channels are no longer worth my time. This campaign deserves that time. There is no stone unturned, that I haven't managed to scrape up that would enlighten or puncture my belief in this candidate. Sen. Obama carries his own light in the darkness of a corrupt cast of characters content on status quo. Our candidate focuses on the issues. Clinton chooses to run her campaign the way she chooses to run her campaign. No one is forcing her to go negative. She wants to go negative. Our candidate focuses on the the issues. For all those concerned that Obama has to go negative to win. No, he does not. He can continue to do what he is doing despite pop shots and name calling. It's working! BECAUSE, Our candidate focuses on the issues.
As far as VP to Clinton, touche Sen. Obama! If she feels he is so unworthy of the Presidency, as to blast his religion, character, and vision with machavellian sarcasm, what makes her presume he's worthy to be her Veep? If he's no better than McCain, why would she want him? The fact is, she NEEDS Sen. Obama. Her negativity has crossed the line for many. Clinton has isolated herself, and in the eyes of her supporters there is no other choice for Veep, except Sen. Obama. Who would she bring? A question being asked by supporters. Obama has his pick. Clinton supporters are starting to waffle, as Sen. Obama is being "vetted" by Clinton and McCain. Of course the Clinton's, their supporters, the media, and a cast of other characters want him to go negative, because it reaffirms a sick belief and cynacism that there is: nothing we can do; the world is an ugly fearful place; one has to fight to get ahead, and my favorite, nice guys finish last. His loss would qualify their beliefs and fears. If history repeats itself, there will always be those who say, "No we can't" without the blessing of the heirarchy. Some of us have been quietly waiting for this moment. Some of us are having our voices heard for the first time. Some of us are hoarse from the years of yelling over the special interests. It doesn't matter. We're behind Sen. Barack Hussein Obama 100%, and we'll continue to YOPP for our candidate. We are being heard! Whether the nay-sayers, like it or not!
I'm proud of our candidate, his campaign, and the people who support Sen. Obama. We've done each other proud. We can kiss our babies, win/lose/draw, knowing that we are supporting a candidate for their future; a campaign worthy of our trust, time sacraficed, and efforts to win the DNC nomination and the Presidency. We're not going away - no we won't. We will have our voices heard among the rhetoric and pundit babble, and we will take back our Country. YES WE CAN!
Like many in the State of Colorado, I am a transplant who chose to make CO my permanent home State. I grew up in Rhode Island. Native Rhodies describe their State to others, as "The stop sign between CT and MA". You can drive through the State in approx. 1 1/2 hrs. This is fact not fiction. The State is really that small. If you haven't had the opportunity, please visit the group "Rhode Islanders for Obama". In fact, check out the other groups dedicated to Sen. Obama throughout this small, but politically active State. Their support for Sen. Obama is intense, and supporters have significantly closed the gap on Hillary Clinton's lead. Rhode Island still needs our help. Imagine Sen. Obama taking 4 more States. As a desperate plea to all, please don't forget little RI on your call lists this weekend.
The passion fueled between Obama and Clinton supporters has been intense. However, like Sen. Obama's campaign. we supporters need to focus on the issues that face this country. I realized just how intense our passion is for our candidate on a reply from my post yesterday. I wrote about a moment of respect for Hillary Clinton's run for President in the post "humility in silly season". As a very critical voice opposing Sen. Clinton and her "experience" throughout this campaign, I was expressing a moment of humility and respect, as her run for President related to my family. Another Obama supporter read that as my changed edorsement for Hillary Clinton. I was reprimanded to the extent that I should re-think my changed position. I've reread my post, several times. No endorsement for Hillary Clinton. Just thanks to the candidates and people that have changed my family's small world. Sen. Obama's experience and campaign is a testament to staying focused on the issues that face our Nation. We cannot get side-tracked, roped, or diffused from that course. Let the political pundits and FOXNews do that. We don't listen to them anyway. We believe the messenger is as important as the message, that's why we support Sen. Obama. However, we cannot continue to be "set off", because we don't like hearing respect for the other messenger. The GOP is a tough contender. When the dust settles, it's the issues that bind both Democrat candidates' camps. When it's time to take off the gloves, it will be far easier to extend our hands to Clinton supporters, if they don't have black eyes. Let's save the knock out punches for the GOP's candidate.
This is a note of thanks. First, to Michelle Obama for your sacrifices as a wife and mother during this campaign. Also, for expressing what so many are feeling - a rekindled sense of pride we had long forgotten. The voter diversity and interest across party lines, gender, and ethnicity has been amazing. The Democratic campaign has captured what is truly American - Freedom of Choice breaking "traditional" barriers. I've also enjoyed seeing the political pundits and media throw up their hands in wonder at the changing demographics among voters. Thank you Barack Obama for having the courage, the conviction, and intestinal fortitude to run. Lastly, I want to thank Sen. Clinton with sincere humility. I have been extremely critical of Sen. Clinton, and her experience. I still have my convictions. However, my six year old watched last Thursday's debate, and said, "I like the man. You know, I think I'll be President when I grow up". I recognized that my daughter identified with her own possibilities seeing Sen. Clinton on stage. It was something I would have never imagined when I was a child. So as we enter "silly season", as quoted by Sen. Obama, let's not lose sight of what these two candidates have done for our children, giving them a visual affirmation of their own potential to live the dreams of barrier breakers past and present. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to see Sen. Clinton win the Democrats nomination. I believe in Sen. Obama and his vision. However, I've decided Sen. Clinton has a place in my heart. She has given my daughter a gift to see herself, as a future leader without the barriers I had. That is a very powerful message for ALL of our children.
GOP's are Red, DEM's are Blue many of Barack's supporters have the after Caucus Blues. The nomination has not been doled out to GOP or Dem, so let's keep on campaigning for Obama from now 'til the end.
OK, I'm no poet, and I hear the moans and groans from here to Maine! But here's the thing, we've got a long way to go, and it looks like the Clinton camp is filling their war chest. I just heard about a McCain supporter sending Hillary's camp $1000, just to help her win the DNC's nomination. HMMMM. Anyway, fundraising is a great way to get rid of excess campaign energy. So, I'd like to share some fundraising ideas that a few of us are working on in Glenwood Springs. First, we've got a "Whole Latte Love for Obama" event on Thurs. 2/14. One of the Momma's for Obama has a friend who owns a coffee shop, and she's pro-Obama. We're putting together a coffee special with proceeds going our local GarCo for Obama fundraising campaign. If anyone is interested in specific details feel free to email me, and I'll keep you posted.
We're also addressing the large number of 60+ seniors, that are undecided. Many feel they need to hear more specifics about Barack Obama's platform, but not computer savvy. Many have expressed being impressed with Hillary's town meeting on the Hallmark Channel. That sentiment among seniors may account for some of the polls across the US. As such, another Mom and I are having an evening with a local senior living center. We'll be offering massages and manicures for a fee that will go directly to our GarCo for Obama fundraising campaign. We'll also discuss talking points from Obama's Blueprint for Change. This events promises to fun, relaxing, AND, informational; generating votes and financial support from this demographic. We hope to continue offering this type of program to other senior centers in the area.
Finally, we believe that the Blueprint for Change detailed on Barack Obama's website needs to be more public. Again, we still have undecided voters among Independents, Republicans, and Latinos in our area. We're hoping to organize an open "town meeting" forum detailing the plan, answering questions, and giving our feelings of "why we're supporting Sen. Obama". All in all, enthusiasm is very high for sponsoring local events. This race isn't over, but there is no shortage of enthusiasm for our candidate. Please share some of your events and fundraising ideas with us. Let's keep it going. YES WE CAN!
Please read and post the following information regarding my recent blog on Super Delegates. I respect the integrity of this campaign, and want to ensure that my efforts are consistent with headquarters. Thank you all for posting this updated info to your groups.
personal note from Rosanne Giurado:Hi Anita!My name is Rosanne and I am the administrator for Colorado Mommas for Obama. I have recieved and posted many of your blogs and have enjoyed them. I thank you for keeping moms up to date and sharing your thoughts with us.I did want to let you know that I have not posted the SuperDelegates blog due to information sent out by the campaign. An email sent out by the main headquarters states that have supporter (meaning us) contacting Superdelegates directly may cause more harm than good. While your enthusiasm, as well as many others, is appreciated, the staff of Obama have a good plan to work with the superdelegates. They ask that we direct our energy by making calls or traveling to help get out the vote in other states. Please send out this message to your friends, families and other "mommas" to ensure we are assisting the main headquarter's efforts. Thank you again for your active participation within this blog and I and all the other moms look forward to more posts from Glenwood Springs!Enjoy the weekend!RosanneAdministrator Colorado Mommas for Obama!
It's time to send our message to the Super Delegates. Super Delegates are people automatically granted a vote in the Democratic nominating process either by holding or have held a political position. This includes DNC members, like Pat Waak, our current Colorado State Chair. There are approximately 796 Super Delegates who are able to support whomever they choose, and were created about 20+ years ago to give the "Democratic Party Establishment" a voice in selecting the party's nominee. That being said, it appears some votes count more than others. Super Delegates are not bound to support their first choice. As we continue to support Obama toward the Presidency, we need to understand the Super Delegate equation. I'm encouraging everyone to go to www.demconwatch.com to learn about each Super Delegate, and how they stack up in this race. Remember, in most cases, the Super Delegates are holding office and represent their consituency. However, a "win" in a particular state WILL NOT guarantee their vote towards that candidate. They need to hear from us! Please visit www.congress.org for contact info on a particular Super Delegate. Please call, write, and/or email your support for Obama. Let's continue the momentum; share your thoughts and ideas that empower our County's voters across party lines to stay involved in this race.
The next session is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 11 A.M.
Location: RE 1 School District Office, 1405 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, across from City Market. (Enter parking from 14th Street, and go downstairs.)
Please pass along to anyone else that might want to learn about the caucuses, and how they're conducted. Come February 5th we want broadened enhanced participation. Caucus attendees must must be registered Democrats to vote, but they don't have to be registered Democrats to attend and speak during discussion periods. Nevada proved how important strong delegate support can be for Senator Obama. See you at the training!
We blog. We make calls. We talk to our neighbors. We'll caucus in support of Sen. Obama come Feb. 5th. This is grassroots at it's best, but it will take more for Sen. Obama to get the DNC's nomination. We need to raise money for his campaign in Colorado. I did a little math this AM, and looked at the number of people signed onto to each of my groups. In Glenwood Springs alone, there are 23 people. Each of us could set a personal goal of raising $100.00. Invite 10 people per house, and ask that each of our guests contribute a minimum of $10.00 toward Sen. Obama's campaign that's $2300.00 from the Glenwood Group alone! Be upfront, and let people know this is a fundraising event. Don't worry that people can't or won't contribute. Just remember to plant the seed before hand in your invite. You'll be surprised. An evening with friends, lively discussion, and being part of this campaign is certainly worth the price of a couple of cocktails. I'll be planning my event soon, and hope to meet some group members in person.
I'm posting a link to a recent article published in The Nation called: "The New Right-Wing Smear Machine" by Christopher Hayes http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071112/hayes This article is several pages long, and a must read for those looking to keep this election free of slander and lies. It essentially calls all voters to open their eyes to slanderous opinions written as fact emails from the Reight - oops Right; forwarded at lightning speed to our computers daily. I've saved this link and the full article in my hard drive. I use this as a general "reply to all" from senders still looking to save me from my liberal ways. I've actually had these senders reply, "I'm taking you off my list". BONUS! Can any of us stomach another "George Bush kneeling in Prayer" photo complete with the National Anthem background music before morning coffee (or after for that matter)? Let's get tough on these emails, and take the cheating and the lies out of this election. Let's sink the "Swift Boater" tactics in this election.
