YES WE DID!!!

We went....

We saw...




We posed...




We chilled...



...with a bunch of people...



We climbed shoulders...




We jammed...



They jammed...



We heard ...



... CNN announce the 44th president of the United States!


Yep! We did it...

Harlem Luvs Obama

Hold that thought....

Throw the bums out!

The NY City Council approved an end-run around the voter approved, 2-term mayoral limit on Thursday. Mayor Bloomberg and his billionaire-buddy, Ron Lauder, decided they wanted to stay past the 2009 2-term limit.

The deadline to have a voter referendum had passed. Public opinion polls were overwhelmingly opposed to the measure. I know! Let's get the people's elected city council to change the rules anyway.

Bloomberg theorizes that he-and-only-he can lead the city through the economic hard times. I'm with Keith Oberman, why not have Bloomberg volunteer his services? New Yorkers, I submit that you need to throw Bloomberg and every one of the 29 city council members who voted for this mess out of office.

While we are on the topic, why don't we have term limits in Chicago? The mayor, alderman, and county board commissioners all need limits on their ability to misuse and abuse their position of power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Look who's going to Congress

Maybe? It could happen?

A girl can dream, can't she...

I'm spending Thursday and Friday in Yonkers, NY learning how to become a Consumers Union activist. These folks are lobbying Congress for everything from health care reform, to credit card/banking reform, to healthy food reform, to reforming the way many things impact consumers. I'm not a big us vs. them conspiracy theorist, but it's amazing to learn about the work CU is doing to balance the interest of big money business on behalf of consumers. Can't we all just get along?

How does this relate to the kampane kam? Funny you should ask. CU represents another example of how people working together can H.O.P.E. to impact significant C.H.A.N.G.E. Sound familiar?

My first, post-CU-conference activity will be to host a Maxed Out movie party.




View the trailer here.

So what did we learn?

• You can walk in and testify for or against any legislation in your state legislature without an invitation. Really?!!! Hmmmm, what are those folks doing in Springfield?
  

• Call your state reps rather than write. Good to know.
  

• Banks/credit cards would rather lend money to high risk borrowers because they make more profit.

• Never argue with a reporter. Hmmm, I'm ready for Fox Noise (news).

• All turkeys are artificially inseminated.
  

From this group, they are going to ask 1/2 to participate in the congressional hearing related to health care reform. Although I overslept during my afternoon nap and missed the meeting directly related to that initiative, ya neva know...

Joe-6pack endorses Obama

I know because he told me so. We met him this weekend in Michigan City, IN. Joe-6pack emerged from his house with his hat to the back, carrying a can of Bud Light, shook everyone's hand, and made sure we knew he was voting for Barack. If ever a time for a photo op...and I missed it!

Oh well, two of my cousins joined me on a trip to Michigan City (one hour east of Chicago) to canvas for Barack. The office was small and short-staffed (according the the volunteers), but everyone was upbeat and very nice. I hope Obama really appreciates these folks!



That's Carol in the second pix. Carol is running the volunteer office. She's from Chicago, but is staying at a volunteer's house in Indiana. She has already called me to request a return visit. I'd say she's on top of things...

They fed us before we started...to Ezra's great delight. He was claiming hunger pains before we got on the Skyway.

Our mission this week was to encourage Indiana residents to vote early. Indiana is a hotly contested battleground state that hasn't voted for a Democratic president for ~50 years. Currently, the polls are tied. The Michigan City office and a local bar are also sponsoring Obamafest every Saturday until the election. Hmmm, maybe I'll meet some more Joe-6packs. I will have my camera ready.

A few snapshots of canvasing in progress.



I really appreciate how the volunteers engage and encourage the kiddies.




Who knows, maybe we are looking at tomorrow's political leaders today!



Okay, maybe we have a lil more work to do:)

Thanks, but no thanks...

Gov. Palin toned down her stankness for the VP debate on Thursday - but it still flowed like a river. She tried to dress up the nasty digs with folksy, farmland quips. "Say it ain't so Joe". I wonder how long she worked on that one. Was this a debate or a B97FM radio show..."shout out"...give me a break. I'd really prefer not to have my vice president running around the world giving shout outs...even to 3rd graders watching a prez debate. (Woo hoo you go 3rd graders) That's what happens when you tap a ju-co drop out...you get shout outs at the vice prez debate. OMG!!!!

She "performed" for folks looking for an excuse to support her. When you have people able to finally exhale because the vice presidential candidate did not fall on her face, there's a problem. This is not Ms America - she running for VP.

Additionally, a night of question dodging does not erase the past few weeks of buffoonery.

She also killed me with this attempt to present the Bush administration as some ancient period in history that is no longer relevant. The man is the current president. He is still making future-impacting decisions that we will be stuck addressing. What kind of empty headed, simple-minded logic would find this acceptable. Of course she wouldn't want to evaluate history, she wants to repeat it. What exactly does she bring to this election - a fabulous wardrobe and empty sound bites. Thanks, but I'll pass.

I watched it again after our guests left and I was soooo struck by just how shamelessly she dodged any issue that wasn't energy (more specifically 'drill baby drill') or taxes. She didn't even try to hide it.

This was a debate not a stump speech. The questions were not out of left field, they had to assume someone would ask about a plan to deal with Iraq, the economy, etc.

My big issue with Joe was that he didn't call her out when she was off base. He was clearly irritated. Did you catch the extended sighs into the mic? She said in one breath we need more regulation and then a second later, government needs to get out of the way. Which is it? I did agree that this meltdown is a combination of bad Wall Street deals and a need for personal responsibility from an individual standpoint. I will give her that.

He didn't call her out on referring to the general as McClellan instead of McKiernan. If she didn't know who he was (I'm not sure she even reads newspapers), it's likely she didn't know what he said. I had to wait for Keith Oberman to point out how off base she was. I'm sure the campaign told him hands off and not to beat up on her. I think Biden should have shut Palin down last night. Bless his heart. Senator Biden showed her respect that she clearly hasn't earned and, IMHO, does not deserve.

I will say that say-it-ain't-so Joe did a remarkable job balancing a realness (fighting back the tears) with obvious qualification to be president. I know Barack had star power going for him, but I'd even say Biden may be better suited for the post than my dear Obama. Hmmm, this means that Barack chose someone who definitely compliments his prez bid. McCain picked the governor Barbie from Alaska.

Biden did get a great point in with the health care explanation - that's a bridge to nowhere if I've ever heard of one too.

Remember his last statement about John McCain's maverick status when it counts? I thought that was the strongest point of the entire night.

I initially thought the debate was a draw. Palin reminds me of cotton candy...looks good in the package, but after a momentary sugar rush, you're left empty and wholly unsatisfied. After marinating over night, I'll have to agree with my friend Chuka. Senator Joe hit this one out of the park.

McCain's overview - My Friends

We are getting ready to host an intimate vice presidential candidate debate. The menu will consist of nachos with turkey and hopefully some respectable banter between the two would-be vice presidents.

I know Palin's had a hard week. It would be easy to be a bit more sympathetic if upon our initial meeting, she didn't present herself as insulting, arrogant, and downright disrespectful. Now where was the Christian love that Jesus preached? We can't only claim Jesus when it's convenient for our poll numbers Sarah.

At the risk neglecting to practice what I preach, I will refrain from any pre-debate Palin bashing and wish both sides well. May the best man win ... the election that is.

A chilling overview of Mr. McCain. Don't see the video. Click here..

Free Movie - Slacker Uprising

Slacker Uprising is Michael Moore's latest movie and it's available free. Check out his blog for details. The movie details his attempt to turn out the vote for the 2004 election.

http://slackeruprising.com/





Michael Moore's blog - check it out it's very interesting...

Detroit Labor Day Rally

Are you involved with the campaign? I'll post your experiences too. Here are photos from the Labor Day rally in Detroit, MI.

Prez Debate - Round I

Ole' Johnny Mac showed up after all. The initial presidential debate has come and gone. So what do you think?

The Young Lawyers of Chicago hosted a trey-sheik Debate Watch Party and fundraiser Friday night at the Sheraton Hotel's swanky Chi Bar.

Mary Mitchell from the Chicago Sun Times joined the gathering and typed up a few thoughts (Your's truly was quoted in her column).

The overwhelmingly pro-Obama crowd vigorously cheered when Obama reminded his opponent how wrong he was on WMD, the war, and Bin Laden. The boos and groans drowned out McCain's walk down his Vietnam-POW memory lane. I guess people have grown tired of that same old song.

On the merits, I think both candidates stood their ground. Each made valid points and espoused reasonable criticisms of the other's position. How-son-ever, was it just me or did McCain morph into Mr. Wilson from the Dennis the Menace cartoons? He was the ultimate old, crotchety, little elf man.

Some Debate Watch chums felt Barack was the clear victor. The constant digs and condescension in McCain's attitude and tone were offensive. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to the spectacle a VP debate promises to provide.

CALL YOUR CONGRESS REPS TODAY!!!

There is still time to call your Senators and Congressmen/women and voice your disdain for this corporate bailout package. But call, email, and call today!

Find your congressional reps here.

Shout out to the House republicans who had the bright idea to ...uhmmm... consider some alternative solutions. Ask yourself, did Bush urge Congress to pass the Iraq war resolution post haste? Were we told the world was coming to an end? In the end, weren't they all wrong? They are trying to do the exact same thing AND this time, there's no secrecy.

Bush’s prime time address sounds eerily familiar…




If we are learning anything from Barack, it's that we can all be involved. There is a pattern here with Bush and his cronies. He is trying to scare everyone into a panic so no one stops to think through the ramifications. The stock market has been up for two days. Warren Buffet is socking money into investment banks. Why does this package need to pass today? Why can't it wait until after the election if then at all? At the very least, a $700,000,000,000 project should elicit more than 10 days worth of planning; especially when this country is already in debt up to the its eyeballs.

Find details on plan alternatives.

DC Here We Come!

In the lobby of the RedLion hotel, the DNC base for Florida state delegates, we were interviewed by a group from the Cover America Tour. They were collecting stories regarding people's experience with the health insurance industry. Of course, we are all hams! You say camera, we say *CHEESE*.

It turns out the group selected some of the interviewees to participate in an activism forum that will eventually lead to testimonies before congress in Feb 2009. I've always wanted to give these people a piece of my mind. Hmmm, can I go off message and start asking them question about *other* issues...like this bailout package for starters...but I digress...

Look who's going to Washington...

Can I get a bailout?

Can I Get A BAILOUT Too? (Very interesting article I received from djsos@fpdj.com)

If my laundromat fails, can I get a 7 Thousand dollar bailout? If I'm about to lose my house, can I get a bailout too?

Why do these specific businesses have access to an endless supply of money, no matter how much they lose? Basically they are transferring the losses to your taxes and your inflation. Who feels inflation the most? Millionaires or Thousandaires?

Government is NOT God! Keynesian economics / Marxist government is a failure. As long as American government continues to play God, and play God's people shady, things will only get worse for them!

But as for now, my REAL God will supply my needs! Phillipians 4!

Read these links:

Dave Ramsey shares a better solution: YOU NEED TO READ THIS ONE AND SEND A NOTE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN and SENATOR.
Dave Ramsey- Economic Instrutions


Mike Adams sounds the alarm on Economic Foolishness
Mike Adams - Economic Alarm


Ron Paul teaches you the real reason for the economy's struggle.
Ron Paul - Economic Wisdom on CNN


More financially adroit minds would enjoy Weiss Research's position on the topic.
Weiss Research White Paper

Voter Registration - Geneis Laundry Style

Whoo - hooo!!! So far we have registered 22 voters in our laundromat. Will we make our Kampane Kam goal of 150 before the October 5 deadline?

McCain's Latest Gimmick

Senator McCain claims he must suspend his campaign, and thus delay Friday's debate, to focus on the economic crisis. Pah-Leeeeze. I'm so proud of the Obama campaign for not falling for the okedoke. Two days ago, McCain was mums-the-word when a reporter asked him whether he would even vote on the package.



What has changed in two days? Nothing. All of a sudden, McCain can't do anything else but hunker down in Washington. These shenanigans would be laughable if half of the country wasn't seriously considering putting this man in white house. He's not on the banking committee, he didn't sponsor the legislation, he's just trying to pull a fast one in broad day light.

Obama has let it be known, he will be in Mississippi on Friday ready to debate, with or without McCain. McCain claims he'll only debate if a deal can be reached. I wonder exactly how he'll back out of this ultimatum on Friday if congress is still hashing out the details. If they are not still hashing out the details, we should all be extremely concerned.

Searching for the ultimate Barack T

I have been searching far and wide for a Barack T that captures my excitement and fully-vested involvement in this campaign process. I've searched online, through street venders, and my friend's closets. I am on a mission to find a Barack T. In the meantime, I've seen some fairly cool buttons, t-shirts, bumper stickers that say it with a smile.

Okay, so you know how you get a new toy...anyway, back to the project...

This one isn't a T, but nice nonetheless.

Uhmm....where is Jackson?

Saturday, Sept. 20, we joined the Chicago Obama campaign office and drove 3 hours east to Jackson, MI. Jackson is about 1 hour west of Detroit and is the location of the Michigan state prison. Plenty of signs littered the highway urging drivers not to pick up hitchhikers...hmmm...

After a minor detour (actually, we were heading toward Ohio), we arrived just in time for the orientation. Jackson also has the distinction of being the birthplace of the Republican party. We were told the McCain campaign also had volunteers going door to door. Can you say battleground city?

They sent us off (2 by 2) with a piece of a yahoo map, a bunch of paper, and some very nice, glossy-colored campaign pamphlets. Our mission: to canvas for Barack. We were to knock on doors, invite residents to policy meetings, and register residents if needed. Eventually, we found our way to potential Barack voters. The community appeared to be a working class area. The brightly colored, frame homes were well maintained with little or no trash on the ground. After walking a few blocks, we noticed the overwhelming number of foreclosure notices, empty houses, and for sale signs. We talked to a couple dozen people during our 3 hours in Jackson. The pro-Barack sentiment in our canvas area was overwhelming. The main area of concern for people was the lack of jobs.

I left Jackson with a new found respect for the magnitude of needs our next president will face. One person cannot fix every situation, but the right leadership can focus our energy, talents and resources in the right direction.

In Jackson, we met a variety of people with various reasons for supporting Barack.

Kick'n it with Obama

We made it from the light rail station to our seats in about 1 hour. The crowd control was top notch. Some of the innovative tactics included hand-written signs on colored construction paper with comments such as 'Stay Positive'. The effect was tremendous. Who knows, this may have worked in St. Paul.

Once inside, we heard speeches, and more speeches, and more ... speeches. Don't get it twisted, the experience was uplifting and inspiring. John Legend and Will I Am performed my favorite election-related-rap-over-a-speech song.

Check out the view from section 530! No worries, we yelled 'Yes We Can' right along with them. That's Will and John down there, looking respectable...I think.

Have you ever witnessed such a diverse gathering of people around a subject that does not involve mind candy? Hope. Change. Yes we can. Yep...it was all that plus tax-cuts!

Meet the congressman from Washington and his wife. They decided to bring the party up to the nose bleed section.

Random musings from an Obama supporter.

Stevie, if you are looking for back up with a little Barack and Roll spirit, we got you...

Invesco Or Bust!!!

In late August, my mother, sister and two friends traveled to Denver, CO to be a part of history. We met up with a high school chum and the six of us made our way downtown to Invesco field. We scored passes by dining with the Florida state delegates and bumping into a wonderful Florida state congressional rep, the honorable Joyce Cusack. Representative Cusack was kind enough to secure the remaining 2 community credentials (passes needed for regular folk to attend the DNC on Thursday) after a brief 'I'm from FL...Me too!' chat with my mother.

While waiting in line for our passes, we met some interesting Floridians with some very cool Barack T's.

After breakfast, the Florida officials gave very specific instructions on what not to take to Invesco. Some among us had a little difficulty parting with their personal effects. I won't mention any names...

After an extended direction debacle, we scooped up my high school chum and very-irritated sister and headed toward Invesco. The gang's all here!

Along the way, we met Sheila - a native Denverite who knew less about riding the light-rail than we did. We also met Katrina, a soror with a slam'n pink and green Barack T she picked up at Boule. In line, we met a lawyer and his little air force buddy from Georgia who complained about the heat in the mile high...go figure.

I will say, we found the people of Denver to be a very pleasant group. Maybe it was the altitude. Was everyone high on life...literally? Maybe it was the spirit of the Obama campaign. Whatever the reason, Barack managed to assemble a community that represented to best of what America has to offer.