❧❧❧ Whatever you can do or dream, you can BEGIN IT. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Goethe ❧❧❧
❧❧❧ You were born whole, not broken. Sandra Hammel ❧❧❧
................................................................... Providence, Rhode Island March 1, 2008, Saturday, more than 10,000 people came out in Providence for a rally with Barack at Rhode Island College -- a clear display of the excitement that's been building across the state.
There is an online tool that you can use to find exactly where to go on Primary Day.
Take a moment and watch a video from Saturday's event.
Supporters across the state are going door-to-door in their communities and building our movement one person at a time. This one-on-one contact with other voters is the most important way we can spread our message of change in these crucial days before the election.
Help Barack in Rhode Island. Sign up today to join a canvass near you:
Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, March 2, 2008; Page A01
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- While Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have spent most of the past two weeks focused on delegate-rich Texas and Ohio, tiny Rhode Island -- with 21 pledged delegates at stake Tuesday -- is reveling in its unaccustomed position of relevance in a Democratic presidential nominating contest. Read more
Who needs a warm-up campaign? Having scaled down her career to support her husband’s political goals, Michelle Obama says “it’s now or never” for the couple to take the White House. As Barack gathers momentum, Michelle speaks candidly about America’s need for change, and a different kind of political marriage.
by Leslie Bennetts WEB EXCLUSIVE
Vanity Fair
Michelle Obama at a rally for Barack Obama in Londonderry, New Hampshire, October 2007. Photograph by Brigitte Lacombe. As Michelle Obama strolls around Mack’s Apples Pick-Your-Own orchard greeting people at the Londonderry children’s fair, she seems relaxed and friendly, her casual manner belying the pressing schedule that just whisked her from Chicago to New Hampshire and will soon rush her off to an afternoon packed with other events.
But when she addresses the crowd, there is no mistaking her sense of urgency as she makes an impassioned case for her husband’s presidential candidacy. “I am desperate for change—now,” she says, “not in 8 years or 12 years, but right now. We don’t have time to wait. We need big change—not just the shifting of power among insiders. We need to change the game, because the game is broken. When I think about the country I want to give my children, it’s not the world we have now. All I have to do is look into the faces of my children, and I realize how much work we need to do.”
I have seen that some people think there is no difference in the front runners of the Democratic Presidential candidates. The claim is that on the issues they are the same. I disagree even with that, however I have always had the ability to see past what someone is presenting and see "inside". It works for me. And then I was readingRalph Waldo Emerson's Essays. I thought how relevant the passage below is ~ to how I see Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama. I see Hillary as a pretentious person. I don't see her as living her own truth.
.......................................................................... Barack Obama on The Meaning of Hope and Standing for Change I see Barack Obama living his truth. His eyes are clear. He looks to me like he is living his life in line with his destiny. Of course, "We the People" don't have to accept his destiny as part of our destiny. I will consider that a mistake if that is what we allow to happen.
When I watch the candidates speak of both parties, I see a lot of ego in the way. I see it in Rudy Guiliani a lot. I see Hillary want to be President for her needs more than ours. ..........................................................................
.......................................................................... I believe Senator Obama cares about our people, our Constitution and human rights more than his need to be President. This is a difference that I see.
Emerson: "...If you act you show character; if you sit still you show it; if you sleep you show it. You think because you have spoken nothing when others spoke, and have given no opinion on the times, on the church, on slavery, on the college, on parties and persons, that your verdict is still expected with curiosity as a reserved wisdom. Far otherwise; your silence answers very loud. You have no oracle to utter, and your fellow-men have learned that you cannot help them; for oracles speak. Doth not wisdom cry and understanding put forth her voice?
Dreadful limits are set in nature to the powers of dissimulation. Truth tyrannizes over the unwilling members of the body. Faces never lie, it is said. No man need be deceived who will study the changes of expression. When a man speaks the truth in the spirit of truth, his eye is as clear as the heavens. When he has base ends and speaks falsely, the eye is muddy and sometimes asquint.
......That which we do not believe we cannot adequately say, though we may repeat the words never so often...
...Pretension may sit still, but cannot act. Pretension never feigned an act of real greatness. Pretension never wrote an Iliad, nor drove back Xerxes, nor christianized the world, nor abolished slavery.
...The high, the generous, the self-devoted sect will always instruct and command mankind. Never a sincere word was utterly lost. Never a magnanimity fell to the ground. Always the heart of man greets and accepts it unexpectedly. A man passes for that he is worth. What he is engraves itself on his face, on his form, on his fortunes, in letters of light which all men may read but himself. Concealment avails him nothing; boasting nothing. There is confession in the glances of our eyes; in our smiles; in salutations; and the grasp of hands...Men know not why they do not trust him; but they do not trust him."
Emerson's Essays, First and Second Series Complete in One Volume by Ralph Waldo Emerson, America's philosopher. Spiritual Laws, from pages 112 ~ 114
“… My parents shared not only an improbable love, they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or Blessed. Believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. They imagined me going to the best schools in the land even though they weren’t rich…” ………………………………………………….…………………………………………………. Barack Obama speech highlights from the 2004 Democratic Presidential Convention
There is a claim that Barack Obama is lacking in "experience" to be our President. The claim is by Hillary and Bill Clinton. At the core, it is a fabricated political scam reason. All of the mudslinging subjects chosen by Hillary Clinton started after Barack Obama was gaining on Hillary’s believed predetermined win for the democratic Presidential candidacy. And apparently, not much was dug up because everything they have thrown out to be negatives for Barack Obama, have been warped attempts to make something out of nothing. Their attempts have all looked like character attacks. They have not been warranted and have had no relevance to the man. As a black man, he has “experience” that only a black person can have in the white system. Hillary can claim “experience” as a strength for herself. But to say that Senator Obama, is lacking in his life experience to become the President is naïve. You could say that Dick Cheney has the experience to be President. But does his experience make him qualified to be the President? I would say not. Experience for Barack Obama includes a different kind than we are accustomed to. In the global aspect, he has much to offer. ………………………………………………….
Hillary’s silly argument about being ready to be in charge from day one presumes that Barack won’t be. Silly, because where do you go to “experience” or “leadership” school to get your “most experience” credentials? Seriously, being a “first lady” or even in the U.S. Senate for a few more years doesn’t make the leap to “most qualified”. And Hillary Clinton’s claim to being “vetted” for me works against her and not for her. A lot of that vetting came at the expense of attention to the “real” issues (Samantha Power’s book, “A Problem From Hell ~ America and the Age of Genocide", Chapter 10 “Rwanda” page 366).
The Clintons', both Bill and Hillary, for some warrantless even, admittedly, intense scrutiny put our country’s and international issues’ best interests in the back seat due to all the wrangling and attempts to personally bring Bill down. Of course, Bill did put himself in “vulnerable” positions in a country that requires pretense and puritan images of our politicians over honesty and “owning up”. Ken Starr drilled Bill Clinton to the USA's detriment.
We all have our own natural gifts to lead or not. We all have our own set of experiences to bring to the "table" for whatever job or task that presents itself in our lives.
When it comes to experience, there is a certain understanding in life and the world "stage" that is available to an intelligent, educated and introspective human. Barack Obama brings an international personal experience that no other candidate can come close to. It is built into his familial experience. We have had many presidents who are not qualified in different aspects of being our president. This word "experience" (link is JFK speaking about experience on the road to the presidency) is one of those words that is for "sound bites" and the thrower of it ~ Hillary, in this case ~ hopes that it will "stick" and bring down the opponent. The one comment was made to appear like a genuine compliment to Barack. But let’s consider, that the man who said it, had just come out for Hillary and then made this comment. But who would JUST come out for one of two front runners and then compliment the other front runner? No one. The comment was made intentionally with the hope that people would hear the connotation and think negatively about it. I choose not to say the comment because I won’t perpetuate it.
I think there are racist undertones in what Hillary's camp has been slinging about Senator Obama. If she could get away with it, I think she would be more openly racist. But the hope may be that what has been said will appeal to the bigotry so ingrained in our psyches and we will make the connections under even our own consciousness' radar. The damage therefore being successful without being branded by our covert racist, institutionalized society as bigotry.
I find it interesting that there are positive Youtube Obama uploads from people who aren't United States of America citizens. People who outside the country have already made a positive connection to Senator Obama and feel he is one who can help in the healing of international issues that are languishing. I have seen videos posted at youtube and dailymotion from France, Sweden, speaking on religion and politics with another of Jerry Triplett, 73, in Winterset, Iowa, who broke out in songat a Barack Obama town hall meeting,Denmark, from Africa, as well as Asia. This is something that is very important ~ this already is a real sign of the headstart that Barack Obama has with international influence, illustrating that our global community is already attaching much importance to Mr. Obama. I don't believe any other candidate has this reach. The world is watching.
TRUE COLORS ARE SHOWING ~ SAYING STUDENTS SHOULDN'T VOTE IN THEIR COLLEGE'S STATE ~ EVEN THOUGH IT IS LEGAL
From the Iowa's Secretary of State website:
‘If you are from another state (i.e. Illinois) and are attending college in Iowa (i.e. Iowa State University), you may register to vote in: • your Iowa college town or • your home state (hometown) and vote absentee - subject to the laws of your home state.’
* "To tell students that they can only vote in the town that they came from, rather than in the town where they live, is a clear effort to disenfranchise student voters. Attempts on the part of campaigns to deter eligible voters from voting should be forcefully and immediately denounced.
"These statements are even more disturbing given the unprecedented levels of engagement we’re seeing from today’s young voters – both in participating in the 2008 campaigns, organizing their peers to register and vote in the caucuses and primaries, and in their recent historic turnout levels in the 2004 and 2006 elections. Young adults’ growing political participation should be encouraged, not deterred.
"Rock the Vote urges every campaign and candidate to issue a statement that validates students’ right to vote in Iowa and lauds young Americans for their increased engagement in the political process. We also encourage all media outlets to make clear in their reporting leading up to January 3rd that college students have rights equal to any Iowa resident to vote in the Iowa caucuses.
"Students go to a college or university for 4 or 5 years and many stay on in those communities afterwards. They pay sales tax, many work full or part-time jobs and pay income tax, and they are subject to the laws of the community in which they live – they have every right to vote in that community, legally and morally.
"It is important to note that this is an issue larger than the Iowa caucuses. Legally, students have the right to vote where they go to school in virtually every state across the country. Despite this, we see challenges to student voters year after year. As we have in the past, Rock the Vote will make sure all students know their rights in 2008, and will work to ensure all eligible voters are allowed to register and vote in the 2008 elections.
"Rock the Vote’s Iowa program Rock the Caucus aims to mobilize high school and college students to caucus on January 3rd. As always, Rock the Vote will aggressively ensure young people know that if they live in Iowa, they can vote in Iowa, and let them know where candidates stand on important issues like student voting rights.
"Again, Rock the Vote urges every candidate to issue a statement that clearly validates students’ right to vote in Iowa and lauds young Americans for their increased engagement in the political process.
............................................................... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9RLt8uljXI&feature=related "18 in '08" Bio on David Burstein A behind the scenes look on the young man behind the Documentary Film "18 in '08". He explains his passion for politics and his drive to get other young people involved in our nation's government.
* Over the weekend, Biden and Richardson announced that they do not support the right of Iowa students from out of state to caucus. Dodd has had four different positions in the span of as many days. The Clinton campaign seemed to retract her earlier comments and then notsomuch.
What is so shocking is that so few in the Democratic Party establishment and no one else in the Democratic primary field has weighed in on behalf of the utterly unproblematic, long-held progressive position that students have every right, and should be strongly encouraged, to register to vote. How hard can this be?
This has nothing to do with the horse race, this has everything to do with potential Democratic Party nominees abandoning principle and throwing young people under the bus to spin a loss in Iowa. This is no longer isolated to the foibles of individual candidates, this is turning out to be a broad failure of the Democratic primary field as a whole.
Following reports that Gov. Richardson is "asking governmental appointees and other state employees to volunteer to help his campaign by traveling to Iowa before the Jan. 3 leadoff presidential contest," and that Sen. Obama☼ is encouraging out of state college students to "come back and caucus," the Biden for President campaign today called on Richardson and Obama to join the rest of the Democratic field in pledging to refrain from shipping in supporters to affect the outcome of the caucuses. [Associated Press, 12/6/07], [Associated Press, 12/5/07]
In addition, Reynolds said Richardson's Iowa staff has not and will not encourage out-of-state students to return to Iowa early to caucus, saying the campaign is ‘going to abide to the letter and the spirit of the law. I think the spirit of the law is what's most important,’ Reynolds said. [Des Moines Register, 12/1/07]
Seriously how hard is it to understand that both the letter and spirit of the law encourage participation by Iowa students. This whole episode is really revealing the opportunistic, sleazy side of Democratic politics. That it should be this difficult to get Democratic candidates to say that young people can and should vote. Source: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/11/16022/544/240/420792
"It's time to raise a stink about this. Candidates for president have been advocating disenfranchising student voters, just to spin a potential loss against Obama. Now, Rock the Vote and a coalition of Iowa student leaders are speaking out. It's our time to join with them and raise some hell." DAILY KOS
I love my life. I love where I live. And I am passionate about my passions. I love to dance. Necessary to live: music, piano, singing, writing, acting, painting.
I have been fighting for and supporting the arts all my adult life. Since 2004, I have been working with other activists to end the Darfur genocide.
I have traveled to Europe many times since my early twenties. Places I have been: many USA states including Hawaii, Montreal, Canada, Barbados, France, Spain, Luxembourg, England, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and Germany - and have wonderful memories.
My last trip was in May - June 2013 to Spain.
I would like to travel to Europe and Kyoto, Japan.
I love the southwest where I have visited Hopi, Navajo, Zia and San Idlefonso potters.
Life is exciting and I intend to live it full-out to the end.
B.S. and M.M., both in music
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Khartoum, Sudan Stop Genocide Time
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Spain Time
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Melbourne Time
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Hawaii Time
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RAFA NADAL -BRING BACK LONG PANTS - SLEEVELESS TOPS
Double Click on Videos to Enlarge
Darfur - The Abandoned Genocide - a video by Sandra Hammel
Want to help? Call 1~800~GENOCIDE
"May I Suggest" by Susan Werner
Satchita - Playing for Change
Stand By Me ~ Playing for Change
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Genocide is not only a word,
it is crying of the whole human race.
There is nothing redeeming about being silent
when speaking up is the humane thing to do.
The honor and integrity of the human race is at stake.
