So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . . the runners have finally decided to get on with the final leg of the relay. Sen. McCain decided not to drop his baton. Let's get serious about hearing the competing visions on the issues. And more importantly, let's hear directly from the persons of which we are looking to for leadership in America. Our throats are parched, the skin is clammy, and our stomachs are grumbling. We have less than 39 days and counting to make up our minds on what we wish to have on the menu of leadership:
An eclectic mix of
Strong Leadership
Compassion
Vision
Judgement
Experience
Intelligence
Smart ideas
Consensus-builder
Integrity
Sprinkled with a dash of core values and any other condiments you wish
I am certainly hungry and I believe the debates will offer up a clear opportunity for the American public to vote up or down the Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin tickets. We have spent countless sleepless hours watching cable television as morsels of appetizers to the main meal: the opportunity to vote. In the interim, we will defer to our current president, congressional leadership, and governmental arms to deal with and resolve any further crises that we are confronted with over the next 39 days. In either event, the next president will have a mountain of mail in his INBOX.
Since my last note, we have had lots of drama and excitement since the end of both Conventions . All in my view - qualify as all distractions and diversions (I paused to reflect). It is imperative that you and your family remain focused on the kitchen sink issues that directly impact your daily lives. Likewise, I implore you to ignore any chain emails purporting to tell you what your voting rights are. Please press delete and refrain from forwarding any YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ALERTS. Let me assure you that there will be countless of lawyers and legal professionals on hand across America to ensure that EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Not this time. No way. No how. You can take this to the bank (ooops, well, wait a second, until bailout bill is signed by the President). It is important that you update your picture identificiation, your voter registration card, and identify when and where you are able to vote in advance. Turnout is going to be extremely high.
If you are hungry for leadership, pick up your knife and fork, grab your napkins, and lick your lips. We are about to enter the phase of the last meal. First stop, Oxford, Mississippi. Do not leave anything on your plate. Mummy is likely to put you in a corner.
Enjoy and eat up!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
America's Next Chapter: CHANGE
America's Next Chapter: CHANGE
Make a contribution - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE
Register to vote - go https://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php (Deadline - October 6th)
Vote from Abroad: http://www.votefromabroad.org
To Volunteer - go to http://action.barackobama.com/page/s/volunteer
Over the last two weeks, we had the opportunity to listen to the overarching vision, themes, and spirit of the Democratic and Republican Convention. This was probably the first time that most people were interested and engaged in the proceedings of either party. We have heard about race. We have heard about gender. We have heard about faith. We have heard about experience. We have heard about patriotism. Who has it and who doesn't.
As I sat in the Convention hall and in the stadium in Denver, I soaked it all in to put it into perspective. I thought about all those people who are in my family, the circle of friends, and those in receipt of my Blog. I was living the moment for them and with them. It was a priceless opportunity. Having listened to both Conventions gavel to gavel, I concluded, however, that both political parties are a distraction to getting to the bottom of the soul of the candidates at the top of the tickets. In both parties, there are so many polar stakeholders to balance and to appease. In addition, it was also clear to me that both parties are of distinct American cultures and attitudes. You heard it in the music of the floor. You saw it in the attire of the delegates. You saw it in the comparative hues and accents of the delegations. You heard it in the suttle references of east v. west and rural v. urban.
It is very unfortunate that we struggle to find common ground in our politics because our failing to bypass the divisive inferences of our politics. I suspect that both Barack Obama and John McCain both want the best for our country. At the end of the day and this year, America is yearning for a CHANGE. For the next 50 plus days, you have the duty to do the work to make your best judgment on who has the best vision to deliver the CHANGE that you want and need.
So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . .
First presidential debate
Friday, September 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Moderator: Gwen Ifill - Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour
and Moderator and Managing Editor, Washington Week, PBS
Second presidential debate (town meeting)
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator: Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent, NBC News
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and
Host, Face the Nation
Each debate will begin at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
Find your motivation - click http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/121951/9182
Make a contribution - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE
Register to vote - go https://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php (Deadline - October 6th)
Vote from Abroad: http://www.votefromabroad.org
To Volunteer - go to http://action.barackobama.com/page/s/volunteer
Over the last two weeks, we had the opportunity to listen to the overarching vision, themes, and spirit of the Democratic and Republican Convention. This was probably the first time that most people were interested and engaged in the proceedings of either party. We have heard about race. We have heard about gender. We have heard about faith. We have heard about experience. We have heard about patriotism. Who has it and who doesn't.
As I sat in the Convention hall and in the stadium in Denver, I soaked it all in to put it into perspective. I thought about all those people who are in my family, the circle of friends, and those in receipt of my Blog. I was living the moment for them and with them. It was a priceless opportunity. Having listened to both Conventions gavel to gavel, I concluded, however, that both political parties are a distraction to getting to the bottom of the soul of the candidates at the top of the tickets. In both parties, there are so many polar stakeholders to balance and to appease. In addition, it was also clear to me that both parties are of distinct American cultures and attitudes. You heard it in the music of the floor. You saw it in the attire of the delegates. You saw it in the comparative hues and accents of the delegations. You heard it in the suttle references of east v. west and rural v. urban.
It is very unfortunate that we struggle to find common ground in our politics because our failing to bypass the divisive inferences of our politics. I suspect that both Barack Obama and John McCain both want the best for our country. At the end of the day and this year, America is yearning for a CHANGE. For the next 50 plus days, you have the duty to do the work to make your best judgment on who has the best vision to deliver the CHANGE that you want and need.
So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . .
First presidential debate
Friday, September 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Moderator: Gwen Ifill - Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour
and Moderator and Managing Editor, Washington Week, PBS
Second presidential debate (town meeting)
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator: Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent, NBC News
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and
Host, Face the Nation
Each debate will begin at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
Find your motivation - click http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/121951/9182
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
