For Uncle David, Pug, Jonny, and millions more

The first memory I have of a Veteran is that of my Uncle David. I didn't understand what the word meant but I knew he was one. David had a smile that matched the size of his enormous heart. And his hugs...he would crush you if you let him, they were so very tight. He had a very beautiful family, 3 beautiful children. Anyone who was in David's presence felt immediately that the world was a better place for having known him. David was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. While he was one of the lucky ones to come home. History shows us that he did not come home to the welcome he deserved. I remember in my political youth, I once said that while I certainly apposed the Vietnam War. I would never feel nothing but tremendous pride in my brave Uncle David. As a kid I used to wish that I could travel back in time so that perhaps I could have given him the welcome home he so deserved. In High School when I visited the Vietnam Memorial I was overcome. Inconsolable I could only sob "there are so many names". The memory tears me up to this day. I also remember seeing fellow classmates etching names of relatives and I was so grateful that my Uncle David came home. Unfortunately David still left this world far too soon, but there is not a Memorial or Veterans day that goes by that I don't think of him. David instilled in me the awareness that while you can disagree with WAR you must always be grateful to the people who love their country so much, that they are willing to sacrifice themselves.

Pug, our former landlord (funny how that just sounds like such an inappropriate way to describe him to me) and dear friend. Has eyes that light up when you see him. He is always so kind and always has all the time in the world for you. He has this hearty laugh and is just a very very wonderful soul. I'm honored to know this Korean War Vet. My life has been so enriched by our many discussions about life and war. I think of him today.

And my sweet cousin Jonny, I can fill volumes with my pride for him. By far the most loving and tenderhearted boy I have ever met. He deserves nothing but the best in this life. He is so talented, and brave, and smart, patient and kind. And he is the first person I've known that has really brought about a new level of understanding when it comes to war. Jonny is an Iraq War Veteran. And I look at Jonny as a mother looks to a child. I see the invisible scars, the private war that wages in him. I learned from him that the sacrifice of our armed forces does not end on the battlefield. It continues on long after the tour is over. And they all continue to face it with a bravery that floors me with it's magnitude.

I think of them and all the other sons and daughters, that have and continue to make a sacrifice I will never be capable of.

Including:
Ernest James Brownley Sr.
Ernest James Brownley Jr.
Phillip Brownley
Evan Campbell
Roscoe Liverman
George Liverman
Edward Plympton Brown I.
Thomas O'Hara


Regardless of whether you feel a war is just or not, The love and devotion they show to this country through their sacrifice is a gift that none of us should ever take for granted. On the battlefield and off.

I offer my simple and humble... Thank You.

It's A New Day!

1:41pm I've finally calmed down a little, My morning has been full of tears and emotion. I'm just overcome with so many feelings. And his speech oh his speech was just incredible. Here are some of my favorite points.


Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

........................................................................................................................................


Here is the first of many things I will post today! Happy Inauguration Day!!
(big thanks to Angie for sharing this one first on Pebbles)

The Beginning Of Greatness.

The next few days are going to be tremendously emotional for me and the rest of my country. For the rest of my life I know I will view these past 8 years as the darkest my generation has ever seen perhaps some of the darkest in the history of my country. But these past 8 years are also a shining example of how we can never become complacent. The minute we become lazy, the moment we forget that this is OUR country, the moment we forget that ours is a government for the people, by the people. We allow evil, bigotry, and greed to speak for us.
I feel deep in my heart and soul that this is the eve of what will be the golden era that of which our nation has never seen. Not since its creation have you seen such involvement so many of our citizens saying and believing that they count, that they are responsible for our success or our failure. Not capitol hill, not the white house, OUR voices are the ones that matter. And no greater example can be seen than in the election of Barack Obama. This nation after so many dark days is full of hope, ready to do the work that needs to be done to create the future we deserve. It makes me feel so lucky to be alive to see so many dreams become reality.

I'm so relieved that such a dark chapter is being closed. Apprehensive about the ultimate revelation of the deeply guarded secrets of the bush administration in the years to come. But all of that is just overcome with this feeling of hope and pride that's been lost to me for so long. Hope that we really can create a better day for ourselves and our children. Hope that we can begin to heal and learn. A pride in my country, a deep pride for the MILLIONS of my fellow citizens that are now and for the rest of their lives INVOLVED in their government. Millions that have begun to look at this whole country, as their community. They now understand that it's so much more than what goes on in our neighborhoods we have to care about every single American neighborhood, every American citizen.


I've also thought a lot about what it was that Dr King witnessed when he saw the promised land. Could he have ever imagined a moment like Tuesday, January 20 2009? Could any of those millions of people that stood beside him have imagined a moment such as this? I feel so lucky to be to be a part of this place in history.

So many generations ago, American citizens felt such a deep connection with their president. Pictures were not just found in federal buildings but in schools and homes. Frankly for a time I thought such displays of presidential pride were foolish. I realize now that I was the foolish one, it was only because I never knew what that connection felt like, until now. I feel so lucky to have the kind of pride that I thought was lost generations ago.

The memory of the Joy I will feel on Tuesday, as I watch MY president's inauguration with my daughter, will stay with me for years to come. I am hopeful now that maybe I really can leave this world a better place for her. I feel blessed that she will now grow up in time when she will truly know that anything is possible. That no matter how tough things may seem today, no matter how impossible the odds. The battle can be so long but as long as we keep fighting we can and will overcome.

Why Women Should Vote

This started out as a typical post and then took on a life of it's own.

Daily Funny

Genius!!!

Lilac Tree Election Coverage 08'

At work I've recently been talking with a co-worker about the Presidential Campaign. She like so many in our area believe what she hears on TV or believes what trusted neighbors of friends tell them about a particular candidate (regardless of whether or not it's based on fact) And frankly she knew nothing about EITHER candidate. I've been really excited finding out that she is going to find information on her own. Paying a little more attention when she reads the paper, she's seeking out the information to make an educated choice.

While doing a little work for the Lords of Karma website I stumbled upon by far one of the most amazing sites out there. Want an REAL unbiased look at the candidates? visit Project Vote Smart. There are no slanted articles (in EITHER direction), no rhetoric, no spin, just stone cold facts. Attendance and Voting Records for State level and US level representatives. Bill & Policy information. The list goes on and on. Best part about it. In just a few clicks you can find out 1st) WHO are your representatives. 2nd) WHAT & HOW do they vote. And 3rd) WHERE can you contact them. It's a glorious and refreshing website. Finally a place for those who just want the facts not opinions.

For a look at Obama's record Click Here . For McCain's Record click Here. And while the Lords of Karma won't officially back a particular candidate we all know who Frances is Rooting for!

Now onto a report I recently found I would really like to share. I think most US citizens think after selecting their elected officials,(chosen to represent and defend our best interests by the way!)that they can go about their day assuming that said elected official will I don't know actually show up to VOTE on issues that matter to them and shape the course of our country. You'd be surprised just how many don't bother... There is a wonderful list compiled at washingtonpost.com. On Congressional attendance records and oh my just look who's at the top...Missing WELL OVER half his votes. I say that's just what we want in a president right???? Who can blame the guy after being there as long as he has... It's just so much work ya know, to actually REPRESENT your constituents. Oh OH OHHH! And Let's not forget that the 36.2% of the time he's actually bothered to show up he's voted over 90% of the time in favor of W's bills and policies. Oh yeah that's some 5 Star Commander In Chief behavior.

Ok I'm off to down a few drinks to finally find the courage to stomach those spectacular RNC convention speeches. (I've heard Gulianni and Palin just knocked them out of the park.)

The Lords Of Karma

When I was in radio there was a list of things you NEVER talked about. Religion and Politics were at the top. I've always respected that not everyone is going to feel the same way as I do about religion. How can I expect someone not to force their ideas down my throat if I'm doing it myself? To use my mic as a medium to talk about my Religious beliefs was hypocritical.

But politics, sociology, culture those are things I've been very passionate about since my youth. I found ways around it. Ways to keep it in the Gray. For example when an election was coming up I would spend the week leading up to election day reporting on how one vote made a difference in American history. Voting is one of the most important things we can do as Americans and as human beings in my book. The adage that "my vote doesn't count so why bother" couldn't be more dangerous. That's what those that wish to control us as a society want you to believe.

One of my biggest frustrations has always been how the Mainstream Media seems to only be capable of reporting about the darkness in our communities & the world. Leaving us in a constant state of fear, a constant disbelief in the goodness of mankind. I had a daily report called "the bright side" where I talked about everyday people going above and beyond the call of duty to help their communities. Because that is the kind of news that reminds people there is good in all of us and if it's one or a thousand we can make a difference. Because those are the kinds of people that deserve countless hours of coverage on CNN not Paris Hilton and her ilk.

With that said I'm also no stranger to the injustices in the world. I strive also to make sure that those are brought to light as well. Injustices that we can do something about. Although the road may seem long, I need only to look at my daughter and husband to know it's worth everything I have to keep fighting.

One of the many things that binds Ned & I is our deep sense that we are each others keeper. The belief that if there is something wrong you do what you can to fix it. Ned's struggle with Cancer, Our struggle with Social Security, Our lack of access to affordable or better yet UNIVERSAL health care, Our frustrations with public education, our frustrations with the complete dismissal of the importance of guiding our youth, our government ... we have much to say and well since the first fruit of our real collaboration turned out quite nicely we thought why not try again. Bloggy Style.


I give to you... The Lords of Karma Taken from the Hunter S. Thompson quote "I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma" We will talk a lot about Ned's struggle with cancer, our battle to convince the social security administration that he is in fact disabled(10 out of the 11 doctors reporting on his case agree with us). Our struggles living as a family who cannot afford health insurance. We'll also talk about a lot of the issues that need to be brought to light. To somehow help those on a similar path or those less fortunate. And we welcome any and all contributions. If there is something going on in your community, something that you feel is important to talk about please send us an e-mail. And we'll do our best to post your story. It's important to know that each of our voices means something. And just as I remind Ned in those moments he feels that he's all alone in his fight. There is always someone who can find inspiration from you. Always someone who can benefit from the experience and perspective you have to offer. So please when you can stop by and let us know what you think.

Well Said...

"Once in a lifetime, the poet said, once in a lifetime, hope and history meet in one extraordinary man. I thank the good Lord that I have lived long enough to meet and help such a man twice in my lifetime: John Kennedy and Barack Obama," - Theodore Sorensen former John F. Kennedy adviser

Sometimes the truth hurts

A 61 year old Librarian was cited and almost arrested for trespassing on city property during a McCain "town hall" event.

Carol Kreck was standing outside exercising her LEGAL right to a peaceful protest & freedom of speech. By carrying a simple handmade sign that said "McCain=Bush".

McCain's secret service asked nay forced her to leave with the threat of arrest and the police gave her a ticket for trespassing ON PUBLIC PROPERTY!!

Oh yeah this is just the guy I want to take over the leadership of my country. McCain gets his feathers in a ruffle because of a "McCain=Bush" sign? Could it be because it's not too far from truth?

If you'd like to know more click here http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/Cqyh

Hell just got a little Hotter

One of Satan's most profitable contracts was made good July 4th.

I don't typically have ill will towards the dead. But frankly I've been waiting a long time for this guy to stop sharing my air.



In an odd way I think that I owe much of my political activism to Mr. Helms. For he was the first politician to make me really pay attention to our government. It all began with a quote. A quote said on the floor of the US Senate while he was representing my home state. "If you eliminate all homosexuals there will be no more reported cases of aids." And he was full of such gems on the house floor and beyond

Here are just a few highlights

"There is not one single case of AIDS in this country that cannot be traced in origin to sodomy."

"Homosexuals are weak, morally sick wretches."

Regarding increasing PUBLIC school funding he opposed siting that
"Your tax dollars are being used to pay for grade-school classes that teach our children that cannibalism, wife-swapping and murder of infants and the elderly are acceptable behavior."

He also denounced the 1964 Civil Rights Act as
"the single most dangerous piece of legislation ever introduced in the Congress"
and that my friends is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There isn't enough blogspace in existence to cover all the money laundering, bribe taking, blasphemy, bigotry, racism, sexism, and in my mind thousands of recorded acts of treason this horrible man committed.

What's almost as sick is the fact that the man spent almost 30 years in the senate. and was Chairman for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. For the longest time I was ashamed to say I was from NC because this man was my "representative"

I feel that even though he's been retired since 2003, that with him gone (and many of his ilk now starting to pass) that maybe just maybe the changes that need to be made to our government can happen.

I only wish he would have lived long enough to see a black man win the presidential election in November.

Pioneering Witness

I'm so excited to be here in this moment. I want to sit beside Rosa Parks on that bus and tell her. "One day in the not too distant future a black man will win the democratic presidential nomination". I want to tell those brave women who gave their lives for the chance to vote. "One day a very strong, smart and equally as brave woman will fight quite strongly and be taken quite seriously as the potential president of the United States."

After so many, so very many years of darkness. I'm beginning to feel as though my country is waking up from a deep deep sleep. Millions of people have sacrificed so much to bring us here and just when I thought no one was paying attention. I look around to discover that people are inspired like never before. I'm so very proud that my daughter will learn about how a country that once enslaved and brutalized africans could change in such a way as to deem an african the best possible candidate to run it. Proud that my daughter will truly know that if she wants to be President. SHE CAN.

So many dark days have at long last led us to some very shining moments. I'm lucky to be a witness to the change to come.

This Post Will Piss You Off

Last night I watched an incredible documentary (thanks Netflix) It was a story that I know all too well. A story that I've watch many in my family live through. I thought I was pretty educated in the shady tactics of credit card companies, lenders, and collection agencies. But I had no idea. I honestly feel now more than ever that where we have Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, (don't forget history) as the age old requirements in school. Fiscal Responsibility should be right up there. Every student starting in middle school should take at least one class a year that teaches smart fiscal responsibility. They need it for so many reasons, the most important being that statistically their parents (who are supposed to teach them how to be responsible with money) are in serious debt. These kids are going to learn about money from their maxed out parents. The vicious cycle is never going to end.

Will that EVER happen? NEVER. Why? Here's the sick and twisted thing that was touched on in the movie. This chaos that's happening in the housing market. The chaos that happening with lenders. These businesses want you to believe that they are hurting just as much as you. These businesses want you to think that they are going under. When in fact business couldn't be better.

Typically for every 1 dollar you spend using their money you almost automatically owe 2 additional dollars in interest, penalties, and what ever other charge they can pull out of their ass. That number only increases as long as you owe them the "dollar".

Here are some juicy little facts:

The credit card industry earned $1,200,000,000,000 last year. That is $1.2 TRILLION in profits.

In 2004 consumers were charged $14.8 BILLION dollars in late fees.

Most credit card companies purposefully delay posting your payment on the day it is received so that they can charge you the late fee. They made millions using this technique last year.

Changing the due date or mailing the bill so that it is difficult at best to meet the deadline and there by charging another late fee. With two late charges on your 'record' your interest rate goes up as much as 10 points. This can be done without notifying you, by the way. These companies have even resorted to not mailing out statements so that you will pay late and therefore be charged at least $29 in late fees and sometimes more.

Signing you up without your permission for credit insurance that virtually never pays out.

Checking your credit reports to see if you are charging on other cards and if it is 'deemed excessive', raising your interest rate by as much as twice your current rate.

Charging you a $25 fee for NOT USING your credit card.

Capital One has been sued because their customers mailed in the checks a full two weeks before the due date but were deemed late, charged the late fee and the interest rate was hiked to double digits.

Citibank paid a $45 million dollar settlement because they improperly assessed late fees and raised the interest rate up to 24% if the customer was late on any payments to other creditors, even if you are current on every payment to them.


This means for most Americans that are "maxed out" they will NEVER get out of debt. As long as they know that you're desperate enough to send in the minimum payment. They will hold onto that debt they will make triple, quadruple, quintuple the amount of credit they extended to you in the first place. And once they've maxed you out and you just can't pay anymore? Why the opportunities are endless!! Some debtors look into foreclosure (they get the money from selling your house, car and other items) They garnish your wages, and some just charge it off. which means they sell your debt to the hounds of hell. Collection agencies. What does this mean? well the A) the collection company PAYS them to take ownership of your debt. and B) The original debtor then gets to write off their "loss" (total amount of money owed by you-intrest, penalties, and all not covered by the payment of the collection agency) when tax season rolls around. Saving them even more money. YAY!!

So why would these companies EVER allow for the American public to learn fiscal responsibility? Why there is a whole generation of kids to earn Trillions more off of? Our Children. They are coming after them next. Want proof? just walk onto any college campus there are hundreds of credit card companies outside dorms handing out cards to students with a stroke of a pen. And the cherry on top?? These companies are in the pockets of everyone who is anyone in Washington. Education would mean the demise of their companies.

The sick and twisted thing people. Is that people are killing themselves over their debt. Millions of Americans when they should be getting ready for a stress free retirement. Are finding themselves with NOTHING. Are finding themselves losing their homes thanks to re-financing. (my parents included). That's what breaks my heart. People are losing everything they've worked their whole lives for. EVERYTHING. And you now have a generation of Americans who are literally drowning in debt before they ever get started in life. The sad thing is that most Americans have no idea how to handle their finances (myself included) There are some who are lucky and figure it out early. For the rest of us there are many things that brought us to our debt. The need for instant gratification or status, Illness, Loss of employment. The list is endless.

It's maddening. Maddening that people are driven to such anxiety because of money and credit. My mother almost completely lost her mind after becoming homeless twice. If I could go back and change one thing in my life. It would be my response when they told me the were going to take a loan out on their home that was a few thousand dollars from being paid off. (And for what? a TV, some christmas presents?, a car?) That for me is where it all began for them. Aside from a rent-a-center (gag) payment. They had no credit cards, no other debt. These companies taking advantage of my parents lack of financial education has caused them insurmountable pain and suffering. When it's all said and done my parents will die roughly $100,000 dollars in debt. These companies are killing us all one way or another. And yet, we take it. And will continue to be at their mercy. It's times like these I realize just how oppressed the majority of American society really is. It's times like these I want to do something very Tyler Durden like.

That out of many, we are one; that while we breath we will hope

Each and every time I hear Barack Obama speak. I gain back a little bit of hope for my country's future. Just amazing I've never seen or felt anything like it in my life and I am so excited and proud that I'm here now to witness what this great man will inevitably do.

The following is a transcript of Barack's South Carolina Primary Speech-

We're looking to fundamentally change the status quo in Washington.
It's a status quo that extends beyond any particular party and right now that status quo is fighting back with everything it's got, with the same old tactics that divide and distract us from solving the problems people face, whether those problems are health care that folks can't afford or a mortgage they cannot pay.
So this will not be easy. Make no mistake about what we're up against. We're up against the belief that it's all right for lobbyists to dominate our government, that they are just part of the system in Washington. But we know that the undue influence of lobbyists is part of the problem and this election is our chance to say that we are not going to let them stand in our way anymore.
We're up against the conventional thinking that says your ability to lead as president comes from longevity in Washington or proximity to the White House. But we know that real leadership is about candor and judgment and the ability to rally Americans from all walks of life around a common purpose, a higher purpose.
We're up against decades of bitter partisanship that cause politicians to demonize their opponents instead of coming together to make college affordable or energy cleaner. It's the kind of partisanship where you're not even allowed to say that a Republican had an idea, even if it's one you never agreed with. That's the kind of politics that is bad for our party, it is bad for our country, and this is our chance to end it once and for all.
We're up against the idea that it's acceptable to say anything and do anything to win an election. But we know that this is exactly what's wrong with our politics. This is why people don't believe what their leaders say anymore. This is why they tune out. And this election is our chance to give the American people a reason to believe again.
But let me say this, What we've seen in these last weeks is that we're also up against forces that are not the fault of any one campaign, but feed the habits that prevent us from being who we want to be as a nation.
It's the politics that uses religion as a wedge and patriotism as a bludgeon, a politics that tells us that we have to think, act and even vote within the confines of the categories that supposedly define us, the assumption that young people are apathetic, the assumption that Republicans won't cross over, the assumption that the wealthy care nothing for the poor and that the poor don't vote, the assumption that African Americans can't support the white candidate, whites can't support the African American candidate, blacks and Latinos cannot come together.
We are here tonight to say that that is not the America we believe in. I did not travel around this state over the last year and see a white South Carolina or a black South Carolina. I saw South Carolina. I saw crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children alike. I saw shuttered mills and homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from all walks of life and men and women of every color and creed who serve together and fight together and bleed together under the same proud flag.
I saw what America is and I believe in what this country can be. That is the country I see. That is the country you see. But now it is up to us to help the entire nation embrace this vision.
Because in the end, we're not just against the ingrained and destructive habits of Washington, we're also struggling with our own doubts, our own fears, our own cynicism.
The change we seek has always required great struggle and great sacrifice. And so this is a battle in our own hearts and minds about what kind of country we want and how hard we're willing to work for it.
So let me remind you tonight that change will not be easy. Change will take time. There will be setbacks and false starts and sometimes we'll make mistakes.
But as hard as it may seem, we cannot lose hope, because there are people all across this great nation who are counting on us, who can't afford another four years without health care, that can't afford another four years without good schools, that can't afford another four years without decent wages because our leaders couldn't come together and get it done.
Theirs are the stories and voices we carry on from South Carolina. The mother who can't get Medicaid to cover all the needs of her sick child. She needs us to pass a health care plan that cuts costs and makes health care available and affordable for every single American. That's what she's looking for.
The teacher who works another shift at Dunkin Donuts after school just to make ends meet, she needs us to reform our education system so that she gets better pay and more support and her students get the resources that they need to achieve their dreams.
The Maytag worker who's now competing with his own teenager for a $7 an hour job at the local Wal-Mart, because the factory he gave us life to shut its doors, he needs us to stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship our jobs overseas and start putting them in the pockets of working Americans who deserve it and put them in the pockets of struggling homeowners who are having a tough time and looking after seniors who should retire with dignity and respect.
The woman who told me that she hasn't been able to breath since the day her nephew left for Iraq or the soldier who doesn't know his child because he's on his third or fourth or even fifth tour of duty, they need us to come together and put an end to a war that should have never been authorized and should have never been waged.
So understand this, South Carolina. The choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders. It's not about rich versus poor, young versus old. And it is not about black versus white. This election is about the past versus the future.
It's about whether we settle for the same divisions and distractions and drama that passes for politics today or whether we reach for a politics of common sense and innovation, a politics of shared sacrifice and shared prosperity.
There are those who will continue to tell us that we can't do this, that we can't have what we're looking for, that we can't have what we want, that we're peddling false hopes. But here is what I know. I know that when people say we can't overcome all the big money and influence in Washington, I think of that elderly woman who sent me a contribution the other day, an envelope that had a money order for $3.01, along with a verse of scripture tucked inside the envelope. So don't tell us change isn't possible. That woman knows change is possible.
When I hear the cynical talk that blacks and whites and Latinos can't join together and work together, I'm reminded of the Latino brothers and sisters I organized with and stood with and fought with side by side for jobs and justice on the streets of Chicago. So don't tell us change can't happen.
When I hear that we'll never overcome the racial divide in our politics, I think about that Republican woman who used to work for Strom Thurmond, who is now devoted to educating inner city children and who went out into the streets of South Carolina and knocked on doors for this campaign. Don't tell me we can't change. Yes, we can.
Yes, we can change. Yes, we can heal this nation. Yes, we can seize our future.
And as we leave this great state with a new wind at our backs and we take this journey across this great country, a country we love, with the message we carry from the plains of Iowa to the hills of New Hampshire, from the Nevada desert to the South Carolina coast, the same message we had when we were up and when we were down, that out of many, we are one; that while we breath, we will hope.
And where we are met with cynicism and doubt and fear and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of the American people in three simple words: Yes. We. Can.

I can't help myself

I've gone back and forth about opening sharing my support for a certain candidate. It's a double edged sword politics can be. But I'd like to think that be you republican or democat you might still appreciate what an incredible orator Barack Obama is. I still remember the way I felt hearing him speak for the first time at the democratic national convention. I my heart raced and I felt that my country had found it's hope. As a long time "feminist" (if that's what you want to call me) I would love nothing more to see a woman in office. And I would but I want the right PERSON for the job first and foremost. Whomever is elected has a monumential mess to clean up. But, these are my feelings and I don't expect you to share them. One of the things I love about our country is that we still have the right to agree and disagree. I've often wondered if we would ever again see the kind of president that had his picture displayed in schools and homes. IN HOMES..American citizens were once so proud of their president that they displayed his picture in their homes. That is a beautiful thing. If Obama gets elected, His picture is going up that's how much I believe in this man. If your curious please do take a look at this video (his victory speech from the Iowa caucus) If you've made up your mind and your choice is not for Obama that's fine too. If politics isn't your thing. Well then I will say in my book it should be take the time to learn about the candidates YOUR voice deserves to be heard. And please vote.