Last night, as everyone knew would happen, Barack finally wrapped up the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America!!!
And in accepting the nomination, Barack gave the greatest speech I have ever heard in my entire life!
Now I know what it means when my dad said how inspired people felt when JFK spoke and asked the country, "...my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Or how when MLK said, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I don't think there has been anyone since JFK and MLK who had the oratory gifts to make people feel this way...until Barack decided to run for president. No wonder people follow Barack...cause he has the talent to inspire, and when you can inspire, people will listen, and when people listen, you can lead...
Some of my favorite parts of Barack Obama's speech on June 3rd:
"...because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations...
... Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes. And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again...
...So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union.
So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity.
So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom's cause.
So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that's better, and kinder, and more just.
And so it must be for us. America, this is our moment. This is our time.
Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.
The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment – this was the time – when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals. Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."
Haven't written about this too much...but, I've been following the campaign in a very in depth way every day.
Barack finally looks to be on the way to clinching the nomination tomorrow...and looks like HRC might finally throw in the towel night too...hopefully...
'Bin sick the last couple of days...but got to watch Obama's speech at the Corn Palace yesterday. This guy's awesome...I especially liked the ending of this speech about how one voice can change the world. Fired Up? Fired Up!!! ... Ready to Go? Ready to Go!!!
WOW...got a Easter greeting card from our future president...Barack Obama!!! Thanks to my good friends Mark and Liana, it got here in a round-a-bout way...from the Virgin Islands to San Fran to Hawaii!!!
Got some other stuff too...but I don't want to make Barack "blush" by showing what else he sent me...??? Although, I WILL say that it applies to the dumb @ss idiot Bush AS WELL AS to "do anything, say anything, I'm owed this presidency" Hillary Clinton...cause she should really consider "pulling out" already.
As it stands now, there is practically NO WAY she can win without the bogus Super Delegates (like bullheaded Dan Inouye) overturning the will of the people. And if the Super Delegates do put her over the top, I don't know who I will vote for..."Insane" Mc Cain, or "Duck and Cover Sniper Fire" Hillary... And, for once, I think I agree with Nancy Pelosi: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/26/clinton-donors-object-to-_n_93552.html
I think I 'll carry this around with me to show everyone...you think???
Even though we lost 3 out of 4 primaries last night, the delegate count stayed pretty much even. Here's a message I got VERY early this morning from Barack Obama:
Steven --
We may not know the final outcome of today's voting until morning, but the results so far make one thing clear. When the dust settles from today's contests, we will maintain our substantial lead in delegates. And thanks to millions of people standing for change, we will keep adding delegates and capture the Democratic nomination.
We knew from the day we began this journey that the road would be long. And we knew what we were up against. We knew that the closer we got to the change we seek, the more we'd see of the politics we're trying to end -- the attacks and distortions that try to distract us from the issues that matter to people's lives, the stunts and the tactics that ask us to fear instead of hope. But this time -- this year -- it will not work. The challenges are too great. The stakes are too high. Americans need real change.
In the coming weeks, we will begin a great debate about the future of this country with a man who has served it bravely and loves it dearly. And we will offer two very different visions of the America we see in the twenty-first century.
John McCain has already dismissed our call for change as eloquent but empty. But he should know that it's a call that did not begin with my words. It's the resounding call from every corner of this country, from first-time voters and lifelong cynics, from Democrats and Republicans alike. And together you and I are going to grow this movement to deliver that change in November.
Long lines lead from the parking lot into the cafeteria of Moanalua High School
Large crowds inside of the cafeteria right after voting.
Headed out to my alma mater, Moanalua High School, for the first time in a LONG LONG time to vote in Hawaii's democratic primary.
In fact, my entire family did it's civic duty and headed out to the polls at 6:30ish. Luckly for me, Moanalua High has a lot of parking and I only ended up waiting about 30 minutes to get in to finally cast my ballot. Due to the large crowds, my ballot consisted of a 1/2 page of green steno note pad. Totally old school as everyone without a xerox ballot had to write in the candidates names on make-shift ballots.
My family wasn't so lucky as Aiea High was a TOTAL mess as there was no parking, crowds about 5 times larger than Moanalua, and unfortunately, my family ended up returning home...
AND.....as of 9:30ish PM, local news is reporting that Barack has a HUGE lead, 5000ish to 1000ish, over Hillary Clinton.
For the first time ever...Hawaii is in the national spotlight for tomorrow's Democatic primary.
We're being featured pretty heavily on CNN for our 29 delegates and it's really exciting cause Hawaii has NEVER factored into the presidential election because everything is usually settled on Super Tuesday. Well...not this year, and probably not for a long long long time to come.
Although Hillary Clinton would be "bearable" if we DIDN'T have a choice, only Barack can really usher in a new generation of politics. By Barack being there, he will inspire a whole new generation of younger politicians into office. Politicians which think much more progressively and independently from the old guard currently in office...and it's about time...
Got this message today from Barack:
"Tomorrow is Caucus Day in Hawaii, and I'm writing to you with an important reminder to caucus and to make sure that your family, friends, and neighbors get out and caucus too. Use this online tool to find your caucus location: http://my.barackobama.com/HIlookup
When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it. You have challenged conventional thinking and built a grassroots movement for change that is sweeping this country.
I have no doubt that the election tomorrow will be close. It's vitally important that you caucus and ensure that others who want change in this country caucus too. Our work here will have a lasting impact in Hawaii for a long time to come. I believe that this movement for change can do more than just win an election. Together, we can transform this country.
P.S. -- Here are a few rules and guidelines that should make Caucus Day go smoothly. Be sure to share these with your friends:
You can register the night of the caucus. In order to cast your vote, you must register to vote and join the Hawaii Democratic Party.
If the Hawaii Democratic Party runs out of printed paper ballots for the presidential preference poll, voters will be allowed to write their choice on plain paper.
The presidential preference poll is probably the first thing to happen in the meeting, so you should plan to get there early.
You do not need an ID to caucus, but it's always a good idea to bring it with you."
I thought there was some HOPE.....when the Dems took congress...although by a slim margin, last November...but it was a MONUMENTAL and TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT, a total SHAM!
For 3 reasons: 1) No calls for impeachment. 2) No move for impeachment. 3) No investigation for impeachemnt.
I mean...these guys wrote books and went on talk shows saying what they would have, should have, or could have done...ONLY if those sorry saps had the majority power to do so....what a joke! What a bunch of pathetic weaklings...the only one with any B@LLS was Dennis Kucinich...he should have been president: http://www.dennis4president.com/. But after he dropped out, he endorsed Barack Obama...
Hillary Clinton???...P L E A S E...
1) No conviction 2) Now that I'm losing, saying to count the Florida and Michigan delegates AFTER she and the DNC agreed their delegates wouldn't count. 3) Pandering, check which way the wind is blowing, then say anything, do anything, tell you what you want to hear Clinton (both her and Bill). 4) No Dang Way...(well unless Barack legitimately looses...)
Sans Dennis, what we NEED is a president with some conviction and the vision to chart a new course for America...and the World...I'm voting for BARACK on Hawaii's Sept. 19th Democratic Primary.
Woof...my name is Lucy. I like to go for walks and love to go into the house - whenever I can sneak in. I also love to be scratched on my tummy and petted and fed snacks!
