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Hi, everyone-

I usually don’t get involved with politics much; I do my research and I vote. However, during the last two presidential elections it seemed to me that many people just didn’t care to vote. Most had no particular answer why they didn’t, they just didn’t. Well I’m very proud to vote, it gives me the opportunity to state my opinion in a forum that matters. After the Democratic Convention in 2004, I started learning about Barack Obama. I bought his autobiography “Dreams From My Father” and promptly read the whole thing in one day. His words inspired me to read more history and become more aware of what’s happening in the world today. When I heard about “The Audacity of Hope”; his second book, the title alone stirred something deep inside, something that had been dormant for sometime.

After the outcome of the 2000 elections, many of us felt betrayed and saddened at the state of our country. And over the past seven years we’ve sat paralyzed by all the things that were happening around us. We’ve seen the systematic erosion of our liberties, we’ve witnessed fellow Americans treated worse than transient refugees in third world countries. We’ve seen our incomes steadily decline; our national debt is skyrocketing and the foreclosure rate is staggering. At present, we’re entrenched in a war that cannot be won, for a resource that’s not worth the human or financial sacrifice. It is documented that our president and our government has lied to us time and time again. Personally, I’m appalled by Bush’s blatant nepotism and complete disregard for the average American’s financial, social and educational future.

I feel that this is the time to speak and be heard. It’s time for us to yell from the highest mountain. The time for change has come, I don’t know what the future holds, but I feel it’s time to take a stand. It’s time to dig in our heels and fight. I urge everyone to vote. Tell a friend, take an elderly neighbor to the polls, have a potluck dinner to discuss your views, send out emails and remind everyone that the times are changing. And that the time for change is now!

Stephanie “Stevie” Miller

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi

I am a 62 year old who has seen and experienced a lot. I, like many people, began my voting years not being party affiliated. I decided I would vote for which ever candidate I felt would be best.

Then I got a little taste of Nixon’s: LET THEM EAT RHETORIC [referring to the poor people], and telling the voting public that he could end the war in six months if he were reelected. I was a young woman at that time. I remember feeling very angry that he would hold something like this over people’s heads to get their votes. Well, I didnt let his scare tactics influence me then, and I certainly don’t fall for them now!

Don’t even get me started on the current administration or lack of it. Over the years, I have seen the low down politics and the TRICKLE DOWN POLICY of the republicans fail the majority of Americans. I truly have to wonder why any person who is not wealthy would consider voting for that party. They are the party FOR THE WEALTHY!!! I have struggled and suffered all on my own. I would like to retire, but have health issues that require me to have insurance, even though, because of these health issues I need to retire.

I am getting very vocal, as I get older, about things like this. I must say it feels pretty good. I guess it is better to light one little candle then to curse the darkness!! So I will continue to speak out to who ever will listen because I believe now, more then ever before, we have got to get our country back. We have to become a respected country again!!

I have been passionately involved in Barack Obama’s campaign as a result of reading the Audacity of Hope and Dreams of my Father. When Ray Rivera, Gabe Cohen and Suzanne Gelderman came to Colorado and opened an office I rolled up my sleeves and said let’s make this happen. You have me 24/7 until Barack is sworn into office (Actually, you will still have me 24/7, as our work really begins then).

The campaign began to train me, as I didn’t have many computer skills. I started with computer input, collected contact information of supporters everywhere I went and reported back to the campaign. Began to convince friends and neighbors that Barack was the man for the job. Suzanne and I launched Colorado Women for Obama from my home. We began to plan strategies on how to grow this grassroots movement. We set up canvasses and began walking, phone banking, planning more house parties. We then would encourage the new groups of grassroots supporters to find people in their neighborhoods and plan their own parties. Needless to say, the movement got HUGE!

My family has gone through major adjustments but also realizes the importance of what we are doing. I turned to them, said I am doing this and we have two ways to approach it. We can fight everyday, or you can get behind me and say YOU GO GIRL! They decided the you go girl approach was best.

My husband, Dave has helped me in many, many ways. He is my ROCK AND ADVISOR! My son, Aaron became passionately involved in the campaign and worked with Andrew to organized the UNC, Greeley, campus. He also helped with Boulder campus and Fort Collins as he has many friends at both.

My son Zach struggled the most. He went from having mom at home meeting his every need (actually, too much so) to realizing he needed to be more responsible for himself. (A good thing) Zach helped me with computer issues, not always with a smile on his face, however did help. Zach, finally connected to the campaign, when Tony B. Concious came to Denver. He and Zach worked an event together. Zach now carries an Obama bag, which Tony gave him and was thrilled when Tony painted his snowboard at our neighborhood party.

Aaron now is heading the Voter Reg drive in Greeley and surrounding areas, Our kids are adopted. They have the same birth mother. Rita, raised Alexis Bentley a Staffer for Senator Obama, she is in Alabama working for Segall. Dave and I are raising Aaron and Zach. Alexis’s birth father is black. So we have family diversity. Alexis is Christian and Dave and I have raised our boys in the Jewish Religion. Dave and I are fortunate enough to have a family owned business that is able to support our family. This frees me to work as a volunteer. We have his extended family on board and Dave’s sister Nancy Jackson works for the Democratic Party as a volunteer. We are still planning many, many events.

YES WE WILL WIN ARAPAHOE COUNTY AND COLORADO FOR OBAMA/BIDEN!

Debbie Fischer

Amy Bayliff

Barack Obama is an inspiring leader, that kind that we seldom see emerge from the political realm. He is wise, conscientious and compassionate. He places the focus on the people, rather than himself. And he understands one of the most significant principles: that change can only truly succeed from the inside out and the bottom up.

I was a Barack supporter very early on. I could tell through his speeches, books and legislation that he had the foresight and judgment to bring about change the right way.

Throughout the election process, I have talked with friends, co-workers and family about Barack and the issues. Some were never interested in politics, some were staunch republicans and some were on the fence. I didn’t push for them to immediately fall in line behind me for Barack. Rather, I talked about the issues he realizes are crucial to strengthening this country. I explained the importance of using the right to vote and the freedom of speech to stand up for oneself and to foster change. I encouraged people to stay informed on all kinds of political and social issues, to understand the decisions that are being made which directly affect their lives. I took voter registrations to work and returned them to the Board of Elections for all the new voters I registered.

Since, my husband and my mother have become ardent supporters of Barack. They stay informed and now have become invigorated by this grassroots, political process. Each of them uses their strengths – my husband as a compelling speaker and my mother as an eloquent and powerful writer – to relay to others the reasons they became involved and yearn for change.

Teaching and educating others is a tremendous, life-changing gift and an empowering exchange. And staying aware and informed about the issues that affect our lives is one of the most beneficial and healthy things we can do for ourselves and our families.

Peace,

Amy Bayliff

A big welcome to you from the Ohana Obama staff.