CHARLIE CRIST OBAMA ENDORSEMENT

I’ve studied, admired and gotten to know a lot of leaders in my life. Across Florida, in Washington and around the country, I've watched the failure of those who favor extreme rhetoric over sensible compromise, and I've seen how those who never lose sight of solutions sow the greatest successes. 

As America prepares to pick our president for the next four years — and as Florida prepares once again to play a decisive role — I'm confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation. I applaud and share his vision of a future built by a strong and confident middle class in an economy that gives us the opportunity to reap prosperity through hard work and personal responsibility. It is a vision of the future proven right by our history.
We often remind ourselves to learn the lessons of the past, lest we risk repeating its mistakes. Yet nearly as often, our short-term memory fails us. Many have already forgotten how deep and daunting our shared crisis was in the winter of 2009, as President Obama was inaugurated. It was no ordinary challenge, and the president served as the nation's calm through a historically turbulent storm. 

The president's response was swift, smart and farsighted. He kept his compass pointed due north and relentlessly focused on saving jobs, creating more and helping the many who felt trapped beneath the house of cards that had collapsed upon them. 

He knew we had to get people back to work as quickly as possible — but he also knew that the value of a recovery lies in its durability. Short-term healing had to be paired with an economy that would stay healthy over the long run. And he knew that happens best by investing in the right places. 

President Obama invested in our children's schools because he believes a good education is a necessity, not a luxury, if we're going to create an economy built to last. He supported more than 400,000 K-12 teachers' jobs, and he is making college more affordable and making student loans, like the ones he took out, easier to pay back.
He invested in our runways, railways and roads. President Obama knows a reliable infrastructure that helps move people to work and helps businesses move goods to market is a foundation of growth.

And the president invested in our retirement security by strengthening Medicare. The $716 billion in savings his opponents decry today extended the life of the program by nearly a decade and are making sure taxpayer dollars aren't wasted in excessive payments to insurance companies or fraud and abuse. His opponents would end the Medicare guarantee by creating a voucher that would raise seniors' costs by thousands of dollars and bankrupt the program.
We have more work to do, more investments to make and more waste to cut. But only one candidate in this race has proven a willingness to navigate a realistic path to prosperity. 

As Republicans gather in Tampa to nominate Mitt Romney, Americans can expect to hear tales of how President Obama has failed to work with their party or turn the economy around.
But an element of their party has pitched so far to the extreme right on issues important to women, immigrants, seniors and students that they've proven incapable of governing for the people. Look no further than the inclusion of the Akin amendment in the Republican Party platform, which bans abortion, even for rape victims.
The truth is that the party has failed to demonstrate the kind of leadership or seriousness voters deserve.
Pundits looking to reduce something as big as a statewide election to a single photograph have blamed the result of my 2010 campaign for U.S. Senate on my greeting of President Obama. I didn't stand with our president because of what it could mean politically; I did it because uniting to recover from the worst financial crisis of our lifetimes was more important than party affiliation. I stood with our nation's leader because it was right for my state. 

President Obama has a strong record of doing what is best for America and Florida, and he built it by spending more time worrying about what his decisions would mean for the people than for his political fortunes. That's what makes him the right leader for our times, and that's why I'm proud to stand with him today.

OHIO AND THE EARLY VOTE

So, there's a vast number of people in OHIO who have been restricted from voting early. Well, the weekend before the general election in November anyway.
The Republican leadership has decided that, since the record indicates most of the early voting occurs in the more dense, urban areas of the state, that the majority of those who participate in this civic exercise are obviously Democratic in their political leanings. 

Problem is, for some reason, the GOP has left the early voting option to military registrants only. Hmmm; what do you think they are assuming?

The Obama campaign's law suit levied against the Ohio admin regarding the imposed restriction intends to once again allow everyone registered to vote early just as it had been previously. Problem is, the Romney camp fully expects to drown in the heavy participation during the early voting. If their DATA says such a turnout, it would seem natural for the Republican governor and Romney's minions to enact such a restriction.

When you see opposition camp and the turds on FoxNews spewing these twisted fairytales to their micro-cephalic viewers, keep in mind; these folks actually cant help it. Remember the edict of Hate the sin, Love the sinner. Lets stick to that.
  
Eventually the electorate in Ohio will understand just how badly they've been hoodwinked, but until then, be gentle my friends...for they do not know the path they lead.

THE O'BAMAS ENJOYING GUINNESS

Last year, while in Dublin, the President and Michele hit a few pubs and enjoyed Guinness among other cocktails. Where do you think they will be this St. Patrick's Day?
More importantly, where will you be?

City of Kingston St Patrick's Day parade will be this Sunday. Rendezvous Lounge, among all the other pubs & restaurants in the city, will be open for the party. Please enjoy yourselves responsibly.

AMERICAN FINANCIAL PROTECTION

INTERNATIONAL EQUALITY & PROTECTION

Here is something startling that I never saw coming. President Obama's administration is expected to introduce a declaration to the United Nations calling for better treatment and protections for LGBT people internationally. 
It's a little bit of a surprize since we've been watching certain State Governors at home resemble foreign dictators in recent months. 

The big day is Tuesday. The declaration will be announced at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The AP has done a head count and it looks like it has the support of more than 80 countries. 
Whodda thunk? 

In a complete reversal of how the past administrations treated gays & lesbians, this document demands that countries end such persecution. It makes sense in that we should expect all of our trading partners to respect equality amongst their citizens as much as we expect humane working conditions. 

Some of you may not realize that in some countries, It's illegal just to look gay. You would be hauled off and executed if suspected of having a relationship with the same gender and sometimes, they punish the families as well. A concern many people have with Qatar as the location of World Cup in 2022.
Considering their history on this subject. 
 
I find it remarkable that there are still countries living in the 15th century  when it comes to Human Rights. Only three years ago, the French government offered a similar proposal. Russia, China, several Islamic countries, and the Vatican were among some of the other opposing nations. With this shift in opinion by the United States, how will those countries respond this time?

Also reported by the AP; The new resolution now has support from Thailand, Rwanda, 
El Salvador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, which did not support the 2008 document. 

A quick search online reveals Homosexuality is still punishable as a crime in at least 85 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Ghana. 
As we witness regime change in Tunisia, Egypt and now Libya...who knows what support or opposition the declaration will face.

Either way, I'm impressed.

McCAIN ON OBAMA: JAN 2011

John McCain: "He (President Obama) is a patriot sincerely intent on using his time in office to advance our country's cause. I reject accusations that his policies and beliefs make him unworthy to lead America or opposed to its founding ideals."

FIRST WEEKLY ADDRESS 2011

DOGS & CATS REJOICE!

In a little noticed ceremony, President Obama signed a bill into law closing a loophole in the garment makers labeling process. In committee since May, the lame-duck session provided the time to act on this and dozens of other uncelebrated issues backed up in the Senate and House.

The Truth in Fur Labeling Act (H.R. 2480) passed the Senate unanimously.
The law currently allows some animal fur garments to go unlabeled if the value of the fur is $150 or less. Just the idea that your coat could be lined or edged with Dog Fur is freaky. Since 90% of our textiles are manufactured outside the country, this forces those foreign countries to be clearer about what is and isn't "faux fur".

Michael Markarian, COO for HSUS said on their website: "Many consumers prefer to avoid buying and wearing animal fur, and everyone deserves to have accurate information to make informed purchasing choices.  The Truth in Fur Labeling Act will protect consumers by requiring all garments containing animal fur to be accurately labeled."

Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia said: "Most people would be outraged to learn that their favorite hat or pair of gloves was lined, not with faux fur, but with the fur of their favorite companion animal—but it's a reality due to a loophole in current law that allows apparel worth less than $150 to go unlabeled."

From what I gather, stores are permitted to sell out their stock of unregulated apparel but future deliveries will be subject to the new labeling. Check the labels when you buy that coat or hat. Even if it's dyed pink, it may be cat fur you're buying. 

Thank you to the sponsors and President Obama for making this law of the land. 
The Cats & Dogs of America thank you too!

OBAMA SIGNS FIRST HCR BILL

This Tuesday morning, I stopped at the Broadway Lights diner for a snack and there on the TV, was our President Obama, speaking to a crowd in the East Room. As I sat there, I got to witness him signing the landmark legislation that will affect everyone who has ever dealt with health insurance. That would be most of us.

Barack Obama, after thanking a number of key players in forming this legislation, signed this historic health care overhaul that is expected to guarantee coverage for an additional 32 million currently uninsured Americans. I watched the House proceedings on CSPAN Sunday night and had to laugh at some of the rhetoric from some of the Representatives. I know that after showing their true colors during that session, many of them will have trouble back home in November. I loved the "Baby Killer" shout-out by Randy Neugebauer of Texas at Bart Stupak. Good stuff.

The Freeman pulled a good quote from the ceremony from the President: "With all the punditry, all the lobbying, all the game-playing that passes for governing here in Washington, it's been easy at times to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are limits to what we as a people can still achieve. We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations. We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don't fall prey to fear. We are not a nation that does what's easy. That's not who we are. That's not how we got here."

Watching this on the screen in the company of wait staff and some customers, It was quite surreal; considering everyone was pretty much in the working class category that this reform bill is intended to help. It's just odd knowing that there are people out there who truly believe this is the worst thing for Americans. That doing nothing would be better.

With decades of complete Republican control in both houses and the White House, there was little attempt to even mention reformation of health insurance, never mind act on it. Now, with the reality of just the opposite, there is action. Granted, it's not perfect. The bill is not the optimum "end all" reform bill that many of us wanted, but it's a terrific foundation of change in in a system that was destined to bankrupt most middle income households by the end of this decade.

After the President recited his list of the more immediate actions that the bill will provide, he sat down, signed the bill into law with a dozen pens and prompted thunderous applause by an audience overcome with jubilation, for rarely is it seen that something in Washington ever reaches some assemblage of completion. With the Reconciliation bill still heading toward the Senate, this occasion is about to set the election cycle into a very different outcome.

POTUS: WHAT A STINKIN LIBERAL

Well, the President of the United States delivered his first constitutionally mandated State of the Union address to the nation Wednesday night. In it, he made plenty of people happy and mad.

I know what you're thinking, why would Mike title this post as "What a liberal"?

Isn't that what the minority party is going to say for the next seven months? Just listen to that speech, I mean increasing funds for higher education? Crazy! Doubling the number of charter schools? Insane! Investing in renewable energy and diminishing our dependence on foreign oil? Bananas! I tell ya, this guy is a tree-hugger from Oregon!

And how dare he wind down our number of troops in Iraq. Like he promised that on the campaign trail or something. And who does he think he is adding troops and resources in Afghanistan? Did Barbra Streisand order this?

Someone please explain to me why Obama would want to hold the banking and finance firms accountable for their innocent missteps during the deregulated decade from hell? It wasn't their fault! And this notion that we should drill off the U.S. coast for oil and gas, now I know Jane Fonda is hiding in the White House somewhere.

Seriously, he did show to the American public, (the small portion that actually pays attention to this stuff) that he means business while acknowledging he made missteps himself during his first year in office. The challenge here is whether the minority party, namely the 41 Republican Senators, are willing to talk when he goes to resert with their leadership next week.

Funny thing, the response by the new Governor from Virginia, included a plea to drill off the coast, while allowing cross state insurance purchases; both are in the senate health reform proposal. I guess he didn't read it either. And who were those people in his chamber? Campaign staff?

Question: will he make good on his promise to repeal DADT and equal pay for women in the workplace? One he passed without teeth, the other just plain forgot. All in all, I was moved throughout the address and, forgive me for the sarcastic start to this piece, found his ability to embrace his shortcomings, considering what he inherited upon taking office, to be quite refreshing and reassuring.

Healthcare reform isn't going away anytime soon and the commission to find government spending cuts will be established by executive order, even though the Republican sponsors of the Senate proposal voted against it in the final hour.
Did you see the President practically scold the Supreme Court for their screw up last week? Nice!

In the end, we have to go back out there in the days ahead, continue our duties, support our families and look to each other to help make this country better than how we found it.

Whether on the City Council, County Legislature, State Assembly or the U.S. Congress, you set out each day with that intent. We are expected to accomplish something to better the community through whatever means we have available. Will we see the party of NO reach out and act toward our benefit in the years to come? One can only hope.

OBAMA: THE ALL INCLUSIVE SPEECH

After a full day of televised Inaugural Ceremonies and local viewing parties, I discovered this Press Release regarding the all inclusive speech Obama made at the DC Mall today.

I will happily forward this in its original form...

CFI - PRESS RELEASE

January 20, 2009

Center for Inquiry Leaders Applaud Obama's Progressive and Inclusive Vision for America!

President Barack Obama in his history-making Inaugural Address today sounded the clarion call for a more inclusive and progressive America.

The President’s speech outlined a largely humanistic agenda, promising to “restore science to its rightful place,” as we collectively face the massive challenges facing us as a country in the twenty-first century. Significantly, in affirming the pluralistic character of American society, President Obama expressly included “non-believers” among Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus, as part of the body politic.

“It truly is a historic and remarkable achievement of significance that the President of the United States referred to non-believers in recognition of the growing number of Americans—now numbering tens of millions—who hold no religious affiliation. As far as we are aware, this is the first time this has happened,” said Paul Kurtz, chairman and founder of the Center for Inquiry. “It is also noteworthy that he called for the restoration of science to its rightful place and the application of technology to the improvement of human life. We applaud his courageous optimism in outlining an audacious program for the future,” said Kurtz.

Ronald A. Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry, emphasized the importance of President Obama’s acknowledgement. “For much of American history, agnostics and atheists were denied important civil rights, and in some states, until the early 1960’s, were explicitly forbidden from holding public office. Even after these legal constraints had been removed, non-believers were stigmatized or ignored by most politicians.

We are encouraged that President Obama has unambiguously indicated he will be the president of all Americans.”
The Center for Inquiry/Transnational is a non-profit, educational, advocacy, and scientific-research think tank based in Amherst, New York It is home to the Council for Secular Humanism, founded in 1980, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (formerly CSICOP), founded in 1976, and the Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health. Their research and educational projects focus on three broad areas: religion, ethics, and society; paranormal and fringe-science claims; and medicine and health.

The Center’s Web site is www.centerforinquiry.net .

OPENLY GAY EPISCOPAL BISHOP

In response to the flack that Obama has gotten from equal rights advocates for his Rick Warren Inaugural Invocation, he has asked Bishop Gene Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal bishop to deliver the invocation at a kickoff inaugural event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, two days before the inauguration itself.

Robinson is the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. His consecration in 2003 set off a firestorm in that church’s parent body, the Anglican Communion.

Will his inclusion in the inaugural events heal some of the pain that Mr. Warren’s selection has caused?

Robinson told the AP: “They called up and said this has actually been in the works for a long time and that they understand that people in the LGBT community have been somewhat wounded by the Warren selection. It’s their hope that my selection will go a long way to heal those divides.”

I only saw this in the news links yesterday, while the transition team had this in the works for several weeks.

The event is on Sunday, January 18^th. This is the first day of formal inaugural festivities in DC. It will be broadcast live by HBO free so the masses who don’t have HBO can also watch it. Which of their many channels, I don't know.

Obama and Joe Biden are scheduled to be there and the event will have hours of entertainment to celebrate the day's significance.

Those of us who have heard of Bishop Robinson already know he is a world historical figure at this point. He is at the center of the Episcopal Church’s embrace of human equality and inclusion. Obama has made a very powerful statement by inviting him to open the three day procession.

I, for one, have already forgiven Obama for the Warren stumble. So this is a pleasant surprise for an already terrific maturation of America. [now if only I could talk to him about illegal immigration]

Enjoy the show everyone!

OBAMAS FIRST 100 DAYS

The first 100 days of the Obama Presidency are going to be crucial.

The very first step the administration has done is make sure the public knows just how bad our economic situation really is and that the economic recession is our most pressing matter, but not the only problem. The deregulation of the 80's era brought us the current housing and banking crises and both mark the death of the Reagan-Thatcher finance-centered philosophy that merely resembles a reverse-Robin Hood paradigm. The American public truly allowed this catastrophe to happen by ignoring the warnings these past five years.

Obama will be judged a success if he keeps the country from falling into a depression during his tenure. He will also have to get American troops out of Iraq and offer a functioning national health care program.

Obama’s good fortune as he enters the oval office, is the public's concept of government intervention in the economy, along with massive deficit spending, has for the moment, become Republican as well as Democratic policy. So the lines have been blurred to the point where neither party can cry about the success or failure of this bold government intervention they are planning.

The stimulus program for the banks and lending houses, should only get money from an Obama administration if they increase their lending and do their best to avoid foreclosing on the houses of their borrowers. There shouldn't be any breaks for the auto industry either. Detroit needs to come up with fuel-efficient cars that Americans can afford and want.

Close the health-care donut hole that leaves out those household with children who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford their own private coverage. The original Children’s Health Insurance Program of '07, which would have cost $35 billion over five years, had bipartisan support, but was vetoed by President Bush. What a shame. This would be a good first step toward universal health insurance for all children.

The media is abuzz with all his appointments as January 20^th approaches, but the hard work is has yet to begin and the need to act has long passed. Its going to take 12 – 14 months to see real change in the economy, and thats only if big industry and the American workforce are willing to work together toward a more equitable life style change.

Are you ready to change?

SCHUMER AND THE STIMULUS PACKAGE

Chuck Schumer made a quick trip to a recycling facility this week. Taylor Recycling in Montgomery, NY. Which is just south of the Ulster County border in Orange.

His reason for dropping by the plant was to draw attention to the Bio-Mass project they are developing which would convert waste into electricity. Just a small example of the overall north east Renaissance in green and renewable energy development and manufacturing.

Why now? Well, to highlight the latest push by President-Elect Obama's recovery package that aims to stimulate the economy on a local level by allocating funds for municipal capital and infrastructure upgrades, such as road bridges, mass transit upgrades, sewer system diversions and of course recycling and green energy projects.

Here in Kingston, our own Economic Director has prepared an outline for submission for the new administration, describing in detail, what projects we have “shovel-ready” in our own back yard. Steve Finkle and staff have done their homework on this one and being prepared is usually smiled upon by those who seek an efficient outcome of fund allocation.

While touring the facility in Orange County, Schumer outlined the economic recovery plan, now being developed by Obama and House and Senate members.

Hinchey [seen here with Assemblyman Skartados] Gillibrand and Hall have each indicated their willingness and enthusiasm for the Hudson Valley region being central to the New York State economic boost. Having Senator Schumer come to this area, even if it is in Orange County, should give us reassurance of their continued focus locally.

Schumer said the package, with range between $500 and $700 billion, has three categories so far: "shovel-ready" road, sewer and water projects; longer-term infrastructure work, with preference given to those that create "green" jobs; and "significant aid" to state and local government health and education programs.

The Finkle proposal was voted on Dec 16th at the special Common Council meeting.

OBAMA'S TEAM: CHANGE HAS COME

Now that the election is several weeks in history, I have to ask…does this look like Hillary Clinton actually won? I am looking at the make-up of this new “cabinet of change” and I see some of the same, though brilliant, faces as if Bill never left office.

Granted Barack has to keep everyone on his page in the book of CHANGE, but I sit back and wonder what all the Obama supporters, who hated the Clinton legacy, are thinking now?

To really test their loyalty, Barack has asked Robert Gates to stay on as Defense Secretary.

Ok, so it’s temporary. I actually have no issue over it, but many of us Democratic loyalists shared office space with the Obama teams, listened to their anti-Hillary banter for months, only to see Obama’s Cabinet look like Hillary won. It does make me laugh a little as I have applauded every one of his appointments so far.

Lets see: Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Tim Geithner, Eric Holder and now Gates. The list goes on! I keep waiting for Al Gore, Howard Dean and Tom Daschle to be mentioned.

Here is my assessment of the orchestrated primary deal. Democratic insiders knew that if Obama was denied the nomination and it went to Hillary, about 30% of the potential electorate would drop off and we would have John McCain for president.

As the plan went, Obama gets the Nomination and the party loyalists continue their support for the Democratic nominee. Obama wins, and all of the same choices fill the cabinet as if Hillary had won anyway.

We saw the evidence across the nation. The Obama/Biden ticket received 30% more votes than the remaining Democratic lines in every precinct. Where the Republican voters, although fewer, kept the vote count steady across their line.

How is it that so many Obama supporters didn’t know or care about the rest of the ticket once they got to the voting booth? It’s very frustrating.

This is why Obama was our nominee and this is why I wouldn’t count on Obama supporters in races to come. I suspect this was a one shot deal and they just wont be there when you need em.

IT'S ALMOST OVER

I just had to post this funny lawn sign from Ohio.

Do you know how many we could have sold at Democratic HQ this fall?

The weather channel says Election Day will be in the 60s and sunny.

Any questions regarding where you may vote, call the Board of Election on Wall St in Kingston @ 845 334-5470

COLIN POWELL ENDORSES

To the surprise of both the Obama and McCain campaigns, Colin Powell appeared on Meet the Press and offered his support for Barack Obama. Did anyone else see that coming? I thought he would just stay out of the fray of this one and wait for the winner, fully expecting Obama to pull it off.

But the wait is over and the resounding endorsement is out there, having a serious effect on the few undecided that must have been hiding in a cave. Who doesn’t know who they are voting for at this tail end of an 18 month election cycle?

Persons close to Powell say he’s been paying attention all along and waiting for the right time to make a serious impact on the race. Well this would be the right time. It’s been two days and the buzz is still out there. Of course here in New York, none of this matters, so the question is, how will it affect the battleground military states?

It has taken a long time for some of us to get past the misleading role he played in the case for going to war where we didn’t need to, especially after years of proof otherwise and the tremendous cost in blood and treasure for America.

But getting past that, Powell has always had the respect of the military commanders and those who accepted the fact that he acted for the Bush Administration at gun point while in office. I have certainly gotten over it.

Powell made it clear that that he doesn’t think McCain/Palin is the team prepared to lead this country. He used the term “transformational” to describe Obama and pressed the need to show a fresh face to the rest of the world.

Like so many other centrist Republicans, they see McCain becoming less that what they first “signed on” for as the campaign season comes to a close. To send this idea home in a more local example, we have Republicans working the phone banks and stuffing envelopes in Democratic HQ here in Kingston.

I guess Colin and like minded centrists have seen what McCain and his friends at Fox News and Newsmax have been doing and decided its just not Kosher. What do you think?

JOE THE PLUMBER

Ok, so Wednesday night’s debate proved to be quite a show. I have to say the volley of hard hitting jabs between McCain and Obama were worth my cable bill this month.

I have to say, from my partisan perspective, I half expected John to lose his temper at some frustrating points during the 90 minute exchange. That would have made for better television as well.

I had the pleasure of watching the event in a like minded crowd of 90 who attended the Debate Party sponsored by fellow Alderman Hoffay, future State Senator Larry Delarose and myself.

Back Stage Productions was the place to be. The space is very accommodating for a list of uses. I must plug BSP for their hospitality and ability to throw a good party on a short notice. I would also be short sighted if I didnt say thanks to Beth and Stephen for the HudsonValley4Obama backing for this event.

You can imagine the funny comments shouted from the crowd everytime McCain said something odd, but the repetitive use of “Joe the Plumber” as his new mascot talking point got the crowd in a fit of laughter. Like; “Where is he going with this?”

Oh, and then the “Palin as VP” question. Did you have your seat belt on for that one?

A friend came up to me today and asked; “Mike, of the 360 million people in this country, how did we end up with these two?” I said, first…you’ve got to want to do something to make change rather than just complain about it. Then you have to have the nerve to run for a local office and open your life to the electorate. Then you have to be willing to listen, learn from those who know more than you, and sometimes make unpopular decisions for the good of the community and have the drive to aspire to higher office. It’s not easy.

To see both McCain and Obama as our choices for president not only galvanizes our polarized views in this country but also shows us that not all of us are up to the challenge both personally and financially to be full of ourselves enough to think we are worthy of such a title.

So, to wrap this up and from my partisan perspective, I have to say Barack Obama is by far the better choice and considerably less dangerous than the alternative.

There…I said it.
Isn’t this where I say “Vote Row A – All the way!”

Lawrence Delarose to New York State Senate - 39th District

SEPTEMBER 11th CEREMONY: KINGSTON

Where will you commemorate this year’s September 11th anniversary?

Will you join us at the Firefighters Park on Washington Avenue? It is a somber but needed reminder of who we lost and how our world changed in one fateful day.

Where will out two Presidential candidates be?

An organization called MyGoodDeed.org has asked the candidates to spend the anniversary in NYC, volunteering instead of campaigning.

Both camps have agreed to participate.

Organizers say Barack Obama and John McCain are set to appear at a community service forum called ServiceNation in New York City on Sept. 11. This is a volunteering coalition being launched by the group to better communicate the needs and shared resources between volunteer groups.

Both campaigns say they'll honor the anniversary by pulling political ads criticizing each other. There is no telling what the outside PAC will do regarding political ads, but this will indicate the level of class and willpower of the supportive groups out there.

Locally, those who wish to witness the event on the corner of Hurley Ave and Washington Ave that morning are welcome and encouraged. Parking at the stadium is free, get there before 8:30 am.

OBAMA CLOSES THE DEAL

I know all my political junkie friends were watching the Democratic Convention tonight. You all saw what I saw. A stadium full of enthusiastic democrats who long for change. A change from the politics of exclusion, elitism and policies aimed to help those of wealth and privilege.

As a long time Hillary supporter, you know I have been hesitant to jump on-board with this movement, but that's what it is…a movement from the ground up, of everyday people who have had enough of the failed policies of the last 7+ years. Yes, Hillary would have won this race had she been chosen, but to see the crowd at Keegan Ales tonight, for the Obama viewing party, I saw an energized grass roots movement willing to work for change.

Obama finally laid out a detailed plan and the means to fund it. The grandiose illusive speeches of the past were replaced by a detailed and sincere speech worthy of a Clinton. For that, I am thankful and have decided to open myself to the possibility of President Obama.

With the big screen behind me and the sound turned off, I got to tell the crowd of 100+ guests, that their enthusiasm shouldn’t stop with just the top ticket in November. I reminded everyone that we cant implement the change Obama is offering unless we vote all of Row A in November.

In the audience were Kevin Cahill, Elliott Auerbach, Tom Hoffay and Peter Laughran. We, and so many fellow Democrats, are on the front line everyday.

The philosophy of the 20th century is embedded in the Republican Party and we damn well better do something to stop the continuation of the Bush/Vader/McCain policies of the last century.

Look for me on Channel 6 news Friday evening for the party coverage Thursday night.