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An Open Letter to Senator Barack Obama
Dear Senator Barack Obama,
I was there for your speech last night at Mile High Stadium. I drove to Denver with my mother and a family friend on last minutes notice. We were able to secure credentials for not only your speech but Hillary Clintons and Joe Bidens as well. Every speech was great but nothing has ever moved me like you did in Mile High Stadium.
I’m an independant voter and hold a degree from San Diego State University in Political Science. In my last year of school and after 7 years of Bush policies with Democratic backing and funding I lost faith in politics. I found the more I learned of politics the more it seemed to be a giant ‘dog and pony show’ where the ones who were left to clean up were the hard working American middle class.
You changed that. With your speech in Iowa I felt that there may actually be good, just, and caring people in Washington. I joined your campaign. I made calls. I attended meetings. And I engaged everyone I know to join and support you.... (cont.) Dear Senator Barack Obama, ... more -
Rush Limbaugh to Receive Oral-Anal Transplant
WASHINGTON, DC - Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has undergone the world’s first successful oral-anal transplant. [more]
--TheSkunk.org WASHINGTON, DC - Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh has undergone the world’s first successful oral-anal transplant. [more] ... more -
Presidential Dogfight - Convention Clouds
Wonder if George W. Bush will be able to give John McCain as rousing an endorsement as the Clintons gave Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Mind you McCain wont want to be too close to George W. Wonder if George W. Bush will be able to give John McCain as rousing an endorsement as the Clintons gave Barack Obama at the Democrati... more
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BREAKING NEWS: Obama makes a cameo
Sen. Barack Obama has traveled to the Democratic National Convention arena, making an unscheduled and unscripted appearance to join the party in celebrating his historic presidential nomination.
Obama joined the newly-nominated vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden on the platform and they hugged and applauded each other and the convention delegates.
Obama told the roaring crowd that he wants people to understand why he is proud to have "the whole Biden family on this journey with me to take America back."
He deadpanned at one point that he thought the convention had "gone pretty well so far."
More to come... Sen. Barack Obama has traveled to the Democratic National Convention arena, making an unscheduled and unscripted appearance to join th... more -
Obama Offers Clinton Cabinet Position
DENVER, CO - In a conciliatory gesture to his opponent, Senator Obama today reached out to Senator Clinton by offering her the cabinet position of "Secretary of Sewing," which he said he created "just for Hillary." [more]
--TheSkunk.org DENVER, CO - In a conciliatory gesture to his opponent, Senator Obama today reached out to Senator Clinton by offering her the cabinet... more -
Defying Conventional Wisdom at the Presidential Parties
You have to wonder whether Denver or Minneapolis-Saint Paul will have the greater convention cloud hanging over it. Is George W. Bush or the Clintons the greater anchor to be dragging into November? The next couple of months will be stormy for both of them, with or without the mixed metaphors. You have to wonder whether Denver or Minneapolis-Saint Paul will have the greater convention cloud hanging over it. Is George W. Bush ... more
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Possible plot on Obama?
Denver authorities said last night that a number of arrests had been made of individuals in connection with firearms offences in the city which is hosting the Democratic National Convention.
However they refused to immediately confirm local media reports that linked the arrests to a possible attempt on the life of the Barack Obama who is due to make his key address to the conference on Thursday.
Local TV station KCNC-TV reported that four people had been picked up by police following a traffic stop in the Denver suburb of Aurora. That arrest, which took place on Sunday morning, saw a 28-year-old man taken into custody after he was spotted driving erratically in a rented pickup truck.
The TV station, quoting police sources, said that two high-powered rifles with scopes, walkie talkies, camouflage clothing, driving licences and the drug methamphetamine were found in the truck. Police then traced him back to a local hotel, The Cherry Tree, which led to further arrests, including a man injured while jumping out of a window in order to evade arrest. The wounded man was believed to have ties to white supremacist organisations and was wearing a ring with a swastika, the station said. KCNC-TV said that the men had told police that they intended to kill Obama.
The Denver Post newspaper said that only two men had been arrested, but reported that a news conference was being scheduled for tomorrow afternoon to discuss the case. It reported that authorities were more sceptical of any organised plot to kill Obama.
US officials also told the Associated Press that it was too premature to say if there was any direct threat to Obama. 'It's premature to say that it was a valid threat or that these folks have the ability to carry it out,' an unnamed US government official told the Associated Press. 'It could also turn out that these were nothing but a bunch of knuckleheads, meth heads,' the official added.
Obama, who is seeking to become America's first black president, has been the subject of intense security, unusual even for a presidential candidate. Though specifics have been rare, the Secret Service has been monitoring the activities of white supremacist groups especially on the internet. Denver authorities said last night that a number of arrests had been made of individuals in connection with firearms offences in the c... more -
Kennedy makes dramatic appearance at DNC
Sen. Edward Kennedy spoke at the Democratic National Convention tonight following a tribute by his niece Caroline Kennedy, daughter of slain President John F. Kennedy. It is his second public appearance since his brain surgery in June Sen. Edward Kennedy spoke at the Democratic National Convention tonight following a tribute by his niece Caroline Kennedy, daughter of... more
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Clinton to release her delegates to Obama
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will release her delegates to Sen. Barack Obama
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Will our politicians have enough to eat?
"There will be more than 400 parties and other events at the Democratic and Republican conventions. Corporations and other special interests will contribute more than $100 million. That can buy a lot of influence. Just a few of the others involved: the Nuclear Energy Institute, Allstate, Wachovia, Union Pacific, ConocoPhillips, Molson-Coors, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Qwest, Target, Staples, SEIU, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, Nancy Watzman, director of the Sunshine Foundation's interactive Party Time Project, which is monitoring convention activity, noted, "These are all the same people who have a big lobbying presence in DC, and they all have major issues before Congress and the executive branch."
Amanda Burk, a Denver party planner, told The New York Times, "We're trying to comply with the law and still make sure people get enough to eat." Ms. Burk, you've got nothing to worry about. Unlike the more than 37 million Americans who live below the poverty level, lobbyists and the fat cats they represent will never go hungry. Like water inexorably seeking its level, eroding as it travels, they will find a way." from Truthout, full story at link above. "There will be more than 400 parties and other events at the Democratic and Republican conventions. Corporations and other specia... more -
Piecemakers for Change
Nearly 30 people collaborated nationally via email, text, and phone to create a beautiful 120" x 130" (approx) all cotton, one-of-a-kind, commemorative quilt entitled: "TURNING AMERICA BLUE 2008" in celebration of this year's election cycle and as a fundraiser for Presidential candidate Barack Obama. The center square is a hand cross stitched photo of the candidate created by 15,000+ tiny cross stitches in under a week by one of the "Quilters For Obama."
The quilters come from more than a dozen states, are of varying ages, and all skill levels from hand stitching beginners to professional quilters. In less than 2 weeks they had raised over $2000. By 28 days into the project, they had raised over $5000. Their goal is to raise $10,000.
The museum-quality quilt has been featured on YouTube and has been making the rounds of various grassroots events in Arizona. Two of the creators spearheading the project hope to get the quilt to next week's Democratic Convention and possibly even get the candidate himself to sign it. With or without his signature, this quilt is sure to become a pece of Presidential history. Party politics aside, what is amazing about this project is the unity fostered among voters from across the country by the likes of a Presidential election. Since when have voters been this inspired by any political candidate in any recent election?
In addition to the video, there are more pictures of the project at the following URL:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28790739@N06/ Nearly 30 people collaborated nationally via email, text, and phone to create a beautiful 120" x 130" (approx) all cotton, o... more -
Obama Chooses Self for V.P.
In a stunning turn of events early this morning, Senator Barack Obama announced that he would be his own running mate in the 2008 Presidential elections. [more]
-- TheSkunk.org In a stunning turn of events early this morning, Senator Barack Obama announced that he would be his own running mate in the 2008 Pres... more -
Minnesota Democrats : not just white peole
The great white northern state of Minnesota will be sending non-whites to Denver to represent them at the Democratic Convention.
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Rage Against the Machine to play the Democratic Convention
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, WITH THE IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR AND TENT STATE UNIVERSITY, HOST THE “TENT STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL TO END THE WAR” DURING THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
ALSO SCHEDULED TO PERFORM: THE FLOBOTS, THE COUP, STATE RADIO, AND WAYNE KRAMER
Rage Against the Machine has joined forces with the Iraq Veterans Against the War and Tent State University to perform as part of the “Tent State Music Festival to End the War” on Wednesday, August 27 at the Denver Coliseum. They will join the Flobots, The Coup, State Radio, and Wayne Kramer. Doors open at 9:30 am, show begins at 11 am.
Tickets are free and available by lottery. Sign up for the lottery, with a valid photo ID (person must be present) at Tent State University at Cuernavaca Park between 11 am and 6:30 PM (look for the Tent State Music Festival booth near the IVAW Tower) Sunday, August 24 through Tuesday, August 26 during the D.N.C. Winners will be notified by email Tuesday evening, August 26. Go to www.tentstate.org for more info. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, WITH THE IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR AND TENT STATE UNIVERSITY, HOST THE “TENT STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL TO END... more -
Rage Against the Machine play both Republican and Democratic Conventions
After a set at Lollapalooza that almost instigated a mass riot, Rage Against the Machine announced they would play a show in Minneapolis on Sept. 3, during a week in which the city hosts the Republican National Convention.
Now the band has announced a show at the "Tent State Music Festival To End the War," taking place Aug. 27, in Denver, during the Democratic National Convention.
"Sponsored by anti-war groups Tent State University and Iraq Veterans Against the War, the Tent State Music Festival to End the War takes place at the Denver Coliseum on August 27. In addition to Rage Against the Machine, the lineup includes the Coup, Jello Biafra, Flobots, and Wayne Kramer of MC5.
Let us just take this opportunity to say it's a good thing Rage are protesting during both conventions, because limiting their condemnation to Republicans only would just be hypocritical. You know, hypocritical like making bank off of music that preaches anti-capitalist revolution to suburban teenagers."
-pitchforkmedia.com After a set at Lollapalooza that almost instigated a mass riot, Rage Against the Machine announced they would play a show in Minneapol... more -
Denver Police Brace for Convention
Federal and local authorities are girding for huge protests, mammoth traffic tie-ups and civil disturbances at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this month, fearing that the convention will become a magnet for militant protest groups.
Officials say that what makes Denver different than past conventions is the historic nature of Senator Barack Obama’s nomination, a megawattage event whose global spotlight could draw tens of thousands of demonstrators, including self-described anarchists who the police fear will infiltrate peaceful protest groups to disrupt the weeklong event.
The Secret Service is wary of discussing threats against the people they protect, but with Mr. Obama poised to become the first black presidential nominee, there are special worries. While law enforcement officials say there are no specific, credible threats against Mr. Obama, they expressed concern about low-level chatter on Web sites frequented by white separatists who spew hate about Mr. Obama’s race and what they perceive as his liberal agenda.
One recent scheduling change caused a major shift in security plans. When Mr. Obama announced last month that he would accept his party’s nomination not at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver, where the convention is being held, but at Invesco Field, home of the Denver Broncos, the Secret Service scrambled to work out plans with local authorities to secure the open-air stadium, which seats more than 75,000 people. Invesco is also adjacent to Interstate 25, a major corridor through the Northern Rockies that will most likely be closed for at least part of Mr. Obama’s acceptance speech.
“The magnitude of the event has expanded,” said John W. Hickenlooper, the mayor of Denver and a Democrat. “It’s bigger and more profound than we expected.”
Officials acknowledge that their projections for the number of protesters are based more on a worst-case chain of events than specific information about who will show up, but they say they cannot take any chances.
As a result, the Secret Service, the Pentagon, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and scores of police departments are moving thousands of agents, analysts, officers and employees to Denver for the Aug. 25-28 convention. They will operate through a complex hierarchy of command centers, steering committees and protocols to respond to disruptions.
**continues, click link to read** Federal and local authorities are girding for huge protests, mammoth traffic tie-ups and civil disturbances at the Democratic National... more -
Will Catholics Vote For Obama?
In an article on msnbc.msn.com, John M. Broder from the New York Times discusses the swing voters that are catholics and their role in this election year. In 2004, the vast majority of catholic voters supported G.W. Bush in opposition of John Kerry's stance on abortion rights. Like Kerry, Obama supports the rights of women to choose, though it's arguable that he is a little closer to the center on the issue.
One man might make a big difference in this topic; Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. Sen. Casey's father, a catholic democrat and the then-governor of Pennsylvania, wasn't allowed to speak at the 1992 Democratic Convention because of his opposition to abortion. According to Broder, many catholics remember this and since democratic support among catholics has steadily dwindled. This year, it's rumored that Sen. Casey may get a chance to redeem the democrats in the eyes of catholics and speak at the convention in Denver.
Some of the top names in rumors about Obama's choice for vice president are also catholics; Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Joe Biden, Gov. Tim Kaine, and also Sen. Chris Dodd. The archbishop of Kansas City has said that for her support of abortion rights, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius should be denied communion while attending catholic mass.
The article cites Mr. Kmiec, a republican who served in the Justice Department under Reagan, who supports Obama "because his platform met the standard of justice and concern for the poor the church has always defended." Mr. Kmiec notes that “the proper question for Catholics to ask is not ‘Can I vote for him?’ but ‘Why shouldn’t I vote for the candidate who feels more passionately and speaks more credibly about economic fairness for the average family, who will be a true steward of the environment, and who will treat the immigrant family with respect?’ ”
Kmiec urges Sen. Obama to have Casey speak at the Denver Convention "as an answer to those who believe they cannot vote for someone who support[s] abortion rights." In an article on msnbc.msn.com, John M. Broder from the New York Times discusses the swing voters that are catholics and their role in... more -
Denver Depending Upon Less Lethal Weaponry at Democratic Convention
WOW...the Denver Police Department ordered pepper spray guns and extended-range tasers and weapons that incapacitate people with high-intensity sound?
Hmmm...extremely interesting to me that they chose these less lethal weapons when it comes to incapacitating an aggresive person. Appears that a message is being sent here that they're good enough to stop an attacker in their tracks.
READ ABOUT THIS HERE
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jun/17/denve... WOW...the Denver Police Department ordered pepper spray guns and extended-range tasers and weapons that incapacitate people with high-... more -
Obama to deliver nomination speech directly to the public
This August, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Presidential favorite Barack Obama will symbolically leave his scheduled place at the podium, routinely used to address the party's delegates, to deliver his official acceptance speech outside, in the open air, directly to the public.
Typically, Presidential nominees formally accept the nomination in the same setting we have all seen on TV - amid a sea of balloons, posters, and cheering fans. However, these "fans" are not the general public; they are primarily the delegates, political elites chosen to represent the fifty states, handpicked for their unwavering support of the party itself. This carefully scripted event rarely has many surprises, with speeches, agendas, platforms, and nominations all worked out months before.
I found a surprise waiting in my Gmail inbox today. This form letter, sent today to every registered member of my.BarackObama.com, proclaims that the candidate will break from tradition, and address his acceptance speech directly to the American public:
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[Name] -- Join Barack at the Open Convention
I wanted you to be the first to hear the news.
At the Democratic National Convention next month, we're going to kick off the general election with an event that opens up the political process the same way we've opened it up throughout this campaign.
Barack has made it clear that this is your convention, not his.
On Thursday, August 28th, he's scheduled to formally accept the Democratic nomination in a speech at the convention hall in front of the assembled delegates.
Instead, Barack will leave the convention hall and join more than 75,000 people for a huge, free, open-air event where he will deliver his acceptance speech to the American people.
It's going to be an amazing event, and Barack would like you to join him. Free tickets will become available as the date approaches, but we've reserved a special place for a few of the people who brought us this far and who continue to drive this campaign.
If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them.
Make a donation now and you could have a front row seat to history:
[Donation link edited out]
We'll follow up with more details on this and other convention activities as we get closer, but please take a moment and pass this note to someone you know who might like to be there.
It will be an event you'll never forget.
Thank you,
David
David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America
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After being turned away from the doors of the Democratic National Convention in 2004, (held in my home town of Boston, MA) I became frustrated with the message these conventions send, that only those who had financially supported the party were important enough to be addressed by the candidate himself. Whereas the majority of voters, in the past, have neither the political access nor the desire to spend multiple hundreds of dollars on a ticket to the convention, Obama's decision to hold his acceptance speech outside will allow tens of thousands more to hear the candidate in person, for free. While this exciting event is primarily a symbolic gesture, it is an extension of a message central to his campaign - to change the American political process which has become so profoundly routine.
I, for one, will be there. This August, during the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Presidential favorite Barack Obama will symbolically leave hi... more -
Provocateurs Planning Violence At DNC
TruthAlliance.net | July 2, 2008
We Are Change Colorado has now become aware that another group, Unconventional Action, is planning on being violent at the DNC protests. Violence is a broad term. Some argue that property damage is violent, others might tell you it sends a message. To most of the Truth Alliance and We Are Change Colorado activists, there is no message to property damage and is in fact, a form of violent behavior. In the eyes of the law, property damage is completely, without debate, illegal.
To make the long story short, Unconventional Action seems to be open about their plans for the DNC. Their website, which can be found here: http://www.unconventionalaction.org/ has one link which is pretty disturbing.
Under the link, “The Strategies: How We Win,” a section titled: Denver: Disrupt the DNC, clearly outlines for “Anarchists and Anti-Authoritarians” to “join (them) in Denver, Colorado, August 24th-28th as (they) engage in coordinated Direct Actions against the Democratic National Convention, its corporate sponsors, and the military/police occupation of public space.”
Direct Action is further defined on their website as getting directly involved rather than relying on a representative to do the framework. Their website goes on to further state that they are:
“currently organizing meetings, propaganda, and consultas in our communities and encourage those in other regions to do the same.
(They) aim to organize militant direct action that manifests opposition to both the Democratic and Republican Parties. As anti-authoritarians, (They) oppose so-called representational politics, but even those who still believe in it must understand that we can only have leverage over our rulers by showing our own power, that we must back our demands by demonstrating that we can interfere with their business as effectively as they interfere with our lives”
This can all be found on their website at the top link titled, What Is Unconventional Action?
Unconventional Action was attending the Alliance for Real Democracy meeting which is a new group that has formed in light of the information that was presented here on Truth Alliance about Re-Create 68. Many members of Re-Create 68 have broken away from the group and saw that the intentions of R-68’s demonstrations held no message and potentially could get protesters arrested, agitated and/or violent, aside from the fact that Truth Alliance got direct verbal confirmation that there is violence in the planning of some of the demonstrations. Read both of the articles of information about Re-Create 68 at these links: TruthAlliance.net | July 2, 2008 ... more
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Democratic Convention
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Democratic Convention
