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There's a New Sheriff in Town
Barack Obama has made Change the overriding and unwavering theme of his candidacy. I occasionally hear people say “I know he stands for change but what does that mean?” To me it is a ray of hope on my disillusionment with Washington. For many years now it appears that the interests of the well monied individuals, groups and corporation are honored by our government often at the expense of the interests of us little guys. But by not taking lobbyist money Barack Obama has shown that us little guys with our little bucks, when pooled together give us a big voice. Our collective voice has echoed down the halls of power, turned heads and now is changing the course of our future for the better.
On his second full day of being our nominee Obama has come out forcefully and let us know that we will not be doing “business as usual”. Along with Howard Dean he has announced that not only his campaign but also the Democratic National Committee will NOT be taking lobbyist money. Says Howard Dean:
"The DNC and the Obama Campaign are unified and working together to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. Our presumptive nominee has pledged not to take donations from Washington lobbyists and from today going forward the DNC makes that pledge as well."
Let it be known that the Democratic party is not for sale and will not be bullied by powerful people wielding heavy billfolds. Now there’s some Change back from your dollar.
Speaking of bullying it has been reported that influential Clinton supporters are trying to pressure Obama into putting her on his ticket as VP. Again he has come out sensibly and forcefully to let us know that he will not be pushed and that he will show due diligence in making his decision. He has appointed an excellent team to consider and vet the potential candidates. He has also let it be known that the next time we hear from him regarding his VP it will be when he announces who he has chosen. Anything in between now and then can be disregarded as rumor and not coming from him or his campaign.
There’s a new sheriff in town people and this one won’t be taking any crap. We can expect that he won’t be selling us any crap either.
Comments (8)
In any given month, I donate from $25 to $75 to Barack. Sometimes, I just do a one-shot $100. I am not rich. I live paycheck to paycheck.
To think that there are people with money who have given their max amount of $4600 (George Clooney types come to mind), mixed with people who are in more dire straits than me who don't even have a paycheck and are giving $5 to $10 when they can....
It blows my freaking mind.
The fundraising that's been going on for this man has GOT to tell people that he is something special.
June 5, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
WE. WANT. CHANGE.
June 5, 2008 11:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lis, you'd LOVE a videoclip that Marc Ambinder's done with Andrew Sullivan talking about Obama.
Check it out when you have a moment. :-)
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/06/ambers-and-me.html
June 6, 2008 12:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
It really is amazing. I do the same (just bought you a beer by the way at California Paige's Obama fundraiser page) It's wonderful to feel involved and to get the sense that the little I can contribute actually helps a lot.
If anyone is curious the "buy a beer" page is at
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/TPMObamaBeer
June 5, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think I successfully bought a round right back.
I think.
June 6, 2008 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm glad you like Obama (I do too), but...
I can't fault someone for falling in love with a candidate, but penning posts like, "We're winning, comrads!" and "Dear Leader is great!" just seems so... creepy. And right-wing like.
Don't you think you should reserve even a little bit of skepticism for Obama? I mean, he hasn't even done anything yet (I do like the new DNC financing rules, though).
June 6, 2008 2:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
As I said at the end, I expect that he won't be selling us any crap. We should demand that. He is the "not buisness as usual" candidate and will be held to a bit higher standard as a result.
June 6, 2008 2:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is the most outstanding thing about Obama. Don't just trust what he says, trust what he's done. The downfall of the past 8 years was the secrecy, helped along by a citizenry that was not paying attention.
Obama believes in our judgment as a people. One of the greatest things about him are his beliefs in ethics and accountability.
1. Google for government so you can see where every dollar is spent and who requested it.
2. Opening all legislative processes to broadcast (even the smallest meetings) via internet.
3. Will not sign any bill that comes to his desk for 5 days, giving the public a chance to weigh in on it.
4. Will rein in lobbyists that have bought out our voices.
and so much more...check it out!
What he'll do:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ethics/
What he's done:
http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ethics_and_lobbying_reform/
Unlike other legislators who believe they know what is best for us, Obama trusts us to get ourselves informed and truly be a government "of the people".
June 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
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