Hi everyone,
I would like to extend an invitation to all who worked so hard on the campaign in the OSU area, to join me in continuing our effort to change America. Over the coming weeks and months, we at OSU Dems will begin to build a structure that, with a renewed sense of duty, will re-inspire and mobilize our campus community to do our part in passing President Obama's agenda.
Now to those who gave their sweat, blood and tears during the primary through last fall, you may be thinking that you can't keep sacrificing to the level you did then. You may feel that the Obama Campaign sucked all the energy out of you, and that you want to wait until an even numbered year to become active again. Fear, of a decline in your personal prosperity, makes it easy to put this movement in a drawer, only to be taken out and dusted off in 4 years.
Well, a return to apathy is not an option. I believe that Hope still burns in all of your hearts. However, I do not believe that giving your time and maintaining your job or your grades are contradictory. In this new phase, they are complimentary. OFA at OSU will be a lighter, less consuming organization than the campaign. We don't need to be at it every waking hour of the day to tell Congress that the lobbyists didn't put them there, you did. What it will take, is you, a Saturday, Sunday or a week night, 4-5 hours, and targeted mission. We can do that in an odd numbered year. We can deliver the promises we made.
So join me this Wednesday in Page Hall at OSU. We will together decide what this movement will look like for us going forward. I hope to see you there.
Respectfully yours,
Dan McKay
OFA at OSU Director
organizing@osudems.com
I wanted to write this and tell everyone that I am through with this stuff! The Obama administration has taken a giant leap from its campaign promise of bipartisanship to direct and unopposed partisanship in which the first sign was the stimulus bill. This bill was written by the most liberal Congressman in the house, Congressman David Obey from Wisconsin. Where was the Bipartisanship? There was no consultation of Republicans on the matter. It was simply rammed down their throats. The Budget goes against the Idea of Deficit cutting. It increases it further beyond the Bush era. We continue to devalue our own currency by printing money that we dont have. My friends I joined the campaign on the premise that there would be something new happening in the politics of Washington. I joined the Democratic Party on the premise that we could have someone sensible in the office who does work well with others who are across the aisle. But instead he takes the hands off approach to congressional politics and allows his own party to continue to run their extremist liberal Agenda to spend more, tax more, and hand control of the economy over to the Government more. I have been a Democrat since the General Election of 2000 when I switched from Republican to Democrat to vote for Al Gore. At this point I no longer feel at home in the extremist Liberal party of America otherwise known as "the Democratic Party!"
This is why I am considering the switch to the Republican Party. What are your thoughts?
Well, I got the job! I've been hired as the Legislative Aide for Representative-Elect Nancy Garland of the 20th Ohio House District! Yahoo! I am excited about the position and will do a great job serving Representative-Elect Garland and our district (I live in the district too). I start on January 5th. This is my last and final blog.
President-Elect Obama, for about two years I have been a part of your journey in becoming President of the United States. My involvement has never been primarily about making history by electing the first African American President, while I do believe it is outstanding that you are the first! Nor has it been primarily about creating change in this country, although I believe you have, you will and I want you to! For me, this journey has been simply about helping a great human being achieve his dream.
You have done a great job so far as the President-Elect and will continue to do so as President! You have my love and support, always. I believe in you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Dillard
I'm between jobs right now and thought this might be a good time to share what I've been doing for the past year. Once I get my next job, I probably won't be able to blog again. So, I'm back, for a minute!
I have to give credit to my mother and Barack Obama for setting me on the course that my life has taken recently. Through my mother's death I found Obama and he has inspired me (please read my previous blogs for the details).
I spent the past year working for the Ohio Democratic Party as the Franklin County Field Director . We won the Presidency for Obama and we also took back the State House! I helped build the Neighborhood Leader Program. I recruited and trained Neighborhood Leaders until the program was folded into the Obama Campaign. My focus then turned to the entire Democratic ticket. In addition to Obama's Campaign, I worked on two State House races, Nancy Garland in the 20th HD and Ray Pryor in the 85th HD. Both candidates won!
The Ohio Democratic Party was hesitant about hiring me at first. I was a stay-at-home mother who walked in off the street and asked them for an internship and then a job as Field Director (once I found out the ODP was hiring). I had no campaign experience whatsoever other than the grassroots organizing I did for Obama. I hounded the ODP folks to get a job interview and I hounded them afterwards until finally they said I could work as an intern. They would see about the Field Director position. Well, I worked my butt off for a month and impressed them so much, they hired me as the Franklin County Field Director. For the rest of the year, I continued to work hard and to persist.
I cannot fully describe what a great feeling it is to have earned the respect of my peers. It wasn't because I have a degree from Mount Holyoke College (here in Ohio, no one cares :-) ) nor was it because my mother was the Director of Education in Mayor Coleman's administration (I never mentioned it). I earned their respect because I worked hard, I persisted and I got results. I tell you, that is one of the greatest lessons of my life! Thank you Doug and John for hiring me!
Oh, how I love President-Elect Obama and how I desperately want to work in his administration! I recently learned that my fellow Mount Holyoke Alumnae Mona Sutphen '89 (I'm in the Class of 92') has been appointed Deputy White House Chief of Staff!! Go Mona! Goodness knows, I am so tempted to start hounding Mona for a job. :-) But, I want to pay my dues and to earn my way. So, I'm going to stay here in Ohio. I helped win back the State House and now I want to help push a Democratic agenda (with bipartisan support) in order to improve the lives of Ohioans. I'm in the process of applying for a job at the State House.
As for the future, I want to improve the lives of others by one day running a federal agency or perhaps serving the State of Ohio as Governor. Ultimately, whatever I do, the goal is to reach the end of my life having done some good.
Thank you Mom and Obama for setting me on that path.
This is a poem I wrote about how I was feeling one day! Hope you all like it! Give comments please!
"Tomorrow"
tommorrow will come,
no dout about that,
but when tommorrow comes,
you'll wish you could go back,
back in the past,
to that one moment in time,
to see your true soulmate,
for that one last time,
]see the beautiful face,
there smile at that,
but one seconds gone,
and you cant go back,
back to yesterday,
for tommorrow has come,
only for yesterday to be rushed an over done,
so take your time into day,
because tommorrow will come,
an remeber the memories,
cuzz they to will soon be done.
-~!*Neecy*!~
Note: This is for people who have someone that they love dear, Keep them as long as you can becuase when the time come they wont be there. Note beacuse they choose to be because thats fates destaney! Lots of love and kisses-~!*Neecy*!~
"Jazmine With A Z"
One day I will say I am me,
One day I'll get to be,
Be whoever I want to be,
Not for them but me, With no care in the world
That I am me,
Whit and black,
I put up a long lasting fight,
With never having the thought,
I being free,
Well my time has come,
To be jazmine with a z,
And nomatter how hard they try,
They will never be able to take that away,
Cause I believe that I can be all I can be,
No matter what life brings me,
I am free,
To be,
Black and White,
I am Jazmine with a z.
-!*Neecy*!~
PS: This is me I am talking about! My reall name is Jazmine But people call me neecy! Thanks so much for reading and please comment!-~!*Neecy*!~
" I Have A Dream"
I have a dream,
that I'll get to meet him one day,
to thank him for pathing the way,
to be someone for me,
i have a dream,
I can be all I can Be,
that my kids will see,
they can be all they can be,
that no matter what life brings,
Ihave a dream,
that he helps me,
they will see the good in me and not just me nationality,
to be me neecy baby,
To say" I AM FREE".
-Neecy
Note: This is to all the people who Have said negative things about Obama! I feel proud to be who I am and nobody can take that away from me! -~!Neecy!~
You can make that change happen. There are two hours and forty-five minutes until the polls close. There is still time for you to help elect Barack Obama. Click HERE to find a place near you to volunteer.
Throughout the day, the Ohio homepage will be bringing you videos of Buckeyes who just cast their ballots. Here's the first:
Here's an update on how voting is going so far in Ohio, from Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office:
Highlights of Ohioans' voting experience:The maximum wait time as reported to the office is no more than 1 hour in most large precinctsThe longest average wait time reported to the office is approximately 1 hour in Lucas CountySporadic machine issues have been reported – primarily Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail jams that are easily fixed and some instances of precinct-based optical scanners that are not working, but voters are still able to place their ballots in a secure box for scanning later. Reports indicate poll workers are quickly fixing the hiccups and are offering voters backup paper ballots in touch-screen voting machine counties.The two-line directive, one for touch-screen voting machines and one for back-up paper ballots, is keeping lines moving.
Highlights of Ohioans' voting experience:
Again- if you have problems at a polling place, DO NOT LEAVE without first calling 877-OBAMA-OH, or 614-409-4701. There are people standing by to solve your problems.
Four hours and 45 minutes until polls close. Don't miss this opportunity. Use the tool above, or go to www.voteforchange.com to find your polling location.
ATTENTION:
The Ohio Campaign for Change is asking that any voters who have questions about voting or who want to report problems or issues at the voting booth dial 877-OBAMA-OH.
However, if one has problems getting through on that line, the Campaign is asking that you call
614-409-4701
with any problems. These calls will go directly to our Columbus Call Center, where people are standing by to answer logistical questions ("Where is my polling location?") as well as more complicated, legal or "proper protocol" questions about what's going on out there.
Again, the two numbers are:
877-OBAMA-OH (aka 877-622-6264) and614-409-4701
877-OBAMA-OH (aka 877-622-6264)
and
Thank you very much.
This is a very historic day! My parents and grandparents spoke of this day, when I was a child, and I know and believe that all those who gave their lives for the struggle of people, in all walks of life regardless to creed, color, and education... Those angels are singing in heaven. Barack, you are what the struggle was about. Words that ring throughout my being, are words that my father taught us as children- "Education is Wealth." You, sir, have achieved the dreams of many, and you have empowered a nation of people, to think differently, to act differently, and to achieve the dream.My heart is full of joy as I anticipate the election results. You and your wife, are the epitome of what a relationship should be. You feed off of each other and in these times when families are falling apart, you guys are still going strong, and will continue to gather strength. God bless you, and may the angels of light, and protection surround you and your family, poll workers and voters today, as this historic day unfoldsRebecca
Rebecca
Today is a day I hold my breath. I will do my work for the Barack Obama Campaign, but I will try not allow myself to become hopeful. Today I will try to ignore the polls and the pundits. I will try not think about tonight. I will try not to laugh with glee. I will try not to cry. Today is a day I hold my breath. Like all who are reading this, my own reason for voting for Barack is unique. I have two strong, intelligent, loving,and wonderful sons, with wives, and five delightful grandchildren.... For generations, and even now, we are a family of many colors. I taught my sons that they were indeed required to contribute to mankind. To volunteer for a cause. To help a neighbor. To not discriminate. To vote. In our family, love is described as "What color are her eyes?"--instead of what color is the skin... Or "Mom, she makes my heart sing." And that remark is simply enough for me to love my soon to be my daughter-in-law--regardless of her nationality or race. My political ties to Chicago go back to Mayor Washington--so my ties to Barack are long and strong. My whole family has been with him every step of the way. I voted already. I hold my breath today. Tonight I pray I can finally breathe, dance, laugh and sing with joy.
Today Ohio elects Barack Obama president. Let's get it done, Buckeyes.
The blog and webpage will be active throughout the day. THINGS TO REMEMBER:
The Ohio Campaign for Change has come up with Five Tips to make voting today easier for you. Please take them into consideration as you cast your ballot for Barack Obama today!
Know Before You Go - Double check the location of your polling station so you know where you are supposed to vote. (You can check using the tool at the top of the page, or visit www.voteforchange.com)Timing is Everything - If you can, try to vote during mid-morning or early afternoon, when polls are usually at their least crowded. Proof Positive - Make sure you bring a form of ID with you, whether it’s a picture ID from Ohio (such as a driver's license, or state or military ID); OR one of the following with a current address: your utility bill, bank statement or pay stub. (Click HERE to get all information on your rights and requirements when you vote) What to Wear - Campaign clothing is not allowed at polling places. If you do wear clothing or buttons supporting a candidate, don't worry. You can still vote if you cover up or take it off. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Avoid the Double Bubble - When you vote, fill in the top oval for the Presidential candidate of your choice. Don't also write in the name at the bottom, because there is a risk that your ballot may not be counted on election night.
And with that, GO VOTE!!!
For many supporters, volunteering isn't enough. They need to show their support in other, far more public ways--they want others to hear their voice for change.
There are the untraditional ways--a music video, a painted pick-up truck, or a website that gives a free song to people who pledge to vote. But the conventional, and still effective way, is to write a letter to the editor. Here are a few from supporters in the Buckeye State, writing about why they support Barack Obama.
From the Chillicothe Gazette - "Obama has the vision to improve America's health care system":
I am a health care worker and have been a nurse since 1977. I have worked in several areas of health care. I would like to share with you one of the many reasons why I support Barack Obama for president. He cares about people and has the knowledge, energy and the ability to work for all of us to see that Americans have access to the health care they need. Currently in the United States, there are 45 million Americans who don't have health care insurance. I feel the health of the people should be a national priority.Here are a few examples of the annual compension packages paid to CEOs of some of the major insurers: United Healthcare $8.3 million, WellPoint, Inc. $5.2 million, Cigna $4.7 million (Atlantic Information Services, April 24, 2006). Can you see where I am going with this?OK, here is what Obama is proposing: If you already have insurance and are satisfied with it, you can keep it. If not, you will be able to buy a new insurance plan that's similar to the plan federal employees receive. If you do not have insurance at all, it will be made available to you. No one will be denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition or illness. If you cannot afford insurance, you will get a subsidy. Employers would be encouraged to offer health care coverage to their employees, and would be assisted by the government in providing this coverage. Obama's plan is not government-run health care, it builds on the employer-sponsored insurance system. The income tax exclusion would be retained and people without employer-based insurance would be offered a refundable tax credit (percentage-based on income).--Vickie Smith, Waverly
I am a health care worker and have been a nurse since 1977. I have worked in several areas of health care. I would like to share with you one of the many reasons why I support Barack Obama for president. He cares about people and has the knowledge, energy and the ability to work for all of us to see that Americans have access to the health care they need. Currently in the United States, there are 45 million Americans who don't have health care insurance. I feel the health of the people should be a national priority.
Here are a few examples of the annual compension packages paid to CEOs of some of the major insurers: United Healthcare $8.3 million, WellPoint, Inc. $5.2 million, Cigna $4.7 million (Atlantic Information Services, April 24, 2006). Can you see where I am going with this?
OK, here is what Obama is proposing: If you already have insurance and are satisfied with it, you can keep it. If not, you will be able to buy a new insurance plan that's similar to the plan federal employees receive. If you do not have insurance at all, it will be made available to you. No one will be denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition or illness. If you cannot afford insurance, you will get a subsidy. Employers would be encouraged to offer health care coverage to their employees, and would be assisted by the government in providing this coverage. Obama's plan is not government-run health care, it builds on the employer-sponsored insurance system. The income tax exclusion would be retained and people without employer-based insurance would be offered a refundable tax credit (percentage-based on income).
--Vickie Smith, Waverly
From the Findlay Courier - "Obama Would Help Rural Ohio"
As the former Ohio state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office, I can say from experience that state and federal partnership is critical if we are to make much-needed investments in rural Ohio.Barack Obama has two comprehensive and complementary plans that will move rural Ohio in the right direction. He has a vision for rural America and a health care plan for the nation that will enable our communities to thrive and our citizens to have access to affordable and quality health care.Obama knows the unique demands of agriculture and is a strong supporter of the 2008 Farm Bill, which makes historic investments in conservation, renewable energy, and rural infrastructure and provides a safety net to family farmers.Numerous innovations in the 2008 Farm Bill will directly affect rural Ohio, including a micro-enterprise program for small businesses and entrepreneurs, farmland preservation, and expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our school children, which helps our youth and farmers alike. John McCain stated that he would have vetoed the bill.--Linda Jones Borton, Ottowa
As the former Ohio state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office, I can say from experience that state and federal partnership is critical if we are to make much-needed investments in rural Ohio.
Barack Obama has two comprehensive and complementary plans that will move rural Ohio in the right direction. He has a vision for rural America and a health care plan for the nation that will enable our communities to thrive and our citizens to have access to affordable and quality health care.
Obama knows the unique demands of agriculture and is a strong supporter of the 2008 Farm Bill, which makes historic investments in conservation, renewable energy, and rural infrastructure and provides a safety net to family farmers.
Numerous innovations in the 2008 Farm Bill will directly affect rural Ohio, including a micro-enterprise program for small businesses and entrepreneurs, farmland preservation, and expanded access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our school children, which helps our youth and farmers alike. John McCain stated that he would have vetoed the bill.
--Linda Jones Borton, Ottowa
From the Wilmington News Journal - "Doesn't want four more years of the same"
I'm an Obama supporter and have been since the very early days of his campaign. I watched him win the Iowa caucus and was so proud of Iowa it moved me to tears as I listened to Barack’s speech that night. I know that none of this makes me unusual because most of his entire following feels the same way, particularly if they are young, college educated, men and women.On to world affairs, when I watched Sen. Obama in Europe and the reception he received, I couldn’t help think how wonderful it would be to have a president that we could be proud of once more. I thought it would be so nice if Americans could visit Europe and not be viewed as ugly Americans.Sen. Obama gives me hope that we can be a nation of innovation, and discovery, and that once again we can lead the world in technology, research, science, medicine and education. We have fallen terribly behind under this backward fundamentalist administration that rejects science.--Nancy Compton, Wilmington
I'm an Obama supporter and have been since the very early days of his campaign. I watched him win the Iowa caucus and was so proud of Iowa it moved me to tears as I listened to Barack’s speech that night. I know that none of this makes me unusual because most of his entire following feels the same way, particularly if they are young, college educated, men and women.
On to world affairs, when I watched Sen. Obama in Europe and the reception he received, I couldn’t help think how wonderful it would be to have a president that we could be proud of once more. I thought it would be so nice if Americans could visit Europe and not be viewed as ugly Americans.
Sen. Obama gives me hope that we can be a nation of innovation, and discovery, and that once again we can lead the world in technology, research, science, medicine and education. We have fallen terribly behind under this backward fundamentalist administration that rejects science.
--Nancy Compton, Wilmington
From the Zanesville Times Recorder - "Get the facts"
I will be so glad when this election is over and we no longer have to listen to the Republicans distort the truth, even in a previous letter published in the Times Recorder. Yes it is true that Obama will raise your taxes if you make more than $250,000, however, those of us who do not will actually see a tax cut. And if you are a senior citizen making less than $50,000 per year he will eliminate all income taxation. These are facts that even those who say we should "get informed" fail to mention.If you want the facts on Sen. Obama you need to turn off those distorted McCain commercials and stop by the Obama headquarters, at 126 Muskingum Ave., and literature will be provided for you. You can also visit the Obama Web site at www.barackobama.com for factual information. I'm sure when you have the true facts you will be ready to cast your vote on Nov. 4, with pride and confidence.Yes we do need change in Washington, the kind of change we will get from Obama and Biden.--Bob Weber, Zanesville
I will be so glad when this election is over and we no longer have to listen to the Republicans distort the truth, even in a previous letter published in the Times Recorder. Yes it is true that Obama will raise your taxes if you make more than $250,000, however, those of us who do not will actually see a tax cut. And if you are a senior citizen making less than $50,000 per year he will eliminate all income taxation. These are facts that even those who say we should "get informed" fail to mention.
If you want the facts on Sen. Obama you need to turn off those distorted McCain commercials and stop by the Obama headquarters, at 126 Muskingum Ave., and literature will be provided for you. You can also visit the Obama Web site at www.barackobama.com for factual information. I'm sure when you have the true facts you will be ready to cast your vote on Nov. 4, with pride and confidence.
Yes we do need change in Washington, the kind of change we will get from Obama and Biden.
From the Mansfield News Journal - "Obama, Biden dedicated to helping women"
I am making 77 cents for every dollar my male counterpart is making. Under John McCain's "Plan for the American Woman" this is acceptable because in John's own words, I "probably need more training." An Obama administration will enforce the Equity Pay Act and fight job discrimination.I'm a single mom working two jobs, with no health insurance, and I'm stricken with breast cancer. Under McCain's plan, I am so messed up. Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term.Ohio women, don't take my word for this. Study the issues and find out for yourself. And even if you feel it's too late for yourself, consider the futures of your daughters and granddaughters. We need someone in Washington who respects women, not one who will choose one for his VP for all the wrong reasons. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are truly dedicated to improving the lives of women.--Jeanne Alexander,Lucas
I am making 77 cents for every dollar my male counterpart is making. Under John McCain's "Plan for the American Woman" this is acceptable because in John's own words, I "probably need more training." An Obama administration will enforce the Equity Pay Act and fight job discrimination.
I'm a single mom working two jobs, with no health insurance, and I'm stricken with breast cancer. Under McCain's plan, I am so messed up. Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term.
Ohio women, don't take my word for this. Study the issues and find out for yourself. And even if you feel it's too late for yourself, consider the futures of your daughters and granddaughters. We need someone in Washington who respects women, not one who will choose one for his VP for all the wrong reasons. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are truly dedicated to improving the lives of women.
--Jeanne Alexander,Lucas
From the Sun Sentinel - "Independent says that Obama was easy choice for President"
I guess that I am the target audience for the Obama and McCain decision. I am an Independent voter in the state of Ohio. Once again, I believe that Independents from Ohio will decide the election.Over the years I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and even Ross Perot. This year, I am voting for Barack Obama. It was a pretty easy choice.Why do I say this and what do I want? I want the war in Iraq to end. I want someone to look out for the middle class. I want to hold Wall Street accountable for its actions. I want to find alternative energy sources in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I want both political parties to work together. I want a vice president that does not embarrass this country. I want this country to work with our allies, instead of pushing them around. In my opinion, "trickle down economics" is not working. Unchecked free trade is not working. Letting the free market manage Social Security will not work. Putting health care completely in the hands of the free market without regulation will not work. --North Ridgeville
I guess that I am the target audience for the Obama and McCain decision. I am an Independent voter in the state of Ohio. Once again, I believe that Independents from Ohio will decide the election.
Over the years I have voted for Democrats, Republicans and even Ross Perot. This year, I am voting for Barack Obama. It was a pretty easy choice.
Why do I say this and what do I want? I want the war in Iraq to end. I want someone to look out for the middle class. I want to hold Wall Street accountable for its actions. I want to find alternative energy sources in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I want both political parties to work together. I want a vice president that does not embarrass this country. I want this country to work with our allies, instead of pushing them around.
In my opinion, "trickle down economics" is not working. Unchecked free trade is not working. Letting the free market manage Social Security will not work. Putting health care completely in the hands of the free market without regulation will not work.
--North Ridgeville
From the Canton Repository - "Want to hear the sound of jobs in Stark again? Then vote for Barack Obama"
Last summer, a young woman moved in beside me on Genoa Avenue. After a cool, clear evening, she had to ask what that odd pounding noise was that she heard in the night. "A forge," I told her, and proceeded to explain the complicated process of drop forging and how that bass note boom made tools.It dawned on me later that I could have given her a very simple answer. "That sound is the sound of industry." I could have gone on to say. "Listen closely, as it soon may be gone." So much of our county is filled with the deafening quiet one can hear only in an empty sweeper plant, or standing in the vast, unfilled parking lot of a vacant steel mill.These haunting silences are the echoes of the Bush administration. An administration which has, by its promotion of unfair trade deals and tax breaks for companies that take their business off-shore, caused the loss of over 180,000 jobs in Ohio. That is 61 jobs a day! If we, the voters, choose a candidate who has voted more than 90 percent of the time with George Bush, what will we hear for the next four — or eight — years?Silence.One big, empty silence.On Election Day, remember that when you touch that screen, the sound it makes will echo through our future. If you choose to elect Barack Obama, you are choosing to change that sound to the sound of steel mills building wind turbines. To the sound of molds filling with plastic, forming solar panels to help bring us out of this energy crisis. To the sweet sound of jobs, and a healthy middle class.Make that sound, people!--Barbara Lewis, Perry Township
Last summer, a young woman moved in beside me on Genoa Avenue. After a cool, clear evening, she had to ask what that odd pounding noise was that she heard in the night. "A forge," I told her, and proceeded to explain the complicated process of drop forging and how that bass note boom made tools.
It dawned on me later that I could have given her a very simple answer. "That sound is the sound of industry."
I could have gone on to say. "Listen closely, as it soon may be gone."
So much of our county is filled with the deafening quiet one can hear only in an empty sweeper plant, or standing in the vast, unfilled parking lot of a vacant steel mill.
These haunting silences are the echoes of the Bush administration. An administration which has, by its promotion of unfair trade deals and tax breaks for companies that take their business off-shore, caused the loss of over 180,000 jobs in Ohio. That is 61 jobs a day!
If we, the voters, choose a candidate who has voted more than 90 percent of the time with George Bush, what will we hear for the next four — or eight — years?
Silence.
One big, empty silence.
On Election Day, remember that when you touch that screen, the sound it makes will echo through our future.
If you choose to elect Barack Obama, you are choosing to change that sound to the sound of steel mills building wind turbines. To the sound of molds filling with plastic, forming solar panels to help bring us out of this energy crisis. To the sweet sound of jobs, and a healthy middle class.
Make that sound, people!
--Barbara Lewis, Perry Township
Why do YOU support Barack Obama? Why are YOU going to vote for him today?
