Sunday, November 9, 2008

An American Story!






What is the American story? Stories where the impossible become possible, the improbable are probable and the ironic become iconic! That is the American story. The story where dreams come true. Where nightmares can turn into enlightened realities.

That is what we witnessed this week, when the world looked on as we elected a President for the people, by the people who also happened to be an African American. Who would've thought it!

But we did it, all of us. Well not quite all but a huge majority said we were ready for a change. That the status quo was no longer acceptable and that our past does not have to equal our future. Doesn't that feel great!

If this was only the story of one man who came from humble beginnings and went on to become elected the President of the United States, it would be motivating and inspiring. However that is not the only story to be told here. No, that's not the main story.

What makes this story so extraordinary and unique is that this man was born to a white woman from Kansas and a Kenyan father. Yes, this man who has achieved so much and inspired millions of Americans and those from around, is a product of a country who has a history of slavery, injustice, and discrimination against a segment of its citizens.

The country that embraced policies such as "separate but equal", Jim Crow and constitutional enslavement and whose racial ideologies created a civil war, civil rights movement and racial riots.

But only in American can this story be told. Can this story reach such a dramatic turning point in our history. After hundreds of years of stereotypes, ignorance and fear that we as a collective voice insist that our country turn the page and travel a new path.

We are sure to continue to fight for inequalities and injustices toward our citizens, whether for women, Hispanics or the gay and lesbian community as well as racial issues as it pertains to African Americans, but we must all agree that the country moved a huge step forward on that historic night on November 4, 2008. Congratulations America, you did good!

Check out "An American Story"


An American Story from Gail on Vimeo.





Get commemorative T-shirts and buttons from this historical election.





1st Family Commemorative T-shirt. Blk. The classic heavyweight t-shirt. Tagless design for ultimate comfort. Pre-shrunk, 6.1 ounce 100% cotton. Double-needle stitched bottom and sleeve hems. Loose, classic fit, wears well on anyone. (starting at $24.70), s, m, l, xl

Size


1st Family Commemorative Button. 2-1/2 inc. Vibrant colors covered withscratch- and UV-resistant Mylar Durable metal pin-back easy to pin anywhere. $5.50




Monday, November 3, 2008

Start the Party Early and Pull In Every Vote!

Here is an excerpt from an email article I received from "The Color of Change.org". Some great suggestions. I'm sure you can come up with even more. Be creative, use your imagination and have some fun. Let's "spread the wealth around".

With all the energy and excitement about Obama and this election, the reality is that some folks will have to wait in line before voting. But there's no reason for it to be a downer. With your help, we can turn it into a party!

Why a party? So many people showing up and voting for change is a reason to celebrate. And, of course, we need everyone to stick it out and vote.

Here's the idea: If we can make the lines at polling places fun and entertaining, more folks will stay in line and vote. It's easy: after you vote (or while you're waiting), you can bring food, water, and entertainment for your neighbors who have a long wait. Just a few words of kindness and encouragement could mean the difference between a vote being cast or thrown away.

To learn more and sign up, click below:
http://colorofchange.org/party08/?id=1783-681299

How to Start a Party at the Polls

You can do this while you're waiting in line yourself, you can come back after you've voted, or you can go to other polling places in your area where you hear there are long lines. Here are some ways you can make the wait easier and more fun for voters:

Bring water, food, snacks. A lot of people might not have realized how long they'd have to wait. A little food and water can help give people the energy they need to power through. Cook something the night before, buy some bottled water to share. Healthy snacks are good, but you can also use the opportunity to get rid of extra Halloween candy.

Bring some folding chairs. Some people may need a break from standing; you can give them somewhere to sit.

Rain? Bring umbrellas, ponchos, plastic bags. Help people stay dry.

Tell jokes, juggle, provide some other kind of entertainment. Are you a comedian, dancer, or street performer of some kind? Put on a show! Make sure it's family-friendly.
Play some music or bring a boombox. Play an instrument? Bring it to the polls and play some songs. Bring a boombox. Take requests. Avoid music that might be offensive or abrasive to some people. Keep in mind that not everyone may like your music, so pay attention to how people are reacting; you don't want to drive anyone away.

Be prepared to cover up campaign t-shirts, buttons, etc. Some places have rules against campaigning within 100 feet of the polls. Wearing a t-shirt or button can be considered a form of campaigning, so if you're wearing gear from a particular candidate, be prepared to cover it up or change into different clothes if someone asks you to.

Above all, have fun, and spread it around. Help everyone out, not just people supporting your candidate. This is about making sure everyone has the right to vote. Voters disagree on many issues, but we should all be able to agree that participation in our democracy is an exciting thing.

Help bring a festive spirit to the polling place.

Please let us know what you plan on doing, and read our tips for making sure we do this in a responsible and inclusive way. It just takes a minute:
http://colorofchange.org/party08/?id=1783-681299

Thanks and Peace,
-- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, Andre, Kai, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team November 3rd, 2008