This weekend was a testimony to the strength of the community as a whole when organizing pools all the local resources. The Health Care Rally effort led by Organizing for America was joined by practically every local democratic club and organization including the Travis County Democratic Party and the strength of Texans for Obama. The success was particularly due to the additional support lent by our elected officials, Chair Andy Brown, Senator Kirk Watson, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Council Member Sheryl Cole, Former Representative Ann Kitchen, who all put their names and support behind this important issue. I'd like to think that the rest of us, the candidates, grassroots organizers and volunteers who also supported this effort helped to build the crowd which has been estimated between 600 to 1000. This was the biggest rally in the country, again proving to the Obama administration that you can't mess with Texas.
In addition to the incredible success of this rally, I personally worked with friends in a rummage sale to benefit an Austin family in dire need due to health care crisis. The outpouring of support was awe-inspiring. We had hoped to raise about $1K at best, but when the day was done, it became clear that we more than doubled our expectations and was able to give $2400 to this very needy family. The donations poured in, the street was packed for 2 blocks in each direction, and we were all shocked and amazed all day by the generosity and love in this community.
In one day, I witnessed the very best of our community. I am very proud to be a Texan.
We have a terrific opportunity to get Congressman Henry Cuellar on the record about his position on health care reform. Congressman Cuellar will be 20 minutes from Schertz/Cibolo at Pica Taco, 8986 FM 725 in McQueeney from 10 AM -11 AM is on Saturday, July 25th. I know its very short notice but this is a terrific opportunity for Guadalupe County activists to show up en masse in support of a real "public option". Let's see if we can get a large turnout with signs and ask for a commitment to a "public option" among other reforms.
Nancy Taylor 210-658-5304 fancynancy3704@sbcglobal.net and Carol Sharp (210) 566-5943 pnsharp@sbcglobal.net are co-hosting this important event.
When you see the Congressman, share your personal health care story or use the talking points for R.E.A.L. health care:
Right away: Every day we wait on real reform, health care costs continue to rise. A strong public health insurance option right out of the gate is key to building a competitive program that will help control costs.
Everyone: A strong public health insurance option should be a key piece of a reform plan that will guarantee access to quality health care for everyone in America.
Accountable: To ensure it's held to the highest standards of accountability, a public health insurance option must be publicly accountable and transparent to Congress and to voters.
Large enough to lower costs. In order to truly control costs and compete with private health insurance plans, a strong public health insurance option must be available nationwide with a broad network of providers.
Make sure to ASK DIRECTLY WHERE Congressman Cuellar stands on the issue of a public option.
We have a real opportunity to fix our broken health care system. Let's get the job done!
This Saturday afternoon, you're invited to a local health care rally featuring: Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Senator Kirk Watson, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Council Member Sheryl Cole, Former State Rep. Ann Kitchen, TCDP Chair Andy Brown and others.
Our goal is to make Saturday's rally one of the biggest in the country. Spread the word!
*** Bus Departs Kerrville, 10:30, WalMart off the Junction Hwy, July 9th, 2009***
*** Comal County - carpool from 2850 Bunker St, New Braunfels, 78132. For more information, please contact Rob Ragels at robragels@aol.com
*** Guadalupe County - carpool from the park-and-ride lot across from McDonald's on IH10 at SH46. For more information, please contact Alicia Helton, arhelton@satx.rr.com, 830-401-4231
*** Rally Begins at 3133 General Hudnell Drive at 11:30, July 9th, 2009***
By Faith Chatham - March 2, 2008 Crossposted from Texas Campaign 2008 Tarrant County was Clinton Country Saturday when Senator Hillary Clinton arrived at the Fort Worth Stockyard. The crowd has been estimated between 10,000 to 14,000.
Young, old, healthy, frail, all races stood in line for hours to be screened and admitted to the rally area on Exchange Avenue near the Stockyard's Hotel. Secret Service and the Fort Worth Police Department controlled access. Swat team snipers were positioned on all the roof tops. Attendees, including the handicapped, entered behind Billy Bob's, through the cattle walks and allies before they were screened to enter the rally grounds. Organizers grossly underestimated the size of the crowd. Most attendees never got close enough to see Senator Clinton, yet the enthusiasm was not dampened by the long wait.
Accompanied by Henry Ciscernos and the Mayor of Los Angeles, with former Speaker Jim Wright in attendence, Senator Clinton charmed the crowd with her warmth, straight talking and deep comprehension of what truly challenges us. She speaks straight to the people. Her stump speech is not littered with slogans or platitudes. She doesn't place herself on some loftier plane than the people. She has poise and confidence which comes from years of hard work and preparation and service.
Photo by Lydia Foster - used by permission. Copyright 2008
I'd like to invite you to join me this afternoon as we welcome Sen. Barack Obama back to Texas!
As many of you know, I've endorsed Obama for President because he has the unique ability to unite our nation to tackle the challenges that affect us all.
Feel free to watch my YouTube endorsement, and I hope to see you this afternoon at The Backyard. Doors open at 3:00pm, and volunteers should arrive at 1:00pm.
(BOR does not have a consensus endorsed opinion on the Presidential Race- but far be it from us not to try to bring online and offline activism together. We can always support that. - promoted by Burnt Orange Report)
[posted for ken flippin, contact him directly:
(512)627-9171 (cell) kflippin@gmail.com]
Hey everyone,
We need 5 super volunteers to drive our shuttle vans.
They need to be 25 or older. They must have a driver's license, current insurance, and be prepared to drive a 15 person van.
They will meet at 8:30am to pick up their vans. They should be prepared to shuttle between off-site locations and Auditorium shores from 9am until 2:00pm.
They will be back in time to watch the speech.
They will shuttle people back after the speech. They should be done by 6:30pm pr 7:00pm It is a big job. We will treat them extra nice. Have them contact me by phone or e-mail asap.
