Our Party Blog

I could not be more honored to represent those of us in Hamilton County and the 3rd Congressional District who believe that a fundamental change in our country is only possible with a fundamental change in how we do politics.

Throughout his campaign Senator Barack Obama has been inspiring people to get involved, many for the first time (like me), in the political process. It is with the help of this new, engaged, and active electorate that Obama will be able to implement our shared agenda. He will use us, the people, to bring the change we so desperately crave – which, at the core, is simply just honest debate about how to solve our problems on complex issues without the name calling, vilifying and negative tactics that seem so prevalent in politics.

What's interesting is that this shouldn't surprise us. It has been our responsibility and our job as citizens all along to drive this change. Our government only fails us because we've allowed it to do so. We are so quick to become disgusted with politics, politicians, and the inability of our leaders to really address some of the serious issues facing our country. But really, it has been us, the people, who through our own apathy have let ourselves down.

Barack Obama has shown many of us, perhaps the thousands attending his rally, and the thousands volunteering for his campaign that we can change our country - but it will require that the citizens speak louder. It will require us writing letters, calling each other and actively participating where we haven't before. At least that’s what we realized standing in a schoolhouse room in Greenville, South Carolina back in January where for four weeks we sent Tennessee volunteers to help South Carolina win.

Most of the people volunteering that day had never been involved in a campaign before. There were over 30 of us, representing old, young, black, white, men, women from various surrounding states too. We had all come together to take action and help bring change.

This is how Barack Obama will IMPLEMENT his CHANGE.

Words inspire action. Through his ability to paint a broad vision he'll be able to inspire our country to focus on a bigger purpose than the details that divide us. Once focused, he will use his grassroots organization – the new and engaged electorate – to be the pressure on congress to bring the changes we want to see.

Founding our country, putting man on the moon, ending the depression, the civil rights and women's rights movements – all began with vision. Great action and Great change is led by a vision that inspires that action.

We've learned in Hamilton County that Yes, We Can make a difference and that the re-engagement of active voters is how Barack Obama will use us to change the politics that divides us, and ultimately the direction of our country.

Yes, We Can! Yes, We Can! Yes, We Can!

JOIN THE CHATTANOOGA GRASSROOTS TEAM!

VOLUNTEER:
Learn how to volunteer by calling our Chattanooga Headquarters at (423) 285-8828

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Link: barackobama.com/promise

Justin Wilkins worked hard to deliver Hamilton County for Senator Barack Obama. There is no better person deserving of this opportunity. I know Justin will represent the 3rd Congressional District, Hamilton County and his Chattanooga Area Obama Campaign Team well at the National Democatic Convention. It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to worked on Justin's Team as the Coordinator of the Chattanooga Area Call Team for Obama. Our Call team consisted of almost 100 volunteers from all walks of life including students from 4 of the high schools in the area. Justin's team was awesome!! Congratulations Justin!!

When my student, Hardy Farrow, asked me to join the Obama planning meeting on a Saturday in January, I said, “Maybe.” Not, yes we can. That Saturday while driving down the W Road, the chords of 1968 played in my head. I could not believe I was getting as excited about Barack as the first time I could vote for my candidate - Bobby Kennedy. Then in the basement the young, enthusiastic Justin Wilkins and Elizabeth Crews organized, lead, listened, and empowered. Grassroots need the nourishing hand of belief. Justin and Elizabeth were the gardeners of democracy. I am glad the Pizza Politics of 2008 now goes to Denver. Justin's voice and vote will speak for Hamilton County and be part of the chorus that makes possible the voice of Barack Obama to ring from the White House on January 20, 2009.

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