I saw something yesterday in Cincinnati that really showed me this is special

[roseBudd]

In 2004 I was all over the low income urban neighborhoods in about a 10 mile periphery. Relentlessly doing GOTV in the streets. I figured the organized Kerry walk lists were missing alot of likely democratic voters that were unlikely to vote. And I wasn't afraid to walk around those neighborhoods, so it might as well be me. Though almost everyone I interacted with was voting for the democratic candidate, they were voting against Bush but not for Kerry.

Yesterday on my way home from work at a 3 way stop, in the lowest median income census tract in the whole city, I saw some type of image wedged between the Victorian iron fence tops. Violent death happens alot around there, so I slowed down, drove closer and peered at what I expected to see, a Memorariam for a murder victim, like the RIP graffiti & the memorial tshirts that are so common in Over-the-Rhine.

Only it wasn't. It was an Obama sign, probably from the rally at UC. That is something that I did not see for Kerry in 2004, Yet in 2008 I'm not seeing our citizens who have the least, and who have opted out of voting in higher numbers than all other demographic groups, for the first time, feeling like they have a stake in the process. Lets not forget our citizens who have the least are disproportionately African Americans.

I have nothing against Hillary one way or the other, but my gut tells me this is our Secratariat and if we don't let this talent see things through, and McCain and the dirty GOP pull out another win by hook or crook or just 1 lousy state, we will regret it for the rest of our lives.

[VolcanoJen]

1. Our Secretariat

I couldn't agree with you more! Fantastic post.

:hug: rosebud :hug:

Something is happening in Cincinnati... and America.

[babylonsister]

2. I remember your perserverance, Rosebud! And I thank you for your

report. You were so stalwart, and I've never forgotten that. Maybe this year will be the one. I sincerely hope so.

[Gore1FL]

3. If only,,,

If only Kerry could have deflected attacks with 25% of the gracea nd style, we'd be re-electing him now.

[Eurobabe]

4. Hi Rosebud57!

Bring in Cincy, Ohio for Obama will ya? :hug:

[roseBudd]

13. Hi to you too! Are you still living in SW Ohio?

[Eurobabe]

15. No, I left Mason in May 2006, live overseas now.

Living large and loving life. Learning another language, almost fluent. Very happy here. But I still want the best for my Ohio brothers and sisters!! And for the USA!!

GOBAMA!

[ORDem]

5. K&R

:kick:

[bleever]

6. Let every voice be heard.

:thumbsup:

We're getting closer every day, r.

[alphafemale]

7. If Obama is the nominee I think this will bring out MANY first time voters.

This summer has to be spent getting people registered.

[FrenchieCat]

8. Aye......that will be the "thing to do"......

and with an Obama nomination, thy will be done! :)

[CitizenLeft]

9. Hi Rosebud...

I remember how hard you worked in 2004. Wonderful to hear that report!

:hi:

[yellowdogintexas]

10. he packed two major auditoriums in Dallas and Fort Worth ..amazing

Tarrant Co is notoriously Republican, with low voter turnout. Early voting numbers are 4x what they were in the 2004 primary and people who never bothered to register are bent because they have now realized they could have voted for him. So us old timers are telling them to get registered, dammit so you can vote in November

if nothing else, the last 30 years of apathy may be at least temporarily gone

[K Gardner]

11. Another misty-eyed story.. beautiful imagery and insight. Thank you, Rosebud !

[roseBudd]

12. I think America needs Obama, I think our inner cities need Obama,...

I think the African American community needs Obama. Obama is already telling African Americans things they may not want to hear. On education, parenting, and homophobia.

I am a white woman and whatever indignities women have suffered due to sexism, pale in comparison to the unmitigated hatred that is racism.

We are seeing a phenomonon that scares the GOP. Make no mistake they do want to run against Hillary.

Maybe I am being selfish but I don't want to go through again what I witnessed in Ohio in 2004. We worked our tails off, this state was swarming, yet it wasn't enough. If our candidate had been likable and had some charisma I don't think the attack ads would have had the same effect.

[Kukesa]

14. Nice post, Rosebud. n/t