I left home last Sunday morning. What a week! The pace was not for sissies. Thanks to those who selected me as a delegate back in April, and to all of the Democratic candidates and incumbents. I appreciated the opportunity to "blog" for the News-Herald & I've acquired a few new computer skills in this information age.
Fired Up & Ready to Go!
Sue Brannan
Sunday, September 9, 2012
President Obama Accepts the Nomination
Most of us planned to arrive early at Time-Warner in order to get a good seat. It rained, actually poured, daily every afternoon. Security did not allow umbrellas into the convention hall so I carried my balled up foul weather jacket with me. At last, the final night began.
Gabby Douglas led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & Marc Anthony sang The Star Spangled Banner. James Taylor, Mary Jane Blige, the Foo Fighters (lead singer from Warren, OH), entertained. Scarlett Johansson, Caroline Kennedy, Eva Longoria, Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Former FL Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, to mention a few dignitaries all delivered moving remarks.
Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois introduced President Obama. Since this is being posted three days later, you have heard, read, etc. reviews. I can add that the President spoke sincerely, as one who has had terrific responsibilities since Jan. 20, 2009. The economy was in free fall, losing hundreds of jobs monthly. Terrorism & national security was and is of major concern - always. Add social issues and those participating in the political process have a full plate, especially the President & Vice President.
We are facing an important choice in this election. Are we to build an economy meant to last? Will the economy restore the middle class by investing in education, alternative energy, innovation, & infrastructure? Will this be an economy from Wall Street to Main Street where everyone plays by the same rules & pays his/her fair share? Or, will we return to the failed economic policies of the past? This past has been built on outsourcing, unregulated risky financial deals, & the lowest tax rates for the millionaires in history.
There's a saying that "OHIO chooses Presidents." Together, we can re-elect President Obama. We can strengthen the middle class, protect voting rights, & keep Ohio & our nation moving forward.
Gabby Douglas led us in the Pledge of Allegiance & Marc Anthony sang The Star Spangled Banner. James Taylor, Mary Jane Blige, the Foo Fighters (lead singer from Warren, OH), entertained. Scarlett Johansson, Caroline Kennedy, Eva Longoria, Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Former FL Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, to mention a few dignitaries all delivered moving remarks.
Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois introduced President Obama. Since this is being posted three days later, you have heard, read, etc. reviews. I can add that the President spoke sincerely, as one who has had terrific responsibilities since Jan. 20, 2009. The economy was in free fall, losing hundreds of jobs monthly. Terrorism & national security was and is of major concern - always. Add social issues and those participating in the political process have a full plate, especially the President & Vice President.
We are facing an important choice in this election. Are we to build an economy meant to last? Will the economy restore the middle class by investing in education, alternative energy, innovation, & infrastructure? Will this be an economy from Wall Street to Main Street where everyone plays by the same rules & pays his/her fair share? Or, will we return to the failed economic policies of the past? This past has been built on outsourcing, unregulated risky financial deals, & the lowest tax rates for the millionaires in history.
There's a saying that "OHIO chooses Presidents." Together, we can re-elect President Obama. We can strengthen the middle class, protect voting rights, & keep Ohio & our nation moving forward.
The Nomination
OHIO's votes, thanks to Mississippi, nominated President Obama for his 2nd term during the Roll Call vote late on Wednesday evening.
President Clinton - We Are All in This Together
It's impossible to improve on the rave reviews this speech has received. President Clinton offered a point by point rebuttal of all Republican charges:
In the last 52 years, Republicans have held the Executive Branch 28 years, the Democrats for 24 years. Of the 66 million private sector jobs created in this period, 24 million were created by the Republicans, 42 million by Democrats. This is the Job Score! Clearly, the Democrats are the Prosperity Party.
At the present time more than 3 million jobs are open and unfilled. Is this the time to cut funding for training & a variety of educational programs?
You really need to watch this speech on line. Education, Welfare Reform, Women's Rights, Student Debt, Health Care, Taxes, Regulation, GLBT, Defense, Energy. . . . and so forth were put into perspective by Bill Clinton, Teacher-in-Chief.
What kind of country do we want? I, personally, don't want the "winner take all, you are on your own." I'm betting on the inclusive 21st century American Dream of shared responsibilities & opportunities.
In the last 52 years, Republicans have held the Executive Branch 28 years, the Democrats for 24 years. Of the 66 million private sector jobs created in this period, 24 million were created by the Republicans, 42 million by Democrats. This is the Job Score! Clearly, the Democrats are the Prosperity Party.
At the present time more than 3 million jobs are open and unfilled. Is this the time to cut funding for training & a variety of educational programs?
You really need to watch this speech on line. Education, Welfare Reform, Women's Rights, Student Debt, Health Care, Taxes, Regulation, GLBT, Defense, Energy. . . . and so forth were put into perspective by Bill Clinton, Teacher-in-Chief.
What kind of country do we want? I, personally, don't want the "winner take all, you are on your own." I'm betting on the inclusive 21st century American Dream of shared responsibilities & opportunities.
Pictures
This is Ruby Gilliam, age 90, from Minerva, Ohio. She has attended 7 conventions and is the Carroll County Democratic Party Chair. Also, she is a very nice person. I stood in a buffet line with her on Labor Day. Ruby is most proud of President Obama's humanitarianism, his compassion, respect for others, & leadership especially for the middle class. "I heard someone say this recently, talking about 'Obamacare': sure, Obama cares - he cares for everyone! I love that."
Mrs. Frances Strickland enthusiastically watched former Governor Ted Strickland as he spoke on the national stage at the DNC.
Elaine Brye introduced Michelle Obama on Tuesday evening. Elaine & her husband, Courtney, an Air Force Pilot who served in the Vietnam War have 5 children, ages 29 - 22. Four currently serve in 4 different branches of the U.S. military. Elaine, also a veteran who served for 2 years in Air Force ROTC, had written a letter to Mrs. Obama thanking her for her focus on military families. The Brye family hails from Winona, in Columbiana County, OH.
Mrs. Frances Strickland enthusiastically watched former Governor Ted Strickland as he spoke on the national stage at the DNC.
Elaine Brye introduced Michelle Obama on Tuesday evening. Elaine & her husband, Courtney, an Air Force Pilot who served in the Vietnam War have 5 children, ages 29 - 22. Four currently serve in 4 different branches of the U.S. military. Elaine, also a veteran who served for 2 years in Air Force ROTC, had written a letter to Mrs. Obama thanking her for her focus on military families. The Brye family hails from Winona, in Columbiana County, OH.
Breakfast - Wednesday, 9/5/12 Facts Matter
It's day #3, 7:30 a.m. We, delegates, know the drill. The breakfasts have been tasty & healthy: juice, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, pastries, fruit, & coffee. While we enjoy breakfast. . . there are more speakers. Just when I'm all "speeched out" Senator Sherrod Brown steps to the podium. Now, I'm paying attention while this very hard-working legislator lists virtually every Ohio town/city that has workers involved in the auto industry. Sen. Brown spoke of the Chevy Cruze (engine block - Defiance; transmission from Toledo; aluminum wheels on the Cruze Eco - Alcoa in Cleveland). Lordstown is the assembly plant location. The above is a partial list but one understands the importance of the Auto Bailout that saved 1.1 million jobs nationwide. Ohio has an unemployment rate 1% below the national average & Lake County is at 6.2%.
This picture of Senator Brown, his wife, Connie Schultz (Pulitzer Prize winning former P.D. columnist), & daughter, Jenn Brown, was taken at the Convention.
This picture of Senator Brown, his wife, Connie Schultz (Pulitzer Prize winning former P.D. columnist), & daughter, Jenn Brown, was taken at the Convention.
Small Business Caucus
Small businesses provide two out of every three American jobs. I did not have the opportunity to attend this caucus but Diana Nazelli, also a 14th CD delegate, provided the following synopsis:
- The SBA has been elevated to a Cabinet level position under the Obama Administration.
- The Affordable Health Care Act contains a provison which allows small businesses subsidies for employee health care.
- $100 billion in loans has been made available by this administration to small businesses.
- "Insourcing" is a new term.
- www.smallbusinessmajority.org This website is a forum for business owners. Ideas can be shared. Helpful legislation can be promoted.
- Small Business taxes have been cut 18 times.
- Pages of forms have been eliminated.
- To improve cash flow, certain contracts have to be paid in 15 days, not 30.
- The SBA has been elevated to a Cabinet level position under the Obama Administration.
- The Affordable Health Care Act contains a provison which allows small businesses subsidies for employee health care.
- $100 billion in loans has been made available by this administration to small businesses.
- "Insourcing" is a new term.
- www.smallbusinessmajority.org This website is a forum for business owners. Ideas can be shared. Helpful legislation can be promoted.
- Small Business taxes have been cut 18 times.
- Pages of forms have been eliminated.
- To improve cash flow, certain contracts have to be paid in 15 days, not 30.
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