Change begins with ME, YOU, her, him, them … US!

Together we made it happen; I am so PROUD. 

For decades we’ve had to be concerned about whether we will have adequate black representation at the decision table … worry no more, for, as of November 4, 2008 …  there is no decision table, without black representation.

It’s incredible!  We are proud, and, we should act like it!  Most of us do … however, there appears to still be some ignorant negra’s among us, who just don’t get it.  

President-Elect Obama (love saying that) has won the election, he has brought the world together in an unprecedented manner, and he has put on notice, those who dare to challenge the United States of America.  

Our President-Elect has definitively expressed that it will take some time to get to the land of promise, and he has clearly stated that it will take all of us to get there.

What he hasn’t expressed is any explicit need from the African-American community.  Perhaps he doesn’t have any … more than likely, he just can’t say.  Actually, he shouldn’t have to say.

His election to serve as our 44th President is monumental for US; as well as for others, but, especially for us.

I see the changes already … we walk a little taller, smile a little broader, and certainly have an incredible sense of purpose, inclusion, and hope for the future.

LET’S NOT LOSE THIS  … LET’S PASS THE PRIDE we feel right now, ON TO OUR CHILDREN … to their children, and their children’s children, and so, on …

Let us continue the legacy of pride created by those in the struggle before us … it is their strength  and commitment that paved the way to the White House.

For both witnesses and participants, it has been one amazing journey … Along the road, we learn! 

Recently, I experienced a few very encouraging realities that will help propel us forward …

(1) I was wrong … Black folks are NOT MIA (we were actually out in huge numbers; volunteering, and voting with tremendous fervor and pride)  …

(2)  People care about this country, and about each other (race, ethnicity, economic, religious, education and geographic differences, be damned) …

(3) A`little hope goes a long way (a lot of action goes even further) …

We must keep this hopeful action towards change, moving forward!!  And, as the old saying goes “it starts at home” … it starts with you. 

I suggest that we begin with a national DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Improvement Project for our communities, our children, our seniors, our friends, … even, our enemies, if necessary.

This DIY Improvement Project should be national in scope, broad in approach, yet accomplished with one person completing one individual step at a time!

Improving the communities where we live is an all encompassing step …

To repair our communities … we must first adjust how we see our communities; which requires that we improve the the way we look at each other. 

Which in turn requires, in some cases, a change in how we “present ourselves to be seen”. 

On upcoming posts, I am going to outline some of the most immediate changes in US that I would like to see …

Starting with the fellas … gentleman …  pull up a chair, pull up your pants and have a seat …

 

You Got Next!

♥KiM … brown

PRESIDENT Obama … VICTORY Speech Video

Yes, WE CAN … Yes, WE DID!!

The WIN belongs to ALL of US!  Your participation made this happen … THANK YOU!

President-Elect Barack Obama Powerful Victory Speech in Grant Park 

To RELIVE THIS HISTORIC MOMENT …  Watch below. 

(three-part video posted by Exfilms on youtube)

Millions of Black Votes Lost … Info to ensure OUR VOTES Count!!

Think about the millions of votes already lost due to public misinformation!

Voter confusion, individual apathy, election tricks, scare tactics, and, polling booth delays could cost us millions more … THIS YEAR!! 

Below, I have provided links to all the voter information required to make sure your VOTE COUNTS!!

While walking the neighborhood, leaving voter information at homes, corner stores, grocery stores, and yes, even bars … I was quite frankly, amazed at the number of people who said they were voting; knew their polling place; and didn’t know anyone who might need a ride; or, any other support to vote on Election Day.

AMAZED, because, I’ve seen black folks less organized for a family dinner!  So, I remain unconvinced that every person in our community knows what to do and where to go, when it comes to voting.  And, I am positive that all of us know someone (or, knows someone who knows someone), who needs a ride, a babysitter, a place holder for the long lines, a chair to sit in while waiting, … SOMETHING.

Certainly our candidate is good, but, he’s not a miracle worker (though he’s close).  There is just no way that this one election has got us all on point. 

I bring this up because, it seems like it is fashionable to say … yeah, I know what’s up … I’m down with Barack, or, I got this … instead of “fessing up” and asking for the help we need. 

Some people must be reminded that it takes more than a t-shirt and lip-service to win a presidential election!

Old strategies, and tired lines won’t work, people … we need action.  Committed voters have to be aggressive in our pursuit of the shaky voters! 

If a person you know, or, know of, doesn’t usually have the time, transportation, and/or information to get stuff done … presume that that person probably doesn’t have all the details addressed this go ’round. 

Insist on taking them to vote, offer your time, share with them reasons why their participation is so important, tell them why you voted.

If you have to …  shame these non-committed, all talk, no-action folks into voting … Because November 5th will be too late.

NOVEMBER 4th is TOMORROW!!  Let’s be out there making it happen … we can make a difference … TOGETHER.  Right now, despite the rhetoric … many of us are not yet in the game! However, we have to get in the game, because a lot of votes are not accounted for in this race.

It is my belief that this election will be drastically swayed by two groups of uncommitted voters. (and/or non-voters, as the case has been in past years)

The first group represents the huge number of undecided voters … Lord knows, if any of those folks are black; they are lost.  I surely can’t help them. 

At this point, there’s really nothing we can do to change those undecided numbers … we have to beat them!  One single vote at a time.

Election Day almost promises to be an overwhelming experience for voters across the country.  The best way to ensure that every person’s vote counts, is to ensure that every eligible voter is prepared to vote.

Do what you can to overcome the rampant dirty tricks and scare tactics(which are at an all time high this election year); the polling place nightmares (more than 80,000 complaints reported to-date); and the basic voter misinformation circulating in our communities.

Which leads me to the second group of uncommitted voters I refer to in this message. Folks who don’t have the information, and/or motivation to do the right thing. 

With these voters we can make a noticeable difference by simply sharing the information listed below.

• To find out if, and where, you are registered to vote, visit this site

 

• To determine what type identification is required to vote, click here

 

• To learn polling place rules (hours, what to wear, etc.) for your voting area, click hereto contact your Secretary of State Office by telephone or via the state website

 

• To learn about other Democratic Candidates who NEED your vote, click here

 

• To find out where to get help if you have problems voting, … CALL … 1-877-US-4-OBAMA (1-877-874-6226), OR, 866-OUR VOTE

 

• To contact your elected voting officials by telephone or e-mail, click here

 

• To learn more about your right to vote, click here to read a New York Times Editorial

 PLEASE DON”T LEAVE WITHOUT VOTING! If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line!!  You have the right to vote.

The anticipated numbers, as well as the already reported challenges, make OUR efforts, which includes, sharing this information, all the more important. 

WE need EVERYONE … I BEG you to not get discouraged … Get ENERGIZED, instead!

We’ve got our shot … now, let’s take it!

You Got Next!!

KiM … brown

What If Obama Loses?

 We really don’t want to know the answer to that question … DO WE? 

To prevent this awful, yet, very real possibility … you must VOTE for our candidate on November 4 (no matter what); PLUS, do EVERYTHING in your power to help others cast their ballot!! 

Take the day off from work if you can … vote early, and then assist those who need your help.  To find out more ways you can help, see KiM411 post “Ways to Volunteer for Obama”.

Ponder this scenario for a moment … the McCain-Palin ticket wins the White House … Current U.S. current political order is restored. 

Redneck hillbillies and small-town hockey moms get carte-blanche (that ain’t you);

small businesses (minus Joe the Plumber’s fictitious company) close their doors;

large corporations expand layoffs and early retirements (perfect timing for you, since your unprotected retirement plan investment has dropped to about $150);

gas prices go back up (but, you don’t care because you won’t have a job to go to anyway);

oil companies/Bush experience record profits (and, you thought it would be hard to beat the profits they had last year);

your taxes go up (yes, they tax unemployment); however, not to fret, because you will get a $5000 tax-credit for the $12,000 health insurance plan that you can’t afford in the first place;

and, finally, Johnnie and Jamal still can’t read (which is okay, because the country only needs them for the front-lines … in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, N. Korea, New Orleans, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and, all of those other un-patriotic locations around the country). 

Did I miss anything? 

Oh yeah. After losing your job, you can forget about any temporary government assistance programs like welfare, section-8, food stamps, etc., because, those unnecessary programs (which currently serve around 14 million Americans); are going to be cut with a “hatchet” across the board (wonder how Joe six-pack is going to survive, now).  

Social Security, Medicare, and, unemployment benefits may be in jeopardy, too (the upside to these cuts, is that you may not have to pay those unemployment taxes, after all).

And, don’t forget we can always count on McCain to eliminate pork-bellies (under his economic plan, you can also count on eliminating your pork (fish, beef, chicken, tofu) belly as well).

I write these predictions in jest … sort of … to point out what is really on the line this election.

There is a lot at stake for US and the U.S., as well as for some very powerful forces against us … and, I am not just referring to the ignorant vocal KKK descendants attending the rallies.  (see video #2)

On the republican side, there are also some very wealthy and influential people who literally cannot afford Senator Barack Obama’s version the New World Order; as they are fully vested in the world order currently on the table. 

It will take all of us to defeat a plan, which I am almost certain, that these, and other detractors, have in store, to steal this election.

DO YOUR PART!!

Vote … Volunteer … Share Information … and, wait as long as you are physically able for the right to cast your ballot in this important race. 

Your future depends on you!!

You Got Next!

♥KiM … brown

KiM411′s suggested listening music in the event of a loss … get used to it …

Dueling Banjos from the movie Deliverance – Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs

Rejoice the numbers … then, Get Out the VOTE!!

Early VOTERS have come out in RECORD NUMBERS; news reports show that Democrats are coming out for Senator Obama at a pace which far outranks republican voters. 

This is great news, with a big HOWEVER!  

The New York Times reports that “The Decided  Go in Droves to Vote Early” …

November 4, will bring out millions more (please, be patient with the long lines) …

In addition, poll results show that our candidate is projected to win by a close margin; other polls show he is ahead by a much broader lead.

HOWEVER, we can’t count on those numbers … the only the number you can really count on, is your VOTE!

When you are voting, it is important to know all of the information to make sure YOUR VOTE COUNTS.

In the interest of time … until I return my from volunteer duties, please visit this site to find answers to some of the most pressing voter questions. 

KiM411 will publish a detailed voter guide on this site in a later post.

 

Share this message … Keep it Movin’!

You Got Next!

♥KiM … brown

World Supports Obama … Amazing Video!

This song/video was shared by KiM411 reader, Denise … it gives me CHILLS!

I am compelled to post it for others to feel the inspiration as well.

As an American who spent many of my formative years overseas; I remain deeply engaged with international culture and affairs.

I recognize that while living abroad, it is sometimes easy to remain disengaged from the U.S. political process, because, even the most liberal countries around the world, are not as pro-America, as many would have us believe.

It is heartening to see such committed support for our candidate in countries across the globe.

I invite you to feel the love!!!

Watch, Enjoy, VOTE … and, Keep the message Movin’ …

The Obama Song (World of Friends) -This new original song with words and music by Japan based American musical artist Garrison Davis is performed by Garrison Davis and Friends (performers featured in video #2); is a tribute to the Obama movement from supporters living abroad.

 

The song was created to celebrate Senator Obama’s historic candidacy, and to inspire us all to change our country , as well as our country’s connection to the world.

Bridges for Obama (Video #1): American supporters of Senator Barack Obama have been staging rallies abroad at world-famous bridges to show support for the Democratic presidential candidate and his pledge to span old political divisions. Distributed by Tubemogul.

Original Artists Performance of the Obama Song (Video #2): Recorded in Chiba, Japan.  Produced and directed by Malcolm W. Adams for Totown Digital Media.

Video #2 is posted here because Mr. Davis and friends deserve special recognition!!  Bravo et Merci mes amis!  A la prochaine …

Watch full 30-minute Obama Infomercial!

INCREDIBLE 27-minute video, followed by Senator Obama’s electrifying 3-minute live close!!!

Relive the AMAZING experience on this link to the huffingtonpost website.

Remember … Every VOTE Counts!!

Obama Scores a Homerun!! Get in the game!

I am moved to tears … motivated to action … are you?

I believe our candidate said it all tonight … we need all of US to make U.S. history!!

Go to the Barack Obama website to answer HIS call for your help … NOW!!

Black folks MIA in the 2008 Presidential Election Process?

This weekend, I decided to visit area campaign offices with an offer to help.  What I saw there, both energized and embarrassed me … there were hardly any black folks in the house. Do we not yet realize what is at stake here?

Senator Obama’s ability to unify diverse groups was well reflected. I saw men, women of all ages and many nationalities, BUT, I didn’t see US.  I was caught up in the enthusiasm and dedication of these volunteers; however,  I just couldn’t help wondering … Where are we?

Before I start lecturing … let me confess … this was actually my first visit to an Obama campaign office. For that, I am ashamed.

Truth is … typically, I’d rather donate money than time.  Though, in an election as important as this one, I’ve learned that money is not all that’s needed.  We need folks on the street, going door-to-door; driving to the polls; explaining the voting process, etc.

My mother has been going door-to-door for months; I chastised her about the dangers of walking up to strange houses.  She reminded me of the dangers of losing this election.  She’s right (as usual).

Fact is, we cannot singularly rely on folks outside of our community to get “Ray-Ray -n- em” on board to vote.  We have special insider knowledge on what it takes to motivate black folk ’round the way’ … and, unless it’s a party … ya know it ain’t a flyer!

So, let’s get our inside connection movin’ … to put Senator Obama in the White House.

All of this is not to say that black people are sitting at home praying (although, we need that, too) … many of us are very engaged in this election process.  To those who are, I say thanks for doing the right thing!

I have a few friends who volunteer faithfully (and, more, unfaithfully) … most, just write a check.  Which ain’t bad … it just ain’t enough!

It is not enough to sit back and let other people do the ground work for our dream.   I have a dream, a wish, a desire; that THIS TIME, my people will make the difference.

FANTASY or REALITY?  You decide?

My decision  … creating a reality to support my fantasy … On November 4, 2008, I plan on celebrating the election of the first BLACK President of the United States. ( I bet y’all be there for that)

To make it happen, I am now committed to go full tilt on the street, to get the vote out in this next week.

Better late than never, I hope.

You Got Next!
KiM … brown

KiM’s suggested listening music for this message:
Fantasy -Earth, Wind & Fire

Ways to Volunteer for the Obama Campaign!

So you’re interested in lending a hand to this historic campaign … Congratulations on your decision to help.

Now, let’s make it easy for you … SIGN UP HEREwith a valid e-mail address, and you will be provided with all of the specifics.

CLICK HERE; enter your zip code to find an office near you, in need of volunteers.

Join MoveOn for a local “call party” to get out the vote by telephone, or sign up to host your own “call party” with friends and neighbors.

You may also chose to volunteer by visiting a nearby campaign office; which, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been driving by for months.  Or, simply ask a friend where they go to help out …

Remember it’s up to you to determine how you will serve.

Canvass neighborhoods, make calls, offer transportation, offer time for place holding at polling locations, you name it; we need it.

Let’s get Movin’!

Submit you comments … share this message … Keep it Movin’ …

You Got Next!

KiM … brown

 

How in the hell could you be UNDECIDED???

This evening, I had a very disturbing conversation with an African-American friend (no, acquaintance), who shared with me that he/she was STILL UNDECIDED about the Presidential Election!!!

He/she presented the usual, ridiculous rhetoric about our candidate Senator Barack Obama.  He doesn’t have enough experience, he’s all talk, it’s not his turn, and, finally the ignorant, backward ass clincher … white folks will never LET HIM become President!

Let HIM???  My instinctive reaction to her statement was … #$%*% are YOU CRAZY?? (Pardon … mon francais)

Instead, I held my tongue and let him/her … or, forget it … her speak her mind.  After all, I am firm believer in everyone’s entitlement to their own opinion and voice, without interruption.

HOWEVER, there is a limit to my intellectual generosity when you’re taking up my time … especially when you’re not all that intellectual.

Consequently … shortly into the conversation I repeated in a low growl … “They won’t LET HIM??  (x2) … With or without your confused VOTE … WE won’t let THEM stand in his way!!”

As I’ve said here before, I don’t believe that Senator Obama can win without the full power of the black vote; because the republican redneck brigade is going to come out strong against him … pitchforks, pick-up trucks, and rifles, in tow!  Sadly, we’ve seen that before … but, this time we have a choice.

Our only choice is to vote for the change we need.  I mean, just look around … this could be our last opportunity to show generations of young black people the power of standing together to make a difference!

HOW COULD THERE BE ANY OTHER DECISION???

I digress … After a short and heated discussion with that idiot … I removed her number from my phone (guess I’m not that open-minded after all), and returned to this blog to let off some steam.

I decided to vote for Senator Barack Obama the day he announced his candidacy, because he is a black man. (funny, how that didn’t work with Sharpton or Jackson)

I chose to vote for Senator Obama later on down the line.  My decision to choose him as my candidate was precipitated by his preparedness, his responsiveness, his presence (Wow!) and his ability to communicate an intelligent message that resonates with me, and others, who may not look like me.

This country needs a healing of proportionate measures; we cannot afford the divisiveness offered by the other candidate.  When our goals are divided along racial lines … it is always us, who lose.

I’m tired of watching our communities lose!  And, I’ll take dedicated and decisive … over dumb and dumber, any day!

Share this message … Keep it Movin’!

You Got Next!

♥KiM … brown

KiM’s suggested listening music for this message:

there is no music for this message … there are almost no words!!!

The 411 on EARLY VOTING … State-by-State!

The early voting process is going strong, yet, not without its challenges.  This post contains a concise overview of where and how you can early vote.  Just click on the provided links for state-by-state voting information for the 31-states participating in this early election process.

Find out … how you vote; where you vote; ID requirements; in some cases what to wear; ballot issues; other candidates on the ballot; AND, state contacts for VOTING CHALLENGES.

EARLY VOTING vs. Mail-In ABSENTEE VOTING
All states offer voters the option of voting prior to the election. In some states, the ballots are returned by mail. This is referred to as absentee voting.

Other states permit voters to vote in person at the offices of county clerks or at other satellite voting locations. This is referred to as early voting OR in-person absentee voting.

EARLY VOTING/In-Person ABSENTEE VOTING
More than half the states–31, to be exact–offer some sort of early voting. Early voting differs from absentee voting in that voters may visit an election official’s office or, in some states, other satellite voting locations, and cast a vote in person without offering an excuse for not being able to vote on Election Day. Satellite voting locations vary by state, and may include other county and state offices (besides the election official’s office), grocery stores, shopping malls, schools, libraries, and other locations.

Early voting generally is conducted on the same voting equipment used in the regular election, as opposed to absentee voting, which is conducted on mail-in paper ballots.

Early voting varies from state to state, and generally ends on the Friday or Saturday immediately preceding the election.

The following (31) states permit in-person early voting/in-person absentee voting.

Alaska Indiana North Dakota
Arizona Iowa Ohio
Arkansas Kansas Oklahoma
California Lousiana South Dakota
Colorado Maine Tennessee
Florida Montana Texas
Georgia Nebraska Utah
Hawaii Nevada Vermont
Idaho New Mexico West Virginia
Illinois North Carolina Wisconsin and … Wyoming

All other states permit day of election voting on NOVEMBER 4, 2008 or … Accept mail-in absentee ballots!

For more info visit KiM source website National Congress of State Legislatures

NOW, get up offa that thang … VOTE and you’ll feel better!

Share this message … Keep it Movin’!

You Got Next!

♥KiM … brown

KiM’s suggested listening music for this message:

Get Up Off-a That Thang – James Brown