Hi all,
I've been reading you all forever, not contributing much. I'm into politics, very much, but being unaffiliated to the Democratic Party, I'm not too comfortable engaging in partisan discourse or dialogue.
That's said, I'm keen on Barack Obama, have been since 2004. In fact, he was part of the reason I finally applied for citizenship in this country, after living here as a greencarder for close to 20 years! I felt, when I first saw him speak at the Democratic Convention in 2004 - during that aggravating campaign - that I wouldn't want to miss voting for him if he ever ran.
See - I'm new to the town (Frederick, MD), have only been here 6 months, but my German Shepherd pup and I have been roaming the streets as I train him to behave outdoors, around people.
Here I am, in Maryland, never imagining my State would actually matter in the primary season. And it's way too late for me to register as a Democrat, something I have a lot of difficulty doing just to vote for my candidate. I feel that's dishonest. Still, I would have switched, when the MD primary became relevant, but by then it was too late.
Just as well, I think, because it motivates me to do more to help. Sure, I've given about 700 $, and can probably give more, and will. But I wanted to do more, and lo and behold, I got an email a few days ago from the campaign inviting me to volunteer to GOTV. Happily, a (small) group existed already, right here in my neighborhood, within walking distance too! And a paid campaign person was on his way to come help us until Tuesday. I was impressed by that.
But I'm also reserved, so I haven't met a lot of the nice neighbors who smile and say hi every day. This was a fantastic opportunity to do just that, and the best of causes too, as far as I am concerned.
I was given a targeted list of folks under a certain age, and off I went, with another canvasser. It was good, it was fun, and every single person I spoke to is voting for Barack, period. Folks seemed pleased that the campaign was reaching out to them, over and over, they were surprised that we would want to talk to them.
I was stunned, honestly, I had been told this morning that this was a majority Republican area apparently. In fact, mine has been the solitary Barack bumper sticker I've seen around, so is my yard sign.
The neighborhood is a nice balance of White and Black folks, laid-back, almost quaint. Some rare recent transplants like myself here and there. - just saying.
So, voilà - a good feeling overall, as far as this place goes. Back at it tomorrow.
Cheers.