Tomorrow: OFA Listening Tour at Scholz Garten

Fellow Texans,

It's been a busy spring, and President Obama continues to fulfill his campaign promises.

Just yesterday, he signed legislation that triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. While Republicans want Obama to fail and have even criticized this important national service program, it's refreshing to finally have a Democrat in the White House who's willing to fight for change we can believe in.

Here in Texas, we have been inspired by Obama's call to national service. We recently got organized and went door-to-door to collect canned food for the Capital Area Food Bank. Our team collected over 3,000 pounds of food, and we're planning future service opportunities throughout the year.

Yes we can!

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ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA - LISTENING TOUR

Want to learn how to get more involved?

Our next volunteer meetup is scheduled for tomorrow evening, April 23rd. Normally, we meet every 3rd Tuesday, but this month, we're joining up with the official Organizing for America campaign. They've launched a statewide listening tour, and they'll be in Austin tomorrow evening at Scholz Garten.

It's exciting that OFA is investing real resources into Texas, so you're encouraged to come learn more about the future of the Obama movement and offer your suggestions.

OFA Listening Tour
Featuring Luke Hayes, Texas Director of OFA
Thursday, April 23
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
RSVP on Facebook

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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

Next month, we'll return to our normal volunteer meetup schedule. (Every 3rd Tuesday at Scholz Garten at 6:00 p.m.)

You're invited to meet the two leading Democratic U.S. Senate candidates to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison when she steps down. Both Bill White and John Sharp are excellent candidates, and with your help, we can turn Texas blue!

The election date isn't yet certain, but most people believe that Sen. Hutchison will step down later this year to challenge Rick Perry in the 2010 gubernatorial race. This will present a unique opportunity for Texas Democrats to win a rare open U.S. Senate seat. The election is extremely important because it could provide Obama with the all-important 60th Senate vote to stop future Republican filibusters.

We need to stand up to Republican obstructionism so we can enact progressive legislation that helps improve people's lives. So come join us at one of our upcoming TFO meetups and get involved:

"TFO Meetup: Meet Bill White, Candidate for U.S. Senate"
   * Mayor of Houston
   * 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
   * Tuesday, May 19
   * Scholz Garten
   * RSVP on Facebook

"TFO Meetup: Meet John Sharp, Candidate for U.S. Senate"
   * Former Texas Comptroller
   * 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
   * Tuesday, June 16
   * Scholz Garten
   * RSVP on Facebook

If you'd like to get more involved on the local level and support your Democratic clubs, then please also consider attending these great events below.

"TCDP Reception: President Obama's 100th Day in Office"
   * Fundraiser for the Travis County Democratic Party
   * 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
   * Wednesday, April 29
   * Speakeasy
   * 412 Congress Ave
   * $20 Tickets at the Door
   * Contact the TCDP Office: (512) 477-7500
   * RSVP on Facebook

"Celebrating University Democrats: A History of Change"
   * Fundraiser for the University Democrats
   * 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
   * Friday, May 1
   * UT-Austin Business School Events Room (CBA 3.304)
   * $5 Tickets at the Door
   * Contact Jimmy Talarico: (512) 587-8961

Thanks for continuing to work hard and fighting for change we can believe in. Fired up and ready to go!

Best regards,
Texans for Obama

p.s.
Early voting in the Austin city council elections starts on April 27th. Our next newsletter will provide helpful information about early voting locations and Democratic club endorsements.


Read The Full Article:
http://blog.texansforobama.com/diary/1430/tomorrow-ofa-listening-tour-at-scholz-g
arten

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Presidential Proclamation: Earth Day 2009

In honor of Earth Day, President Obama signed Presidential Proclamation this afternoon, affirming the importance of protecting our environment and addressing the threat of global warming. But these challenges also provide opportunity for great innovation and adaptation, and the creation of new jobs and new industries. "History has shown that as we sow, so too shall we reap," the President stated. "Let us rededicate ourselves to a world that provides bountiful harvests for us all not just today, but for many generations to come."

EARTH DAY, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

The story of the United States is inextricably tied to our vital natural resources. As we enter a new era filled with challenges and promise, we must protect our land, wildlife, water and air -- the resources that have fueled our growth and prosperity as a Nation and enriched our lives. Doing this not only fulfills a sacred obligation to our children and grandchildren, but also provides an opportunity to stimulate economic growth.

To achieve these ends, no issue deserves more immediate attention than global warming. Scientists have already observed alarming shifts in the natural world, including thawing permafrost, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels.

Climate change presents a serious test for humankind, but it also provides an opportunity for great innovation and adaptation. The United States has risen to such challenges before, and Earth Day inspires us to transcend differences among nations so we may lead the world in protecting our planet from this global threat.

Americans across the country are working hard to help limit the pollutants that cause climate change and reduce their impact on the environment, but we must do more. Individuals and organizations can plant trees, use energy efficient lightbulbs, drive fuel efficient cars, hold clean-up drives, and teach young people about environmental preservation. Small changes in our daily lives can have a big impact on our environment. Individuals can walk, bike, and use public transportation; buy products with less packaging; and recycle and reuse paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum more often. American families can also save money by choosing energy efficient products, turning lights off, unplugging appliances, and cutting back on heating and air conditioning.

Government and business alike must also take serious and sustained action to protect our valuable natural inheritance. Through investments in scientific research and development, and the vigorous pursuit of alternative and renewable energy, we can create millions of green jobs that allow us to reduce greenhouse gases and excel in a competitive global economy. My Administration is committed to increasing fuel economy standards and putting more Plug-In Hybrid cars on the road, weatherizing millions of homes, and catalyzing private efforts to build a clean energy future. My Administration is also working to achieve a comprehensive energy and climate policy, one that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil, make the U.S. the global leader in clean energy technology, and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

President Theodore Roosevelt emphasized our obligation to future Americans, saying, "of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us." Heeding President Roosevelt's call, and carrying forward his spirit of determination, we must commit ourselves to protecting our environment and ensuring the health of our planet so we may share the magnificent blessings of our Earth with our grandchildren.

We do this not only to acknowledge the environment's central role in the development of our Nation but also to recognize the strong ecological interdependence among nations. History has shown that as we sow, so too shall we reap. Let us rededicate ourselves to a world that provides bountiful harvests for us all not just today, but for many generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 22, 2009, as Earth Day. I encourage all citizens to help protect our environment and contribute to a healthy, sustainable world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

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The Wisdom of President Obama

Well, I think we have seen in the past few days the wisdom of President Obama's desire to move forward when it comes to the topic of torture.

The press is on overload:

read more

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LIVE Earth Day Chat with Majora Carter

UPDATED: (1:48 PM) - Today's live chat is winding down now, and Majora is signing off:

thanks so much for showing such incredible interest in all this. I feel so much better knowing that you all are so ready to move on green jobs for what they will bring to our lives!

until the next time!

--majora

Thanks to Majora Carter for stopping by, and for staying late to answer extra questions. And thanks to all of you who participated today -- let us know if you'd like to see more of these types of live chats in the future.

You can read the questions and answers below . . .

(12:45 PM) Our live online Earth Day chat with green jobs advocate Majora Carter is about to begin.

(12:56 PM) The questions are already starting to flood in. Majora will be answering as many as possible for the next 30 minutes or so, and we'll be re-posting the answers here in the main body of the blog.

From Michael from Huntington Beach, CA: What do you say to people who feel that the economy should come before the environment?

Majora Carter: It's not possible to choose one or the other. Our economy depends on a healthy environment, not the other way around.

We are already spending too much of our environmental riches to support our antiquated pollution-based economy.

The money we save from positive environmental practices helps any economy.

From: Jacqueline O'Boomer: Majora - Welcome to our blog and thanks for sharing Earth Day with us. I'm curious - would you have an Earth Day "message" for us, as current or future green activists?

Majora Carter: You don't have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one. There should be no sacrifice zones - poor communities that pay everyday with their lives to make a pollution based economy possible.

When we Green The Ghetto, we address CO2 point sources, help people live better & Healthier lives, and create new jobs that lead to a cleaner more efficient relationship with the environment.

From Seth from New York, NY: What's holding us back from creating green jobs? When are they going to appear?

Majora Carter: Well, they don't just "appear" - my life would be easier if they did! :)

As a country, we have to create better conditions for these jobs to flourish.

Now, we have an economy that subsidizes oil, coal, unhealthy food and land use practices at the expense of where green jobs should be thriving.

This is the time to be vigilant about the term "shovel ready." just because it's ready doesn't mean it's smart.

for instance - there are luxury condo, stadium and shopping mall projects that have serious lobbying efforts on their side. Should we pay for these things with our taxes??

Make sure local green jobs with multiple impacts are created with new money from DC. Like wide scale urban forestry projects, energy efficiency programs, that can help prepare cities for climate changes that are coming.

Make those dollars live in your area productively by getting those jobs to people who need the work.

speak up and you will be heard! we need your help!

From Virginia from New York, NY: Hi Majora - You've been on a long road from the Film Department at Brooklyn College! We're so proud and behind you all the way...Green jobs making sure there back up exists for the electric grid?

Majora Carter: so good to hear from you!!

happy you asked about a national grid.

we need a national electrical grid that allows energy to be distributed as freely as information flows on the internet.

it is always sunny or windy or there are tides somewhere in the country; but not always where the demand is.

A nat'l grid will enable renewable energy systems to grow rapidly - reducing our dependence on dirty fossil fuels that pollute and send dollars elsewhere, create green jobs and support new business development.

How about building the transmission lines right next to the interstate highway system? People could see the progress, and hopefully be charging their electric cars from those lines before Pres. Obama's second term.

From Fredericka: I have heard about the Green The Ghetto and other initiatives to bring the "green" initiave to poor communities. I haven't, however, actually seen any such initiatives in my city or surrounding areas. How do I start this movement in my city?

Majora Carter: Openly caring about the needs of others is the first thing you will need to do.

We got to this sad point in our society because we forgot that everybody matters, regardless of their economic status or race. when we act like the least among us is still a treasured and valuable being, then you will find the right thing to do in your situation and city.

Stay strong and happy.

From Kathryn from Miami, FL: There is a lot of talk about organic farming and nobody seems to speak out enough about how much this is needed to really turn global warming around. It's all the chemicals that are being dumped into the earth and waters that are helping to heat up the soil all over the planet. When will the chemical companies and petro-chemical industry be stopped from controlling EVERYTHING in America and even abroad? Will you do something about this before it's too late to turn it around?

Majora Carter: petroleum based fertilizers/pesticides etc have mutiple negative impacts throughout the economy in terms of health, environmental services and jobs.

we do need an effective national food / farm policy that values people over production. we know now that locally produced food is healthier bec it has multiple position impacts, usually smaller family farms, w/ better worker conditions and more sustainable land use practices. they get very little subsidies to support something that is healthy to produce and consume. let's support that. yummy!

Majora Carter: sorry i couldn't answer more questions.

thanks so much for showing such incredible interest in all this. I feel so much better knowing that you all are so ready to move on green jobs for what they will bring to our lives!

until the next time!

--majora

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Join the LIVE Earth Day Chat with Majora Carter
NOW

Our live online Earth Day chat with green jobs advocate Majora Carter is about to begin. Anyone can join in to follow the live chat, and if you have a My.BarackObama.com account you'll be able to log in and ask your own questions. If you don't have an account, it only takes a few minutes to create one.

UPDATED (12:56 PM) - The questions are already starting to flood in. Majora will be answering as many as possible for the next 30 minutes or so, and we'll be re-posting the answers here in the main body of the blog.

From Michael from Huntington Beach, CA: What do you say to people who feel that the economy should come before the environment?

Majora Carter: It's not possible to choose one or the other. Our economy depends on a healthy environment, not the other way around.

We are already spending too much of our environmental riches to support our antiquated pollution-based economy.

The money we save from positive environmental practices helps any economy.

From: Jacqueline O'Boomer: Majora - Welcome to our blog and thanks for sharing Earth Day with us. I'm curious - would you have an Earth Day "message" for us, as current or future green activists?

Majora Carter: You don't have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one. There should be no sacrifice zones - poor communities that pay everyday with their lives to make a pollution based economy possible.

When we Green The Ghetto, we address CO2 point sources, help people live better & Healthier lives, and create new jobs that lead to a cleaner more efficient relationship with the environment.

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Join the LIVE ONLINE CHAT with Majora Carter:
Today at 1:00 PM Eastern

Noted green jobs advocate, Majora Carter, will be joining us for a live online chat right here at our Earth Day 2009 page starting at 1:00 PM Eastern. She'll be taking questions and talking about President Obama's plan for a new energy economy.

Anyone can join in to follow the live chat, and if you have a My.BarackObama.com account you'll be able to log in and ask your own questions. If you don't have an account, it only takes a few minutes to create one.

Because of the movement you helped build, we are finally within reach of bringing a clean energy economy to America. We have a chance to break our dependence on foreign oil, confront the global climate crisis, and create millions of new jobs in the process.

Majora Carter is one of the nation’s pioneers in successful green-collar job training and placement systems. She founded Sustainable South Bronx in 2001, and as president of the Majora Carter Group she has traveled the world to advise cities, foundations, universities, businesses, and communities on unlocking their green-collar economic potential.

The live chat is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM Eastern. We'll be opening the comments up for questions starting at 12:45 PM.

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Join the LIVE ONLINE CHAT HERE with Majora
Carter: Today at 1:00 PM Eastern

Noted green jobs advocate, Majora Carter, will be joining us for a live online chat right here at our Earth Day 2009 page starting at 1:00 PM Eastern. She'll be taking questions and talking about President Obama's plan for a new energy economy.

Anyone can join in to follow the live chat, and if you have a My.BarackObama.com account you'll be able to log in and ask your own questions. If you don't have an account, it only takes a few minutes to create one.

Because of the movement you helped build, we are finally within reach of bringing a clean energy economy to America. We have a chance to break our dependence on foreign oil, confront the global climate crisis, and create millions of new jobs in the process.

Majora Carter is one of the nation’s pioneers in successful green-collar job training and placement systems. She founded Sustainable South Bronx in 2001, and as president of the Majora Carter Group she has traveled the world to advise cities, foundations, universities, businesses, and communities on unlocking their green-collar economic potential.

The live chat is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM Eastern. We'll be opening the comments up for questions starting at 12:45 PM.

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Video: Sec. Clinton's Remarks with Jordanian
President

On April 21, Secretary Clinton hosted a working lunch for Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein at the State Department.

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Video: 4/21 State Department Press Briefing

Click here to read the entire transcript.Topics covered:SRI LANKAPositive Developments as Tens of Thousands of Civilians Have Left in Recent Days/ Exact Number of Civilians Remaining is...

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Van Jones: Green Jobs for a Green Future

From WhiteHouse.gov, Van Jones, the Special Advisor for Green Jobs for the White House, provides a glimpse of the new energy economy that's on the way -- green roofing:

Green roofing is just one of the countless green job opportunities that can be created with a new energy economy. As a reminder, at 1:00 PM Eastern today we'll be hosting a live online chat with Majora Carter, a pioneer in the green jobs sector who has worked with businesses and communities around the world to help unlock their green-collar economic potential.

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