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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

DAY 2 & 3

I apologize for not getting an entry in yesterday but the schedule has been grueling. Over the past two nights I have seen some of the most amazing things happen in American politics. I heard an inspiring speach by Governor Brian Schweitzer that energized a crowd of thousands, I watched a very heartfelt address by Senator Clinton that spoke to her supporter and Senator Obama's supporters as one group.
Today was no exception. The roll-call vote happened early this morning and if was somewhat of a stressful time because with any vote you never know what is going to happen. Then Senator Clinton came out of nowhere to end the process we all Clinton and Obama supporters came together in an amazing way. The patriotic rendition of "God Bless America" by Melissa Ethridge was incredible and full of love for the country that we all live in. Madeleine Albright's address was well thought out and suggested a path for the future. And Bill Clinton - what can I say, the man owned the croud this evening. He moved the healing process forward and put us on a path towards the White House. John Kerry had some great lines in regard to the Republicans. And in an emotional introduction Beau Biden introduced his father and Joe Biden did not disappoint. His speech was strong and heartfelt.
Finally, after Biden's speech the suprise of all suprises, the man him self. I was so excited... I trided hard to take a picture, but I was shaking so bad I couldn't take a picture without it looking blurred. TOMORROW WILL BE GREAT!!!!

Monday, August 25, 2008

If this is day 1 then we are in for a treat!

I can barley put into words what this day has been like. It is surreal to be able to walk among the leaders of our party and even stop to say hey! But let me start from the beginning.
This morning we had our Delegate meeting with special guests Kathleen Sebelius and Chet Edwards (they were great)! I also rand into the co-author of the book "Bush's Brain" Wane Slater. I was totally star struck and I hope I did not make a fool of myself. I was like "hey your Wane Slater" and he was like "ya, I am." Anyway it does not diminish the experience.
After the meeting I went down to the hotel's lower level to pick up my credential for the day. It was exciting and I got to meet some really great people from all around the state, but after being credentialed we all slowly began to move towards the elevators. A group of 5 enter the elevator and got stuck. We had to call the front desk from the elevator and for 15-20 minutes we all waited for maintenance to arrive. We all took turns introducing ourselves and we had a good chat, and once the problem was solved we moved on our separate ways.
We all then piled into several buses and went downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe reception hosted by Charlie Wilson. That was also amazing and during that time I again had to opportunity to meet some really diverse an interesting people. The conversions were outstanding.
After leaving I made my way down to the Preforming Arts Center were I watched the first half of a round table discussion on the "New Philanthropy" among the speakers were Ted Turner, Dr. L. Brilliant, Harry Smith, and others. It was moderated by Walter Isaacson and I learned a years worth of philanthropy in 40 minutes. These folks were so insightful and thoughtful in their speech I could hardly write fast enough to keep up with all of their ideas. Any it was truly amazing.
Now up to this point I had been having a great day, and it could have ended there but the best was yet to come! I walked from the Preforming Arts Center to the Pepsi Center to be there when the 3:00 PM gavel dropped. I made it in time and found a good seat in the Texas delegation spot (just under the BBC broadcasting booth... so look for me). I had no idea what what going to happen next. Howard Dean starts us off and a variety of speakers begin to take the stage. Some good some OK. So, I leave my seat and begin to walk around and I see this guy that is impersonating Barack ( he was scary good!) I kept wondering around and I see a variety of reporters walk by me including Terry Moran, Sam Donaldson, and Chuck Todd. I again am star struck. I go outside to do a phone interview with CBS 7 and then call and check in at home... then I'm off again fighting my way through this huge gambit of people and a gaggle of cameras and light move toward me and I feel like a deer in the headlights of a fast moving car and out of this tormoil emerges Governor Bill Richardson. I got to shake his hand! Then Charle Rangle from New York. I had to pinch myself I could not believe I was standing infront of all these people I've seen on TV.
I made it back to my seat to listen to the end of Nancy Pelosi's speech, and the announcer says please stand for President Jimmy Carter and Rose Carter (at this point I'm on overload) Then Jesse Jackson's Son comes out to speak and gave a marvlous speech that meant alot to me as a Democrat. But then... there was another roar in the crowd. and just one section over there was Senator Joe Biden. I rushed over to meet him and grab a few photos... that was awesome! Then as I returned to my seat I looked up and above the Texas delegation on the upper deck was Maria Shriver. WOW!
Caroline Kennedy came out next and introudce a touching video tribute to Edward Kennedy. I was awestruck, but just as it ended Ted Kennedy took the stage, and gave a great and uniting speech. Finally Michelle Obama took the stage and rendered a speech that was the best I had ever heard from her. It was perfect!
As our delegation was leaving Senator Binden left at the same time, and I got to say hello to him again as we all tried to exit the Pepsi Center. We then were wisked away to the Texas Delegation Gala at Mile High Station. It was amazing but it was getting late and I headed back to the hotel and got on the elevator again with one of the others who I was stuck with earlier. We joked about getting stuck, and as fate had it, the elevator got stuck again! Unbelievable, that is the day that I have had!
Love to Jen, Abby, and Jack

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sunday's Events

As soon as I hit the ground here it was work, work, work. I got to go mess around on the Denver light rail transit system so that I could find my way around. I was unable to attend the interfaith rally at 2:00 because my check in was delayed. But I did get to go to the kick off event, the "All-Delegate Celebration Recognizing Katrina Relief Organizations. WOW! What a gathering it was! It was staged in the Korbel Ballroom of the Denver Convention Center and I got to meet people from all over the US. It was amazing. To top it off there was a surprise speaker at the end of the celebration Chairman of the DNC Howard Dean. There are alot of thoughts running through my head as I am surrounded by all of these figures. I feel like a small fish in a very large bowl.

Finally in Denver

I just arrived at the Red Lion Hotel (the Texas Delegation Hotel in Denver). I have met several delegates from El Paso, Dallas, and Houston. Everyone is really excited and there is an intoxicating atmosphere everywhere from the Airport to the Hotel. I flew up with about 8 delegates from New Mexico and they say we need to do well in Lea County. Imagine that. David Rosen has been telling us this, and now even our people from New Mexico are telling us this. Anyway, I check back later. If anyone has any questions please leave a comment on the blog.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

OBAMA BIDEN 2008!

The Obama / Biden ticket will be amazing. This is a ticket that every democrat can stand behind, and I know that we will be victorious in November.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

RIGHT NOW

On Sunday I will take time away from my family, my profession, and my friends to step into a new and fascinating world of politics. I have often stated on this blog how much I have invested in this campaign and I wonder if my efforts will bear fruit as I travel to Denver, Colorado to do what I can to CHANGE the course of this nation. I am a small and relatively insignificant part of this process, but I feel like I am doing what it I should be done by all Americans. 

I am involved more than I ever have been and I look forward to learning more about this process so that I can share it with all that frequent this blog and beyond. Life is so curious. 5 years ago I never though I would be this involved. So many of you made this possible for me and I will always be eternally  grateful for your support. However, there are some people that have gone the extra mile to help me and I would like to thank them:
  Mike and Amelia Thanks for always being there you are passionate people and great friends
  Chris McCormack- You have always been so supportive I thank you!
  David Rosen- first as competitors now as allies, what a journey we are on!
  My Father Jack Hightower - who is my role model and my favorite person to talk politics with
  My Wife and Kids- Jennifer I know I will once again be gone to do my part to help Senator Obama and I'm sure that line has worn thin by now. But I do this so that our children can grow up in a world where they are taken care of in every way possible, I will do everything that I can to make you proud, but most of all I will take your love with me as I go to this event. You are always on my mind and I will miss you as I go to work. Thank you for all that you do to make our house a home and before long I will be back with stories to share with you. 
OK I had to get all of that out:
So where dose this leave me. 
I am PUMPED! 
It is time to "turn this thing around" 
RIGHT NOW !!! 
GET OUT AND HELP BRING HOPE BACK TO AMERICA!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

10 DAYS LEFT

I can't believe that there are only 10 days until the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I am making reservations to every event that I can. My itinerary is getting full, and once I finalize it I will post it so everyone can follow what is going on. I can hardly wait. 


The campaign work in Midland has picked up as the big event (Moving Midland Forward) is coming up on Saturday at 2:00. For more information on this event please visit:
my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44pjy

I'll Check Back In Later!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

The time is approaching

I am excited beyond words about going to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I hope to learn as much as possible at the convention, but I also want to soak up every moment that I get to have while I'm there. I hope to get things I can pass on to my kids at school, my precinct in Midland, my friends in the area, and all of the members of Senate District 31. 

I cannot thank you all enough. With out your help this would not be possible, but without my wife and kids none of this would be possible. Thanks to all.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

This Campaign

As I have been calling Democrats in Midland I have had contact with some who are not going to support Senator Obama anymore for one reason or another. I got so frustrated and it really tested my resolve to continue organizing, because I felt that I was just spinning my wheels.

After some soul searching I got back on the phones and made some headway. I felt better but I really got fired up about this campaign and I came to some realizations. 
1) This Campaign - is about community (bickering will occur, but is it not bigger than this campaign)
2) This Campaign - is about never giving up (even when the odds are stacked against you you move forward and work)
3) This Campaign - has character (because it has tapped into a sense of values that project optimism) 
I understand more clearly why the message of this campaign can be summed up with one word. HOPE! To all that are working hard keep on working. To those who are feeling like they are spinning their wheels make three more calls, go to three more houses, never give up, and don't let anyone tell you that what you are doing doesn't make a difference. Get inspired and help this campaign make history!
 

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Give Me Your Eyes

Today my wife introduced me to a song entitled: Give Me Your Eyes by Brandon Heath. It is a truly inspiring song and it really reminds me of what our community building effort is all about. Here are the Lyrics ENJOY:

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared

Chorus:Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted 
Wasnt it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
again
again
yeah
yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
Theres a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
To ashamed to tell his wife
Hes out of work
Hes buying time
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Chorus

Ive Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all aloneChorus (x2)


Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Moving Midland Forward

Throughout this very interesting campaign season we have worked hard to change our idea of politics here in Midland and around the great State of Texas. It is difficult at times to stay focused on the campaign since all of the media attention seems to keep saying that Texas is a "Red" state and that "its a lock for John McCain." Plus our everyday lives are more complex because we want to provide the best for our family and friends during hard times, and often don't have spare time for a presidential campaign. Others say "it is too early to be working on the November campaign in July," and others say "your gonna burn people out on all this Obama Change stuff." 

While I can see the point in the logic of my friends and opponents, I respectfully disagree with them. Now, as I have said before, is the time for us to start working just as hard as we were during the primary campaign. So much is at stake in this election and it is our responsibility to get active and get involved. 
Over the next few weeks there will be a series of meeting held by the Midland Supporters of Barack Obama. It is the mission of these meeting to find new and meaningful ways to get more people enthused and involved with this historic presidential campaign. There is much to be done and we must organize and mobilize our friends, families, and neighbors so that when the votes are counted in Midland County everyone can see that we are not only ready for change, but that we mean business.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Time To Stand Up For What You Believe In

It is time for all of us to stand up for what we believe in. If we are ready for a change in the way politics in Washington are played we must stand up. It will be difficult and other still attack us for feeling and thinking differently than they do. The truth is we know it is time for change and the candidate that embodies that ideal is Senator Barack Obama. Keep working hard: making calls, canvassing neighborhoods, talking to neighbors, putting up signs, and slapping on bumper stickers. Our opposition can rip off our stickers, tear up our signs, and verbally harass us, but they can't stop the movement that has begun with this campaign. STAND UP! 

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

My Response

Hopefully this will end up in the Midland Reporter Telegram on Sunday:

In response to the letter by Joan S. Nobles

            There has been much talk about the experience of Senator Barack Obama and his ability to lead this country. Many criticize him by scaring those who have small businesses, farms, or even ranches by saying that he will raise the tax burden on them. This is simply propaganda. Senator Obama wants to provide more middle class tax relief to small business owners, farmers, and ranchers. He understands that right now in our current economic situation that the aforementioned business owners are being squeezed, and it is hard for them to get a fair price for their products. The help promised by Senator Obama will provide breaks for independent farmers and ranchers and not the large corporate agribusiness.            

            In last weeks editorials the question of experience was raised. It is hard to comprehend why so many buy this. Senator Obama’s life embodies hard work. He was raised by a single mother, attended school, graduated from college, and received a scholarship to one of our finest institutions of higher education. He then uses that education to help the people of Illinois by representing them in the State and the National Legislatures. How is all of that not good experience?

            Lastly, many have attacked and questioned Senator Obama’s faith, racial attitudes, and patriotism. Hopefully, we as a community understand that religion should never be used as a wedge to divide people. If we truly believe that we are a racially, culturally, and religiously tolerant people, then our politics should not fan the flames of ideas that would divide us. To suggest that Senator Obama should have only learned lessons of life through Bill Cosby and Colin Powell suggests a divide still present in our own community that should be addressed. Overall, there has been a pathetic attempt by the far right to tarnish the patriotism of this truly great American. But this type of tactic is to be expected when you are running against a man that says he is for “straight talk” when he is really speaking out of both sides of his mouth.     

Sunday, June 15, 2008

The problem!

Today while reading the Midland Reporter Telegram I read a letter to the editor entitled "Obama lacks experience in dealing with problems." This was written by Joan S. Nobles and is a very short sighted and misguided representation of Senator Obama's campaign. The article reads as follows:

Be careful for what you pray for, or for those who don't  pray may God help them. We asked for a democratic Congress, and received the worst in our nation's history. As i have written before, my working years were under the thumb of Democrats high taxes and bills that soon run small businesses, the rancher, and farmer out of business.
In good Texas lingo, Sen. Obama is a good talker, but can he honestly walk through the coming years with the world in such a tragic state? He's young, highly educated and seemingly a good lawyer, but folks, do we need a leader with so little "working" experience in how to deal with this highly volatile planet? And how do we pay  for all of these "wonderful things" he is promising/ Listen to what he's really saying and you will come away shake your head.
Sen. McCain has the working experience not only with Congress, but is a patriot who led, then served and suffered in our Navy. He has met time and time again with our generals and the brave men and women in the military, and world leaders. Where has Obama been? Who has he ever really talked to? And lastly, why did he surround himself with people who taught, and are now teaching hate, when he should have been learning from such greats as Colin Powell and Bill Cosby.
Lastly, we must keep Good in America for without his leadership, we will be lost.
Joan S. Nobles _Sunday June 15, 2008 Midland Reporter Telegram (Opinion Section)  

I feel that this representation needs to be addressed so I will write the best retort that I can to help clear up this mess of a letter. This kind of crap cannot stand!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Here We Go!

I have to say this campaign is not easy. There are people in our area who are so short sighted and superficial that will not even give Barack consideration (because he is a democrat and other more sinister reasons). However, in the same breath that I say that, there are others that are hungry for something new and willing to work to bring about change. Now is our time to work! There are even others that have been involved in Democratic politics for years saying we can't really do anything since we are the minority. While I respect their opinions and observation they are negative as to the end to which we can achieve. As long that is the ideal of the party we will not succeed. Even as a teacher I have not liked that. If a student tells me I can't do that because of this or that I always say "Yes you can, you just need to adopt a different attitude." Maybe that is why Barack has struck such a chord with me. In the beginning many didn't give him a chance to contend in this election and look at him now (the presumptive nominee). Those who question our ability to change our community I say this. YES WE CAN! It will not be easy, I actually guarantee it will be hard, and you will question what you are doing from time to time. You must work through this and understand we are on a fascinating journey together. Strap in ---- Here We Go!

The only way for us to begin winning is through small victories. Our Republican competitors can only be defeated with our successes. Remember that while we are running against the right we are running our own campaign and the success we encounter may be small, but it slowly chips away at the establishment.   

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Linkin Park - Hands Held High

Sunday, June 8, 2008

~ A U S T I N ~

After an exhausting two days in Austin I am finally home and able to get some rest. What a truly amazing experience. I have met some of the most incredible people this weekend. To all my new friends in Senate District 31, you all are amazing and I look forward to working with you all as we work on the general election! 

An unbelievable set of events transpired this weekend and I was selected as a delegate to the National Convention in Denver. Again to my friends in SD 31 thank you all for the opportunity to represent you. I will be forever grateful for you decision to send me, and I will share every moment will all of you through this blog. A special shout to Mike and Amelia: I could not have done this without you kindness and assistance. To: Chris McCormack- Thank you!, To: Dali Willis Thank You, To: Anthony Raphael Thank You!, To Veronica Fuentes: Thank You! To ALL of you who lent support I thank you... I don't want to leave anyone out, but I am exhausted. So THANKS TO ALL IN SD 31. 
Our work however is not even close to being complete. We have to work harder than we ever have to get Senator Obama elected president. Just get back to the basics. We all know how this works. We have been responsible for this huge turn out and now we must be responsible for an even larger turn out. We need to organize, get signs, get people registered to vote, get people fired up, and bring our Brothers and Sisters from the Clinton Campaign on board with us. We all must work together on this.
Last but most certainly not least thank you to my wife Jennifer and my kids (Abigail and Jackson) and the Lord above. Without you all on my side I would lack the inspiration necessary to do this. I love you all.     

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Off To The Convention

Tomorrow morning I will be flying in to Austin for the convention. I am so excited as I have recently been selected floor leader for the Obama delegates for Senatorial District 31. Again, I can't state how monumental this all is, but it pales in comparison to how much I will miss my family. I love you all for your support and as soon as the business concludes in Austin I'm coming home.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Soaking It All In

Today has been a great day. I have made several phone calls to our friends in the North (Amarillo) and I just have to say I am looking forward to meeting up with these extremely nice folks. I look towards Friday and the inner workings of the campaign process. Again it is very inspiring to be involved in something like this. I am a high school government teacher and I have taught my students about the election process, but it has been a totally different experience being involved in the campaign. I hope this weekend is enlightening and productive as we move the campaign a step closer to Washington DC through Austin.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

History Unfolding Before Us

Any moment Senator Obama will pass the threshold in delegates to become the Democratic Nominee. As I sit here reflecting on the work that we al have done, and think of all the people who told us that this moment would never happen I am very proud to say I support Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. The potential behind all of this is amazing. The potential restoration of greatness of this nation is upon us and we all need to understand the significance of this moment of history unfolding before us.


Monday, June 2, 2008

Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video


Pause Playlist below to listen to the video.

Exciting Time

As the Texas Democratic Convention nears, the excitement of the moment grows. The nomination process has been brutal yet we stand on the verge of a historic time in our nation. Many are unsure as to what the future holds, but the supporters of Senator Obama's presidency sum up our enthusiasm with one word, HOPE. Hope for a brighter future, a move towards a getting back to what has made this country great. The grassroots efforts that have grown over the past year have sent a call for renewal in the politics we address and the power we the people possess. Finally, we can feel confident that the highest office in our country will be responsive to the needs of the people. We have the opportunity to improve health care for all Americans (young to old and poor to wealthy). We can salvage our flawed education system by truly leaving no child behind and paying our teachers what they are worth. We can do so many things to repair the errors of the past eight years. However, It will take time, it will take initiative, but most importantly it is possible. I was reminded today that "attitude is everything." If we are so caught up in our personal problems that we feel hopeless and ignore the greater good that can be served with our efforts we can't move forward. Many are jaded by the way things are, and they feel that negativity is the only way to deal with adversity.  If this prevails we will never feel like anything we do will matter. Looking at my family every day makes me believe that anything is possible. Overall, I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends, family, children, and a wife that despite my flaws has always been by my side. Thanks to all, and let the countdown begin!