“As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” Obama said in a video message e-mailed to supporters. “That’s why I’m asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities.”

Since we currently are not in the campaign mode where we will operate under the name Clarksville for Obama we have been tasked to join the rest of the grass roots organizations across the nation in organizing in our communities under our new advocacy organizational name “Clarksville Community Organizers” (CCO).

Clarksville Community Organizers will operate under the umbrella of Organizing for America and will help to support the president’s agenda when called upon. Right now millions of organizers are mobilizing throughout their communities, across the state of Tennessee and throughout the rest of America to help assure that the Health Care Reform Bill is passed once Congress returns from their summer recess. Clarksville needs to be involved in this movement Right Now!

Since CCO is the formation of a new organization we will need volunteers to chair the group and fill other executive positions. There is a special need for progressive people with organizational skills and computer knowledge. But all are welcome to join for support team member’s and people who want change! I encourage you all too please attend the following meeting.

Clarksville Community Organizers organizational planning meeting

When: Friday, August 14, 2009
Place: Harbor Café Restaurant, 2131 Lowes Drive
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Please bring your laptop computer if you have one.

Thanks for your time and Support!
Terry McMoore

Wine Tasting draws an enthusiastic gathering

That old adage about ‘it may rain on the army but it never rains in the army’ held true for the Wine Tasting hosted by Clarksville Community Organizers last Friday night, May 1st. Dreary weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of those attending this event. A warm and friendly atmosphere was the setting for a pleasant evening of wine enlightenment and enjoyment, an array of colorful, great tasting food and good conversation.The wine tasting was an outreach affair conducted by the former local ‘Clarksville for Obama’ citizens activist network.

Guests were asked to bring a wine or two wines of their own choice, nothing extravagant in cost, and a finger food dish.That the attendance topped out at over thirty people was most gratifying to the organizers and hosting couple JoAnn and Dennis Latz of Adams.

Amy Gallo, wine expert and wine tasting special guest

The evening was made complete with the attendance of wine expert, Amy Gallo. She is a certified wine  expert who, during the course of the evening, conducted a introduction to wines, describing the grapes and their origins, suitable accompanying foods and uses for the various wines presented for tasting. As she guided the gathering thru the tasting, everyone’s knowledge about wines and their own taste preferences was greatly enhanced by Amy’s shared expertise.

Although there were several bottles in addition, Amy only opened the first ten. Her reason for this being that after ten or so wines, the taste buds become numb or desensitized to the subtle taste differences of the wines.  Starting with the wide selection of reds, Amy guided the group thru a red Zinfindel, a South African red-very pleasing, to a surprising Moldavian to a Chianti to a tasty blackberry to a brisk red raspberry.

Dennis Latz opens wines so they can breathe

Ms Gallo spaced the tastings with break periods for the tasters to partake of the vast array of food dishes so as to cleanse palettes and keep the taste buds sensitive to nuances of the wines. After the reds, Amy then turned to the white wines among the presented offerings. An 2002 Piesporter Auslesse proved very appealing to number of the tasters as it was more fruity than the other whites and less dry to the palette.  Amy explained the uniqueness of an Auslesse as being a very late harvested grape that has been allowed to mature on the vine very late into the harvest season.

Spatlesse and Auslesse are special vintage German white wines which usually exceed the normal semi to dry taste of this type of wine. The Piesporter vineyards are in the Mosel-Saar region of Germany’s ‘wine ’strasse.’ These special vintages are not produced every year as they are dependent on weather conditions allowing for the later harvesting the grapes. Because of the extended time on the vine and exposure to colder weather, the grapes gain even higher levels of natural sugars which result in higher alcohol levels and more intense fruit flavors which manifest in the wine itself.

It must be noted for the record that were two alcohol-free wine selections included for the designated drivers and those not wishing to imbibe intoxicants. Amy informed the gathering that it is rare to find these wines in beverage stores because state law requires that all wines and spirits must contain an  appreciable level of alcohol to be considered real spirits. Nonetheless, those indulging in the opened vintage found it very pleasant to the palette and completely lacking any bitter aftertaste.

Ms Lavern Walker and Atty Merriel Bullock-Neal share a laugh, Christian Hodges is in the background

The wine tasting marked the local ‘Clarksville for Obama’ citizens network’s official transition to non-campaign mode. The group will now focus on the development of support for community causes and the promotion thereof. Included in that transition is the outreach to people and concerns that seek to promote and foster a positive change in their community and government. Terry McMoore opened the discussion portion of the gathering by declaring the transition of Clarksville for Obama to the Clarksville Community Organizers. The group would continue its grassroots advocacy but now direct it at local issues, concerns and personalities of positive change for the community.

Lavern Walker addressed to the gathering on behalf of the 2010 Census Program. She spoke of the urgency for full participation in the upcoming census. She also addressed some of the falsehoods being circulated about the census and people performing the census. Any group wishing to participate in support of the census being a full and accurate count is welcomed to join the program’s outreach. [This writer will relay contact requests as they are submitted.] Attorney Muriel Neal spoke of the often unheralded work of the American Red Cross and its need for community support and increased financial donations from all corners.

Sharon Bohnenberger chats with Rev. Charles Moreland

The tasting having ended at sampling ten wines, the socialization of the evening kicked into high gear. There was lively conversation in every corner of the Latz home. Among the many in attendance were Dr. Arthur Neal, his wife, Atty Merriel Bullock-Neal, Jacinta Harris, Troy Broady and his wife; MSG Robert Huntley (Ret.), Christine and Ben Pierce, Lavern Walker,  Sharon Bohenenberger, Wanda and Terry McMoore and Kate Revel.

Discussions ranging from jazz classics, contemporary  music, political currents and home decor, to education system challenges, military careers, child rearing, sports teams and adventures in foreign lands are just some of the topics which filled the air. All the while, everyone was free to consume more of their choices of the opened wines and every bit of the tasty morsels presented on the buffet table.

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As with any event here are a few announcements and instructions to help make this event a success.

• You must be 21 or older to participate in the wine tasting.
• Please RSVP via email due to limited space!
• All wine connoisseurs / drinkers are asked to bring their favorite reasonably priced bottle (s) of wine for each other to sample. “The more varieties the better”
• Mulligan’s Wine & Spirits on Wilma Rudolph blvd. has an excellent selection.
• We need guests to bring one of the following: Cheese trays, grapes, Hot wings, Crackers, 24 pack of 8oz bottled water, desert plates, and small cups for drinking (no more than 100)

Clarksville For Obama does not condone, nor encourage in any manner, the over indulgence of alcoholic beverages. For all who intend to participate in this upcoming event, you are reminded to participate in the wine tasting portion of the evening’s events responsibly. Transportation home in the form of designated drivers will be provided for those who request it or need it.

Here is a map showing the exact location of the wine tasting for those who need it.

Clarksville for Obama will offer a wine-tasting and house party on May 1 at the home of Dennis and JoAnn Latz, 3769 Trough Springs Road, Adams, Tennessee, just off of exit 11 from 7-10 p.m.

Wine expert Amy Gallo will be on hand to answer all your wine questions. All wineconnoisseurs/drinkers are asked to bring their favorite reasonable priced bottle (s) of wine for each other to sample. “The more varieties the better.” Attendees as asked to bring a finger food item such as cheese, wings, vegetables, meatballs, chips,  bottled soda and water.

This event will offer an opportunity for socializing, networking, and further discussion on Clarksville For Obama’s continued involvement in local, state and national political and social issues.

For questions or to RSVP please email: 

This event is open to the public.

Click on this link for directions:  http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Adams&state=TN&address=3769+Trough+Springs+Road+&zipcode=37010

Volunteer Wanda McMoore brews to first of many pots of coffee for the days meal.

Local volunteers for the January 17 “National Day of Service” turned out at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve the day’s meal — chili con carne — and accept monetary and food donations for this program, which serves approximately 200 meals a day, six days a week, to Clarksville’s families in need.

Clarksville for Obama coordinated the event, which was designed as part of the President-elect Barack Obama’s commitment to community service. Event coordinator Terry McMoore hosted the event, citing a need for communities to “get back to the basics to make life better for everyone.”

Loaves and Fishes Manager Mike O’Connell was grateful for the outpouring of community support, and accepted a number of monetary donations from the NAACP and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with the stream of food donations.

Day of Service volunteers were a roster of "Who's Who" in the Clarksville community: John Ferguson, Sheriff Norman Lewis, Wanda McMoore, Terry McMoore, Reggie Chapman, Kate Krevel, Tim Barnes, "Shirley", Noah Gurley, Rev. Charles Moreland and Mrs. Gurley.

“Obama himself was very involved with community service as a young man, and his commitment to the concept of this ‘Day of service’ is intended to create more opportunities like for people to become involved,” McMoore said, noting that as ideas ‘come down the Obama pipeline, we will continue to be involved.” McMoore noted that unlike earlier political grassroots organizations, Clarksville for Obama and similar groups across the country will continue to grow and sustain the movement for change that began in the Obama campaign. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”

Sheriff Norman Lewis speaks with Senator Tim Barnes

County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, County Trustee Brenda Radford, Senator Tim Barnes, Sheriff Norman Lewis, City Judge
Charles Smith,  City Councilor Mark Harris and NAACP president and School Board member Jimmie Garland joined a gathering of community and church volunteers to greet donors and visitors, sort donated food, and serve the days meal.

Pat Warner joined  Janice  and Joe Franklin as part of her church’s Team Hope, one of several church teams that regularly volunteers to work in the  Loaves and Fishes kitchen.

“We go out into the community. It’s a way to put our faith in action,” said volunteer Pat Warner.

In the back room, volunteers Reggie Chapman and Noah Gurley helped unload donations and restock shelves. Both young men said their moms were instrumental in their decision to help out.

“My mom told me about this and I thought it was a good thing to do,” Chapman said. Gurley echoed that thought even as he kept on putting groceries away on the Loaves and Fishes shelves.

Photos by Kelly Anne LaPlante

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President-elect Obama started his career by serving Chicago communities struggling with tough economic times. He saw what could be achieved when ordinary people organized and worked together and that idea was at the core of this campaign.
In keeping with the theme that President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden have set for the up coming inauguration, “Renewing America’s Promise”, people across the country have been invited to mark this historic occasion with a renewed commitment to service in their own communities.

During the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration thousands of grassroots organizations, community groups and agencies will participate in National Day of Service events across the nation.

Loaves and Fishes serves between 150-200 meals to the hungry six days a week and distributes food to area agencies through volunteer efforts. So their need of continued support and donations is greatly needed.

We are asking all supporters to come out and make donations of large can goods, meats, monetary donations, and dry shelf goods to this National Day Of Service event.

Join the community and elected officials at this special National Day Of Service “Feeding Clarksville’s Needy.” You’ve seen the power people can have when they make a commitment to serving others. Every time our nation has faced a challenge, the American people have risen to meet it. This new administration will face a number of challenges on day one, and you are the answer we need.

On January 17th, you can be part of a movement that will stretch from coast to coast, bringing together people from all walks of life acting as one nation, with a common purpose.

Sixty people gathered at the intersection of North 2nd St. and Riverside Drive to rally for the Obama/Biden election ticket

Staking out the corner of Kraft and North 2nd Street Saturday morning, some 60 campaigners chanted slogans, waved to passers by, and stumped to get the message out that Obama is their candidate of choice. To the rhythm of drum, and cheers ringing out over a speaker system, Clarkville for Obama teams moved from corner to corner over a two hour period.

The MCDP and Clarksville for Obama will gather Election Night (Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.), at the Riverview Inn  in downtown Clarksville to await election results.

Here are more images of Saturday’s event:

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Barack Obama for President Celebration!

The Montgomery County Democratic Party will hold its Election 2008 (November 4) celebration at the Riverview Inn Ballroom, 50 College Street, in downtown Clarksville beginning at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and is being staged with the expectation of a presidential win by the Obama/Biden team. All Democratic candidates are expected to attend and wait for the final tally.

Given the number of candidates and campaign staff involved in both Clarksville for Obama and the MCDP, the Dem headquarters on Madison Street was too small for the expected crowd on Tuesday evening.

Attendees can watch the returns on a large screen TV with additional internet access to results as they happen.

Clarksville For Obama in partnership with the Montgomery County Democratic Party will host a Honk for Barack Obama rally on Saturday, November 1, in front of McDonald’s at the intersection of Riverside Drive and N. 2nd Street, Clarksville, starting at 10:00a.m.

Your vote is your voice

I know you’ve all been volunteering tons of time for a long, long time now.  But, I just read something from Barack Obama that I think we should all take to heart!

“Don’t underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory …  I want everybody running scared. Over the next 18 days, other than your family and your job, I want you to make a decision that there is nothing more important than bringing about this change that we need.” — Barack ObamaNow it is the time!   Only 18 days left for you to volunteer.  We must stay focused and fight as hard as we can until every vote is counted!  The next four years depend on whether we will stand up and demand change!  Can we afford four more years of more of the same?

Get Involved Today!

Please click on the following links today and get a list of people in your neighborhood who you can visit or make phone calls to and help get Barack Obama elected! The power of technology which has been the main staple of this campaign has allow everyday people like you and me the power to be involved in helping take back our country!

Please click on the following links today and get a list of people in your neighborhood who you can visit or make phone calls to and help get Barack Obama elected!

The power of technology which has been the main staple of this campaign has allow everyday people like you and me the power to be involved in helping take back our country!Barack Obama has even designed a video showing how you can help in the campaign right from the comfort of your home. It’s just that easy to get involved today. Just click on the following links to connect:

Volunteer. Knock on Doors. Make Calls. Find events to attend or support. Log in to My Barack Obama.

The Montgomery County Democratic Party needs your help; to volunteer, call 931-552-5523.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Pre-presidential debate event is well attended with diverse community population. Hispanic/Latino community activists speak out on election, progress, and issues facing all voters.

The Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters, 534 Madison Street, served as the host site for the Latinos For Obama House Party. As a prelude to the 2nd presidential debate, the gathering was a well attended affair that drew participants from beyond just the Latino/Hispanic community.

Fabian Bedne, making a point...

Fabian Bedne, an architectural engineer, was the guest speaker for the event. Bedne is a founding member and President of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democrats, founding member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition PAC, and member of the Executive Committee of the Davidson County Democratic Party.

Bedne has been featured various times in news print, television and recently spoke to Latino Democrats from around the country as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Fabian Bedne addresses voters at MCDP headquarters

Bedne is also a board member of Habitat for Humanity, a founding member of Metro schools’ Comité de Padres Latinos (COPLA) Committee of Latino Parents, member of the Community Relations Committee of the Nashville Jewish Federation, and member of the Tennessee Delegate Selection Plan Committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He has also mentored students in the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program.

Parents listen intently as Bedne speaks.

Bedne stated that he is a supporter of educational achievement and economic development. In the past, the Black community and the Latino/Hispanic communities have both received the same political consideration in American politics, namely that of being ignored or taken for granted, marginalized.

“Like the Black community, we know what it is to only see or hear from politicians during an election cycle and after the election, they disappear for four years and forget your name until the next election rolls around.”~~ Fabian Bedne

During his address he noted that issues of concern to the Latino/Hispanic community are the same as with the Black community. He stated that many assume that immigration is the top concern of Latinos and Hispanics but that is incorrect. “We care about the economy, education, the war and then immigration, in that order.”

He also told the gathering that “Hispanics being seen as the largest minority in the United States has resulted in efforts targeting Latinos and Hispanics for specialized intimidation and voter suppression.” Flyers and rumors pour into the communities with misinformation and untruths designed to scare Latinos and Hispanics from seeking to register or go to the polls to vote. Bedne stated that many Latinos and Hispanics come from a background where law enforcement is not an true agent of public service for the common citizen but rather an extension of the power structure to suppress the people.

“It takes an intensive education effort to undo that kind of conditioning. Sadly there are political operatives here in this country who prey upon the immigrants ingrained fears of police to discourage our community from fully participating in the American system of government.” ~~ Fabian Bedne

Bedne stated that education is important, on many levels. “You can’t educate the child if the parents aren’t involved. Yet many Latinos/Hispanics have many issues which prevent them from being involved in their children’s education. Lack of English language proficiency and the quest for profitable employment are chief among these issues.”

“This is a great country. For us, prior to coming here, we only know what we see in the movies. But when we get here, we stay here because we see just how great life is in the United States. The Latino/Hispanic community is not trying to tear down this country, quite the opposite.”~~ Fabian Bedne

They recognize the promise that is America and seek to participate in that ideal.

During the question and answer session that followed his address, an audience member asked, ” “How do you answer someone who tells you vote your biblical heritage?” Another individual responded saying, “I would tell them, my biblical heritage tells me to vote for someone who will help the poor, who will feed the hungry, who will shelter the homeless and clothe the naked and drive the moneychangers out of the temples. Someone who will do unto his fellowman as he or she would wish done for himself.” This response was soundly applauded.

Other Latino community activists in attendance were also introduced to the gathering.

Yoland Echezarria (at left), a Fort Campbell Middle school teacher, is also a voter registration volunteer in the Hispanic community, indicating the value she places on the rights and responsibility of individuals to not only register to vote but to show up at the polls and vote.

Angel Natal, (at right with Frankie DeJesus), is a member of the Clarksville Fire Department and is also active in voter registration activity, promoting educational achievement and community organizing.

Frankie DeJesus is a student at Austin Peay State University, a member of the APSU College Democrats, and Director of Minority Affairs for the State Federation of College Democrats Outreach to the Minority Community.

Candidates for public office were then acknowledged.

Candy Johnson (at right), candidate for City Council Ward 5, David Cutting, candidate for City council Ward 8, Tim Barnes (above right), Democratic candidate for State Senate District 22 and State Rep. Joe Pitts, State House District 67 were presented to the gathering. Socializing followed with refreshments being served as everyone waited for the second presidential debate, live from Belmont University to begin.

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]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/09/latinos-for-obama-house-party-is-a-full-house/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/02/yard-signs-buttons-bumper-stickers-now-available-at-dem-headquarters/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/02/yard-signs-buttons-bumper-stickers-now-available-at-dem-headquarters/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:00:47 +0000 News Staff http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=9894

Montgomery County Democratic Party

The Montgomery County Democratic Party and Clarksville for Obama now have a good supply of campaign buttons, bumber stickers and yard signs available at the Democratic headquarters on the corner of Madision and University Drive. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for a small donation.

Those who signed up on the waiting list will be called to pick up their signs. The Dems are also seeking volunteers to work at campaign headquarters and to assist with special events.

35 days and counting until Election Day!

The Montgomery County Democratic Party and Clarksville for Obama encourage everyone age 18 and up to register to vote and to encourage their friends to register, by either going to the Election Commission of on Pageant Lane or by registering online  at www.ClarksvilleForObama.com .

The last day to register to be eligible to vote in the general election is OCT. 6^th.

The MCDP and Clarksville for Obama are also seeking volunteers to work in the Madison Street office. if you are interested, please call 552-5523.

Join Obama eGroup: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ClarksvilleforObama

The following is a list of upcoming events:

Mass Voter Registration Drive and Rally will be held October 4 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at 534 Madison St. from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have plenty of food and guest speakers at this event. This will be our last push to register people before the last day to register to vote Oct 6^th.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gshf75

Latinos for Obama House Party will be held October 7 at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters at  534 Madison St. at 6:00 p.m.  Guest speaker for the event Fabian Bedne, chairman of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democratics. Join Latino Leaders, Pastors, Community Leaders and concerned citizens for a get together of Barack Obama supporters.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/gs78dj

2^nd Presidential Debate Watch Party will be held October 7 at 8 p.m. at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters 534 Madison St.. The debate will be broadcast live from Belmont University Nashville TN.

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/debatewatchparty/gsh884

An Early Voting Rally will be held October 18 at Veterans Plaza Parking Lot (located near the Public Library) at 10 a.m.. Join all Democrat candidates at a rally setup to encourage early voting and to energize all Democratic Party members. After the rally we will all go inside the Election Commission to vote as a group!

We encourage you to come out and participate in all the election season campaign events. RSVP not required to attend events but all eGroup members should RSVP online to these events.

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/01/montgomery-county-voters-call-to-action/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/20/women-for-obama-to-celebrate-88th-anniversary-of-womens-right-to-vote/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/20/women-for-obama-to-celebrate-88th-anniversary-of-womens-right-to-vote/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:00:05 +0000 Terry McMoore http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=9441

Clarksville Women for Obama

Please join Women for Obama for a House Party to Celebrate the 88th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave Women the Right to Vote.

The event will be held September 26, at 7:00 p.m.at Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters, 534 Madison Street, Clarksville, (on the corner of University and Madison Street) . Guests are encouraged to stay and watch the Presidential debates.

The House Party is open to the public. Reservations are not required, however, if you wish to let us know you will attend, please respond at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gplv7q

This is a great opportunity to meet local Obama supporters, hear powerful guest speakers, and enjoy some great Food! For more information call (931) 552-9076 or visit:

www.ClarksvilleForObama.com

Local fund raiser highlighted by enthusiastic crowd and lively speakers. Montgomery County Democratic Party partners with Clarksville for Obama to stage the event. Democratic State Senate District 22 nominee Tim Barnes shares in event spotlight.

Clarksville for Obama, with an assist from the Montgomery County Democratic Party, held a fund raiser Thursday night  at the IAM Local # 129 Union Hall on 1296 Union Hall Rd.

U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Tuke and Senate District 22 candidate Tim Barnes were among the guest speakers, a roster that included candidates for state and national offices on the November ballot, and representatives of both the Democratic Party and Labor Unions.  Approximately 155 people attended the event.

Gene Lewis, MCDP chair, stood in for Kim McMiillan, who was unable to attend, as moderator for the event. He introduced each of the program’s speakers to address the gathering.

Bob Tuke (center, left), candidate for 7th US Senate District, commended Clarksville for Obama and the Montgomery County Democratic Party. He praised the county for its strong Democratic Party tradition. He additionally hailed State Senate District 22 nominee Tim Barnes.

Tuke then cited Senator Barack Obama as a “great candidate” and declared he would make a fantastic president. He declared the current financial crisis, “is not an accident, it isn’t cyclic. It’s the result of mismanagement.” He noted that “President Obama” will need a supportive Senate and that means having at least sixty democratic votes in the Senate.

“I want to be that 60th vote that will end the Republicans filibusters. Barack and I need your help to make that happen.” — Bob Tuke

Tim Barnes , State Senate District 22 nominee, “To my many supporters, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You!” He declared that:

“There is nothing more powerful than a group of people dedicated to a cause. I stand here before you as living proof of that you can make a difference. It is essential we take this fight to the people. Senator Obama has the opportunity to straighten out the mess of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.”

He added that the unique thing about Senator Obama is that, “He’s not telling us what we want to hear, he’s telling us what we NEED to hear!”

Randy Morris, candidate for US Congressional District 7, spoke out about Rep. Marsha Blackburn, regarding her 90 percent track record of voting with the Bush administration: “Poor Marsha, she never got it an she never will!” He supports Senator Obama’s energy program, saying, “We are going to have to get off our oil dependence. ‘Drill, baby, drill,’ sounds cute but it’s not the answer to our energy problems. We have to go with renewable resources.”

Wade Munday, communications director of the Tennessee Democratic Party, told the crowd of looking forward to seeing Bob Tuke retire Lamar Alexander in the US Senate and Tim Barnes sitting at the District 22 seat in the State Senate. He declared that with Barack Obama in the White House and Bob Tuke in the US Senate, Democrats are ready to take control and change this nation for the better. Jerry Lee, president of AFL-CIO Tennessee State Council, spoke next. He told the gathering that “our country must turn around. We must change our nation’s direction. We must elect Barack Obama as president.”

Tyrone Taylor (left), communications director for Clarksville for Obama, enthralled the gathering, saying that “Barack’s message of change, of empowerment was simply too powerful to resist. The Republicans view our situation as natural. It’s no big deal. They represent the past. We democrats represent the future.”

Jerry Martin, director of Tennessee for Obama, told the crowd that Montgomery county is going to be blue in November. Martin noted that “Tennessee is counted as a red state but in reality that is only a superficial cover. Our everyday politics are invariably blue. In June 2006, there were 3.5 million registered voters in Tennessee. In June 2007, that number had grown to 3.8 million registered voters.” He urged the group by October 6, 2008, (ed: the deadline to register for the 2008 election) to make that number more than 4 million.

Martin also spoke of various attempts to disparage Senate Obama, false attacks on his name, his religion, and his character. He urged everyone to refer to the website, <www.stopthesmears.com> for factual information and counter arguments to refute these false attacks being circulated by his opponents. He told the supporters to respond to these untruths by referring the doubters to “stopthesmears.com” and ask if they know that Senator McCain (a) voted against the Women’s Fair Pay Act and (b) wants to tax their health care benefits. Martin said that September 30 will be celebrated as “Obama Blue Day,” a day when all Barack Obama supporters are asked to wear the color blue and register two unregistered voters.

Refreshments for this popular event included a variety of deli sandwiches with condiments, chips and pastry desserts and soft drinks. The serving line, manned by Clarksville for Obama volunteers, moved the procession along smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, Campaign Obama t-shirts and yard signs were available for purchase. These tables were well visited.

Obama bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts and yard signs, along with material for other campaigns, are also available at the party headquarters. Volunteer campaign workers are welcome. The next General Membership meeting of the Montgomery County Democratic Party is Tuesday, September 23, at party headquarters at 534 Madison Street, located at the corner of Madison Street and University Avenue, across from United Church of Christ. All Democrats and Democratic supporters are encouraged to attend.

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