A Call to Action

David,

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

President Barack Obama walks to the podium in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, to speak about winning the Nobel Peace Prize

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.

These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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A Call to Action

David,

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

President Barack Obama walks to the podium in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, to speak about winning the Nobel Peace Prize

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.

These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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A Call to Action

David,

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

President Barack Obama walks to the podium in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, to speak about winning the Nobel Peace Prize

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.
That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century.

These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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Hulis from Southern Highlands Province in Papua New Guinea want apology from United States

By TRAVERTZ MABONE

Various leaders from Hela province have demanded an apology from American political satirists who used their traditional dress in a witchdoctor slur against US president Barack Obama. The leaders gathered in Port Moresby yesterday to confirm a trip to the United States to demand a formal apology from the Tea Party, among others, which circulated, the offending image.

The delegation will include Paya Kakahalu, of Magara village in south Koroba, Southern Highlands province, the person whose photograph was “doctored” to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor. Damien Arabagali, Hela Gimbu Association (HGA) chairman, said PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Culture and Tourism Minister would have to take up their demand.

“We have never felt such discrimination of our cultural identity, we are not witch doctors,” Mr Arabagali said.“Our children face the shame of being labelled this way.“We will not rest until we get an official apology,” Mr Arabagali said.“We are prepared to travel to New York to show the Americans we are not witchdoctors.

One of the similar pictures like the one shown above was doctored to portray President Obama

“It is widely known in PNG that Huli people do not practice sorcery and to portray them as witchdoctors on the international scene is uncalled for.“The 350,000 people in Hela are offended,” Mr Arabagali said. HGA lawyer Alfred Kaibe, who wore his traditional Hela costume when he was an MP in 2001, said his people did not see the funny side.“It borders on racism, to us and the US president,” he said.

“The connotation is this type of dress is for witchcraft.This is our traditional costume; we are proud of it and to see it displayed like that is an insult and cannot be accepted.” The Tea Party had mocked up the image as part of a three-week series of protests across the US against Mr Obama’s controversial healthcare reforms. Last week, CNN asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

“(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the administration and congress are taking us,” he said.In 2006, PNG demanded a similar apology from Boris Johnson, then a British Conservative MP who is now mayor of London, after he linked the country with “cannibalism and chief-killing”.

Popular Detroit-based PNG blogger, David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting.“Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,” Mr Ketepa said. He blogged that media organisations had flooded his email inbox seeking interviews.“The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where PNG was,” he said.

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Hulis from Southern Highlands Province in Papua New Guinea want apology from United States

By TRAVERTZ MABONE

Various leaders from Hela province have demanded an apology from American political satirists who used their traditional dress in a witchdoctor slur against US president Barack Obama. The leaders gathered in Port Moresby yesterday to confirm a trip to the United States to demand a formal apology from the Tea Party, among others, which circulated, the offending image.

The delegation will include Paya Kakahalu, of Magara village in south Koroba, Southern Highlands province, the person whose photograph was “doctored” to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor. Damien Arabagali, Hela Gimbu Association (HGA) chairman, said PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Culture and Tourism Minister would have to take up their demand.

“We have never felt such discrimination of our cultural identity, we are not witch doctors,” Mr Arabagali said.“Our children face the shame of being labelled this way.“We will not rest until we get an official apology,” Mr Arabagali said.“We are prepared to travel to New York to show the Americans we are not witchdoctors.

One of the similar pictures like the one shown above was doctored to portray President Obama

“It is widely known in PNG that Huli people do not practice sorcery and to portray them as witchdoctors on the international scene is uncalled for.“The 350,000 people in Hela are offended,” Mr Arabagali said. HGA lawyer Alfred Kaibe, who wore his traditional Hela costume when he was an MP in 2001, said his people did not see the funny side.“It borders on racism, to us and the US president,” he said.

“The connotation is this type of dress is for witchcraft.This is our traditional costume; we are proud of it and to see it displayed like that is an insult and cannot be accepted.” The Tea Party had mocked up the image as part of a three-week series of protests across the US against Mr Obama’s controversial healthcare reforms. Last week, CNN asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

“(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the administration and congress are taking us,” he said.In 2006, PNG demanded a similar apology from Boris Johnson, then a British Conservative MP who is now mayor of London, after he linked the country with “cannibalism and chief-killing”.

Popular Detroit-based PNG blogger, David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting.“Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,” Mr Ketepa said. He blogged that media organisations had flooded his email inbox seeking interviews.“The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where PNG was,” he said.

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Hulis from Southern Highlands Province in Papua New Guinea want apology from United States

By TRAVERTZ MABONE

Various leaders from Hela province have demanded an apology from American political satirists who used their traditional dress in a witchdoctor slur against US president Barack Obama. The leaders gathered in Port Moresby yesterday to confirm a trip to the United States to demand a formal apology from the Tea Party, among others, which circulated, the offending image.

The delegation will include Paya Kakahalu, of Magara village in south Koroba, Southern Highlands province, the person whose photograph was “doctored” to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor. Damien Arabagali, Hela Gimbu Association (HGA) chairman, said PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Culture and Tourism Minister would have to take up their demand.

“We have never felt such discrimination of our cultural identity, we are not witch doctors,” Mr Arabagali said.“Our children face the shame of being labelled this way.“We will not rest until we get an official apology,” Mr Arabagali said.“We are prepared to travel to New York to show the Americans we are not witchdoctors.

One of the similar pictures like the one shown above was doctored to portray President Obama

“It is widely known in PNG that Huli people do not practice sorcery and to portray them as witchdoctors on the international scene is uncalled for.“The 350,000 people in Hela are offended,” Mr Arabagali said. HGA lawyer Alfred Kaibe, who wore his traditional Hela costume when he was an MP in 2001, said his people did not see the funny side.“It borders on racism, to us and the US president,” he said.

“The connotation is this type of dress is for witchcraft.This is our traditional costume; we are proud of it and to see it displayed like that is an insult and cannot be accepted.” The Tea Party had mocked up the image as part of a three-week series of protests across the US against Mr Obama’s controversial healthcare reforms. Last week, CNN asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

“(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the administration and congress are taking us,” he said.In 2006, PNG demanded a similar apology from Boris Johnson, then a British Conservative MP who is now mayor of London, after he linked the country with “cannibalism and chief-killing”.

Popular Detroit-based PNG blogger, David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting.“Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,” Mr Ketepa said. He blogged that media organisations had flooded his email inbox seeking interviews.“The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where PNG was,” he said.

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Papua New Guinea anger over Obama witchdoctor image

From AdelaideNow News

Papua New Guinea has become embroiled in an American race row after US President Barack Obama was depicted as a witchdoctor by opponents of his healthcare policy. In the offending image, a headshot of Obama was superimposed on a photograph of a Papua New Guinea Highlands region Huli wigman in full traditional costume, supposedly to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor.

A US organisation known as The Tea Party mocked up the image as part of their three-week series of protests across the US against controversial healthcare reforms. The image has upset Papua New Guinea citizens, particularly those living in the United States, and ignited a furious debate online and in Papua New Guinea newspapers.

Popular Detroit-based Papua New Guinean blogger David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting. "Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,'' he said. David Ulg Ketepa blogged that media organisations have flooded his email inbox seeking interviews. "The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where Papua New Guinea is,'' he said.

"It gives me an impression that most Americans are ignorant and do not want to reason out things before opening their mouths,'' he said. US news network Cable News Network (CNN) asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

''(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the Administration and Congress are taking us,'' he said. Former US president Jimmy Carter described Republican Joe Wilson's outburst "you lie'' during Mr Obama's healthcare address to Congress earlier this month as the "aversion to have a black person as president''.

Earlier this year, a US university student was arrested after putting up digitally altered posters of Obama as Batman comic villain the Joker.

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Papua New Guinea anger over Obama witchdoctor image

From AdelaideNow News

Papua New Guinea has become embroiled in an American race row after US President Barack Obama was depicted as a witchdoctor by opponents of his healthcare policy. In the offending image, a headshot of Obama was superimposed on a photograph of a Papua New Guinea Highlands region Huli wigman in full traditional costume, supposedly to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor.

A US organisation known as The Tea Party mocked up the image as part of their three-week series of protests across the US against controversial healthcare reforms. The image has upset Papua New Guinea citizens, particularly those living in the United States, and ignited a furious debate online and in Papua New Guinea newspapers.

Popular Detroit-based Papua New Guinean blogger David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting. "Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,'' he said. David Ulg Ketepa blogged that media organisations have flooded his email inbox seeking interviews. "The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where Papua New Guinea is,'' he said.

"It gives me an impression that most Americans are ignorant and do not want to reason out things before opening their mouths,'' he said. US news network Cable News Network (CNN) asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

''(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the Administration and Congress are taking us,'' he said. Former US president Jimmy Carter described Republican Joe Wilson's outburst "you lie'' during Mr Obama's healthcare address to Congress earlier this month as the "aversion to have a black person as president''.

Earlier this year, a US university student was arrested after putting up digitally altered posters of Obama as Batman comic villain the Joker.

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Papua New Guinea anger over Obama witchdoctor image

From AdelaideNow News

Papua New Guinea has become embroiled in an American race row after US President Barack Obama was depicted as a witchdoctor by opponents of his healthcare policy. In the offending image, a headshot of Obama was superimposed on a photograph of a Papua New Guinea Highlands region Huli wigman in full traditional costume, supposedly to portray the black president as an African witchdoctor.

A US organisation known as The Tea Party mocked up the image as part of their three-week series of protests across the US against controversial healthcare reforms. The image has upset Papua New Guinea citizens, particularly those living in the United States, and ignited a furious debate online and in Papua New Guinea newspapers.

Popular Detroit-based Papua New Guinean blogger David Ulg Ketepa said the image was disgusting. "Many Papua New Guineans living in the US and around the world are angered by the picture,'' he said. David Ulg Ketepa blogged that media organisations have flooded his email inbox seeking interviews. "The sad thing that I noted from this bunch of emails is that, nobody knew where Papua New Guinea is,'' he said.

"It gives me an impression that most Americans are ignorant and do not want to reason out things before opening their mouths,'' he said. US news network Cable News Network (CNN) asked Tea Party member Joe Wierzbicki whether the image was racist or satirical.

''(It) says to me that a lot of people in this country are angry about the direction that the Administration and Congress are taking us,'' he said. Former US president Jimmy Carter described Republican Joe Wilson's outburst "you lie'' during Mr Obama's healthcare address to Congress earlier this month as the "aversion to have a black person as president''.

Earlier this year, a US university student was arrested after putting up digitally altered posters of Obama as Batman comic villain the Joker.

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Papua New Guinea at the center of Obama race row

By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

PAPUA New Guinea has been inadvertently drawn into US president Barack Obama’s healthcare plan which has now turned into a raging racist debate. At the centre of the controversy is the accompanying photograph, ‘doctored’ from an image of a PNG Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, mischievously portraying the black president as an African witchdoctor.

The ‘doctored’ image of US president Barack Obama superimposed on a Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, which is at the centre of a racism controversy in the United States.

It had been placed on emails, on websites and in the form of posters at anti-healthcare plan protests for weeks. The racist slant has made headline news in the US for the past three weeks and PNG expatriates there have emailed their friends and relatives in PNG to voice anger that the photograph was not only racist but it also demeaned PNG culture.

“Many Papua New Guineans living in the United States and around the world are angered by the picture which was used by an opponent of president Obama’s healthcare plan. The picture depicts a warrior from the Highlands who is in his traditional attire,” David Ulg Ketepa from Detroit, Michigan, said on his blog. “This is totally absurd and whoever did it needs to apologise to the people of Papua New Guinea for insulting us.

This is our culture and we love it!” one Papua New Guinean said on his blog.“To the ignorant, racist idiot who distributed this picture, this is not an African witchdoctor’s dress like you claim,” another said.

Yet another PNG writer said: “Keep my country out of your foolishness.” The photograph shows the Huli wigman from the newly-created Hela province sitting outside a round house, holding a stone axe while another rests on his right side. His feathered wig clearly shows a stuffed Bird of Paradise in the middle and on both ends.

Through his nose is a pig tusk.The bigger debate though came from Americans themselves on whether the doctored image was racist or satirical.Most were of the opinion that it was the former. However, the organisers of the protests, a group called Tea Party, said the portrayal might be racist but it reflected anger about where president Obama was leading the country.

Tea Party said there had been too much US government intervention, particularly concerning healthcare and taxes. However, critics countered that the witchdoctor image was blatantly racist.“ presidents get made fun of all the time, and the election of a black president has only made racially charged political satire more sensitive,” one US website commentary noted.

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Papua New Guinea at the center of Obama race row

By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

PAPUA New Guinea has been inadvertently drawn into US president Barack Obama’s healthcare plan which has now turned into a raging racist debate. At the centre of the controversy is the accompanying photograph, ‘doctored’ from an image of a PNG Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, mischievously portraying the black president as an African witchdoctor.

The ‘doctored’ image of US president Barack Obama superimposed on a Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, which is at the centre of a racism controversy in the United States.

It had been placed on emails, on websites and in the form of posters at anti-healthcare plan protests for weeks. The racist slant has made headline news in the US for the past three weeks and PNG expatriates there have emailed their friends and relatives in PNG to voice anger that the photograph was not only racist but it also demeaned PNG culture.

“Many Papua New Guineans living in the United States and around the world are angered by the picture which was used by an opponent of president Obama’s healthcare plan. The picture depicts a warrior from the Highlands who is in his traditional attire,” David Ulg Ketepa from Detroit, Michigan, said on his blog. “This is totally absurd and whoever did it needs to apologise to the people of Papua New Guinea for insulting us.

This is our culture and we love it!” one Papua New Guinean said on his blog.“To the ignorant, racist idiot who distributed this picture, this is not an African witchdoctor’s dress like you claim,” another said.

Yet another PNG writer said: “Keep my country out of your foolishness.” The photograph shows the Huli wigman from the newly-created Hela province sitting outside a round house, holding a stone axe while another rests on his right side. His feathered wig clearly shows a stuffed Bird of Paradise in the middle and on both ends.

Through his nose is a pig tusk.The bigger debate though came from Americans themselves on whether the doctored image was racist or satirical.Most were of the opinion that it was the former. However, the organisers of the protests, a group called Tea Party, said the portrayal might be racist but it reflected anger about where president Obama was leading the country.

Tea Party said there had been too much US government intervention, particularly concerning healthcare and taxes. However, critics countered that the witchdoctor image was blatantly racist.“ presidents get made fun of all the time, and the election of a black president has only made racially charged political satire more sensitive,” one US website commentary noted.

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Papua New Guinea at the center of Obama race row

By SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

PAPUA New Guinea has been inadvertently drawn into US president Barack Obama’s healthcare plan which has now turned into a raging racist debate. At the centre of the controversy is the accompanying photograph, ‘doctored’ from an image of a PNG Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, mischievously portraying the black president as an African witchdoctor.

The ‘doctored’ image of US president Barack Obama superimposed on a Huli wigman in full traditional regalia, which is at the centre of a racism controversy in the United States.

It had been placed on emails, on websites and in the form of posters at anti-healthcare plan protests for weeks. The racist slant has made headline news in the US for the past three weeks and PNG expatriates there have emailed their friends and relatives in PNG to voice anger that the photograph was not only racist but it also demeaned PNG culture.

“Many Papua New Guineans living in the United States and around the world are angered by the picture which was used by an opponent of president Obama’s healthcare plan. The picture depicts a warrior from the Highlands who is in his traditional attire,” David Ulg Ketepa from Detroit, Michigan, said on his blog. “This is totally absurd and whoever did it needs to apologise to the people of Papua New Guinea for insulting us.

This is our culture and we love it!” one Papua New Guinean said on his blog.“To the ignorant, racist idiot who distributed this picture, this is not an African witchdoctor’s dress like you claim,” another said.

Yet another PNG writer said: “Keep my country out of your foolishness.” The photograph shows the Huli wigman from the newly-created Hela province sitting outside a round house, holding a stone axe while another rests on his right side. His feathered wig clearly shows a stuffed Bird of Paradise in the middle and on both ends.

Through his nose is a pig tusk.The bigger debate though came from Americans themselves on whether the doctored image was racist or satirical.Most were of the opinion that it was the former. However, the organisers of the protests, a group called Tea Party, said the portrayal might be racist but it reflected anger about where president Obama was leading the country.

Tea Party said there had been too much US government intervention, particularly concerning healthcare and taxes. However, critics countered that the witchdoctor image was blatantly racist.“ presidents get made fun of all the time, and the election of a black president has only made racially charged political satire more sensitive,” one US website commentary noted.

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Not the FIRST, but the LAST!

David --

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.
Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.
The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:
http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform
Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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Not the FIRST, but the LAST!

David --

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.
Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.
The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:
http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform
Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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Not the FIRST, but the LAST!

David --

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.
Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.
The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:
http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform
Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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Senator Ted Kennedy

David --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

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Senator Ted Kennedy

David --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

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Senator Ted Kennedy

David --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

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Beating the scare tactics

David,

Members of Congress have been home for just a few days, and they're already facing increased pressure from insurance companies, special interests, and partisan attack organizations that are spending millions to block health insurance reform.

These groups are using scare tactics and spreading smears about the President's plan for reform, trying to incite constituents into lashing out at their representatives and disrupting their events. The goal of these disruptions is for a few people to get a lot of media attention and hijack the entire public discourse.

If they succeed, all Americans -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- will continue to struggle under the broken status quo. It's up to us to show Congress that those loudly opposing reform are a tiny minority being stirred up by special interests, and that a huge majority strongly supports enacting real health insurance reform in 2009.

Your representative, John Barrow, needs to hear that voters are demanding health insurance reform this year. Can you call the local office in Sandersville? Let the person who answers know that you're a constituent. Then tell them: "Please fight for real health insurance reform in 2009. Americans are suffering under the current system and need change."

According to our records, you live in Georgia's 12th congressional district. Please call: Rep. John Barrow at 478-553-1923. Once you've made your call, click here to report it.
(Not your representative? Click here to look yours up.)

Calling should only take a few minutes, but it's a huge help. These local offices serve as the main connection between a member of Congress and voters in the district. And with representatives home on recess, the staff there are in daily contact with your member, keeping them updated on how many calls they receive that are for or against reform.

Once you've called, please tell us. Knowing how many calls are coming in from all around the country will help us better plan our campaign -- and help us show that the American people overwhelmingly want health insurance reform this year. Let us know you called: Click here to inform the center.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart

DirectorOrganizing for America

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Beating the scare tactics

David,

Members of Congress have been home for just a few days, and they're already facing increased pressure from insurance companies, special interests, and partisan attack organizations that are spending millions to block health insurance reform.

These groups are using scare tactics and spreading smears about the President's plan for reform, trying to incite constituents into lashing out at their representatives and disrupting their events. The goal of these disruptions is for a few people to get a lot of media attention and hijack the entire public discourse.

If they succeed, all Americans -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- will continue to struggle under the broken status quo. It's up to us to show Congress that those loudly opposing reform are a tiny minority being stirred up by special interests, and that a huge majority strongly supports enacting real health insurance reform in 2009.

Your representative, John Barrow, needs to hear that voters are demanding health insurance reform this year. Can you call the local office in Sandersville? Let the person who answers know that you're a constituent. Then tell them: "Please fight for real health insurance reform in 2009. Americans are suffering under the current system and need change."

According to our records, you live in Georgia's 12th congressional district. Please call: Rep. John Barrow at 478-553-1923. Once you've made your call, click here to report it.
(Not your representative? Click here to look yours up.)

Calling should only take a few minutes, but it's a huge help. These local offices serve as the main connection between a member of Congress and voters in the district. And with representatives home on recess, the staff there are in daily contact with your member, keeping them updated on how many calls they receive that are for or against reform.

Once you've called, please tell us. Knowing how many calls are coming in from all around the country will help us better plan our campaign -- and help us show that the American people overwhelmingly want health insurance reform this year. Let us know you called: Click here to inform the center.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart

DirectorOrganizing for America

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