Welcome President Obama to Anchorage on Thursday!
11 11 2009
With all the issues swirling around health care and Afghanistan and a host of other issues that frustrate us, let’s take a moment to think back on the first 10 months of the Obama administration, and recall the major legislation that has been passed.
And let us not forget the nomination and approval of Judge Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and the fact that he does not say nookular.
AND let’s not forget that the administration before this one was busy doing things like vetoing stem cell research, authorizing The Patriot Act, and No Child Left Behind, torpedoing our economy, lying us in to a war, and a whole lot of other stuff we’d rather forget about. Perspective and reflection are good things.
This message just came in from Organizing for America:
Let’s welcome President Obama to Alaska and show him how much we appreciate all he’s done!
Please join us at a rally outside of the Boniface Gate to Elmendorf Air Force Base at 12:00 noon on Thursday, November 12th.
We encourage you to deck yourselves out in Obama-gear and bring your Obama signs, whether they are campaign yard-signs or homemade posters with positive messages. This is our opportunity to send a clear message that Alaskans are still fired up and ready to go!
Along with welcoming the President, we need to join him in recognizing the invaluable contributions of those serving in the military and those who have already served. Please encourage any veterans you know to join us as we will take time to recognize them on this historic day.
Thursday, November 12 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Boniface Gate to Elmendorf AFB (Anchorage, AK)
North Side of Boniface Drive
Just north of Glenn Highway
Anchorage, AK 99501
The event is not open to the public, but the welcome rally is. It will be a nice way to connect with friends, show support and be a nice big blue crowd waving to Air Force One as it touches down in Alaska for the first time in this administration.
Photos from October 2008
November 11th, 2009 at 2:23 PM
So exciting! It’s been quite a year!
November 11th, 2009 at 2:28 PM
I just posted on the previous thread where Polly commented about this rally that I am so happy for you guys in AK; wish I could be there. How about an !Obamanos! sign, an “I’m a Mudpuppy” sign, the PAlIN-Free sign? Wow. Will Brian get to go? I did go to Organizing for American and I posted a thank you for this rally; I told them Barack Obama had and has given us Hope; the Alaskan bloggers sustain that Hope. Signed and Alaskan wannabe: Daisydem (down in AL).
November 11th, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Just imagine if President McCain or VP Palin was stopping to refuel on their way to conduct foreign policy in our name. This will be a great way to spend lunch hour and celebrate the fact that what might have been, wasn’t.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I hope Alaska can get the word out and turn out big time!……..Please support our President, he’s not a quitter and he’s doing a very good job.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Is the media making a big deal out of this? It is his FIRST visit to Alaska, you’d think they’d make a big deal out of it.
November 11th, 2009 at 2:42 PM
For us in the Lower 48, PLEASE to anyone who goes; take pics; video, anything to share. Thank you. I could not be more excited if he were landing in MY backyard … well, maybe a little bit more!
November 11th, 2009 at 2:42 PM
AKM, thanks for that extensive list. I wish Huffpo would do a piece that included all of these legislative changes made by President Obama.
It seems that that Huffpo has become very negative on President Obama and I never read a positive list like this on their site. It’s really sad.
Who can we shake over there? Maybe liberals need to say, Thanks but no Thanks to Huffpo until they start printing some positive Obama pieces. We get enough negative slants from CNN, Fox, and the other MSM.
Anyway, how exciting that The President is coming to visit!!!!!!!
November 11th, 2009 at 2:51 PM
You lucky Alaskans! That is very exciting! And I hope he stays safe. Beck is trying to rile up the military now, saying that his speech at FT Hood was cold, wasn’t emotional enough- aarrgghh!
November 11th, 2009 at 2:58 PM
I hope there’s a BIG happy turnout for our President tomorrow. I hope I don’t go to moderation too, also.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:03 PM
My wife’s family is in the military, and we managed to snag a couple of tickets for tomorrow’s event. I’ll be taking lots of photo and video, and will be happy to share with all the Mudflatters out there!
November 11th, 2009 at 3:13 PM
All you mudpups in AK – please go and cheer on our wonderful President on our behalf. We will be there in spirit – and in very colorful, glorious PJs to celebrate the occasion. You will feel our energy – we are FIRED UP and READY TO GO!
Hope you all have fun. I’ll be waiting for the pictures and story tomorrow afternoon.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:21 PM
I hope some people show up with flags to show that supporting the President is patriotic.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Oh, i can not wait to see the pictures. You good people of Alaska sure know how to do a rally and you have waited for this..Go alaska
November 11th, 2009 at 3:41 PM
I saw the documentary yesterday on HBO “By The People.” Two crazy gals started it, got amazing access, ran out of money, got funding from the actor Ed Norton (who is one of my favorites) and made it happen. The story of the Obama campaign through the eyes or some of the participants. First aired last weekend.
Gave me goosebumps and made me joyous. So much hope; so much energy; so much promise. And then I got a little sad.
That was then and this is now.
I don’t think anyone anticipated how vicious the attacks from the Right-wing media would be. Or how intractable the Republicans in Congress would be. Or how much influence Wing-Nuttery would wield.
All that said… proud as hell to have this good man as President. Change takes time and I’m in for the fight.
Hope he gets to interact with all of you good folks in Alaska during the layover.
Yes we can.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:47 PM
How exciting!! So wish I were there. Thanks to all who continue to support our president in these difficult times. Can’t wait for the pics.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
AKM, I love that, along with the long list of legislation passed, you included the Very Important fact that UNLIKE GW Bush AND Palin, he does not say “nookular”! (Love the spelling!)
That alone was reason enough to elect him…I would not want anyone who couldn’t even pronounce the word correctly to be anywhere near the controls for those weapons….
November 11th, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Trisha I rarely go to Huffington anymore, either. The headlines are often misleading, posts are moderated without reason and as you pointed out, the stories are becoming very negative.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Another perspective:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-11-10/how-obama-sold-women-out/
I’ve disliked Larry Summers since his idiotic statement about women. Plus a lot of other food for thought.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:42 PM
If I am not mistaken – MoveOn.Org is also calling for a rally at noon on Thursday – outside of Young’s office in support of a healthy health care bill. Cooridination anyone? Twitter to the Welcome Obama rally how many are supporting health care? Someone could carry a sign with number of health care supporters rallying at Young’s office with increasing numbers as the rally grows?
Well, I will be at work – so have fun! sigh.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Trisha and swe123: me too. HuffPo was my go-to news source until I started noticing about 2-3 months ago that HuffPo had changed in tenor; not more moderate or objective, but rather more negative and definitely misleading bylines and more like a tabloid. There doesn’t seem to be an unbiased objective news source. I now get most of my news frankly on the AK blogs; now linking to HuffPo only when a link is imbedded here that I feel compelled to go to. I will be honest and say that I too have my biases (especially concerning a certain ex-Gov of AK) so I am not exactly seeking an alternate perspective there, but there are certain news events that I want to read about in a non-tabloid way, and it does not happen.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Thanks for reminder, AKM, of how much PO has accomplished already in his short time in office.
Furthermore, he has accomplished these things without much bipartisan help…..I should amend that statement to say that he’s accomplished these things even though the GOPers have worked aggressively to make him personally A FAILURE!
In all my years of watching the political scene, I haven’t seen such overt racism, lies, and hatred toward a newly elected president who won with a clear majority of the vote.
Considering the crazy negativity and obstructionism to any move this president makes (remember the “talk to our school kids?”), any progress he makes is truly amazing.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Hooray for Alaska, our President and our veterans!
November 11th, 2009 at 5:52 PM
@A Fan From Chicago
______
I saw Norton on Leno a few weeks back. He said the project started as a documentary on his senate career shortly after the 04 speech. He said it eventually became apparent something was swirling around him, then sure enough he announces his bid for the presidency in the middle of their filming. He said he knew the docmentary would stop then, Obama’s campaign staff didn’t like the idea, but sure enough Ed says the only one who didn’t think it was a big deal to have them around and knew they’d have nothing to hide was the candidate himself. He wanted them to be able to continue with what he’d promised they could do.
This is the true character of Obama, nothing to fear, nothing to hide, nothing to be secretive about, nothing to worry about.
Just saw on Rachel too by the way he has rejected all proposals on Afghanistan and sent them back to the drawing board. Per Rachel’s sources (sorry can’t remember all of it) he will not accept a strategy that doesn’t also address the plan for exit! I had just said about 5 hours ago to a friend that from all he’s been dealing with, the trip to Dover, yesterday, today, that he was also trying to get a feel for the reality of these soldiers, their families, their mental faculties, etc. I really believe that is why he went to Dover, he is the type that needs to feel it, needs a personal understanding of how his decisions and actions affect the lives of Americans. It can be seen in his face (and Michelle) in the pictures and videos of all the recent military related events he’s been attending to.
I’m very proud of my President and The First Lady. Truly compassionate people and I’m proud to have a President that feels he and only he is accountable.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Thank you AKM for your positive reinforcement as always!
I was a bit down today because it seems like negativity is everywhere these days. So many LOVE to ask sardonically “WHAT has Obama done since he took office anyways?”
Short answer: Plenty!
Can we improve? Of course we can! Have there been frustrations along the way? Of course there has been! But I still have hope that these next 4 years will be the beginning of a new America where HOPE and TRUTH triumphs over FEAR and LIES.
Have fun at the welcoming rally AK Mudpups! Give a President an extra wave / shout-out from me!
November 11th, 2009 at 6:50 PM
MadCity Chick – and you know, it’s good to have a President that actually wants to see for himself the impact of his decisions for this country. Rather than listen to his advisers and live in a bubble. It was important for Obama get to go to Dover. I would never want to be in his shoes but if he has to make a decision whether to send someone’s son or daughter to war, then I think it goes a long way to see first hand what may happen to that son or daughter. Too bad Bush never bothered or he may have thought twice about lying America into not one but two wars.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Lee323 @19 -
You’re absolutely right about the President having to accomplish all those things with the right doing everything they could to oppose him. After all the crying and screaming about how PO was bulldozing his ‘liberal agenda’ through Congress without allowing any input from the right, I was shocked this morning to read about the newest idiocy of the Republicans.
The Charleston County Republican Party actually officially CENSURED Lindsey Graham for working with John Kerry on clean energy legislation. The censure said that his “bipartisanship continues to weaken the Republican brand and tarnish the ideals of freedom.” Do they ever listen to themselves???
With these yahoos involved, it’s astonishing that the President has gotten ANYTHING accomplished, no less the impressive list in this post. Just imagine what could do if he had any support from the right, or if they just got out of his way!
Hope lots of AK mudpups have the chance to join the rally and welcome the President. Give him a wave for me!
November 11th, 2009 at 8:27 PM
@Leenie17
‘Yahoos’ is right.
Here’s part of the resolution, as found at
http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2009/11/graham-takes-heat-stance-climate-bill
“…let it be resolved: The Charleston County Republican Party Executive Committee respectfully requests, with sincere sadness that the South Carolina Republican Party withdraw their resolution commending U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and that the Charleston Country Republican Party censure U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham for many of the positions he has taken that do not represent the wishes of the people of South Carolina, such as: passing a “Cap & Trade” energy bill, bailing out banks, and granting amnesty for illegal aliens.”
That they think Graham is too liberal just blows my mind.
Of course, I’m in exile from the left coast.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:05 PM
WHOA! Does anyone have any idea WHO the white-vested person holding up the sign in the middle of the second picture is? I mean, seriously, anyone?
I know I’ve not been anywhere near Alaska for at least a decade, and I know I’ve never held up a sign with that wording on it, but DAMN!, if that isn’t me looking out from that photo at me sitting here at the computer way on the other side of the continent, then I don’t know what is! It’s the exact same face I see every single time I look in a mirror. Ddaily. Honestly, it is! I can’t believe it, but it is! Really!
It’s quite incredibly eerie, unnerving, and unsettling to see ‘me’…on the ‘flats, in a photo, taken in AK!, and, yet, to know it’s NOT me. I’m, truly, sitting here and looking at it in utter wonderment and disbelief! Anyone know who that sign-holding person is?
beth (the one not in the photo)
November 11th, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Please tell him I said, “Hello from Monroe County, Illinois!” He came to visit when he was a Senator, and shook my hand. He was so comfortable to be with.
True story. At the Convention, the delegates from Illinois were asked to come to a room. So, of course they did. A friend of mine was lucky enough to be a delagate. Pretty soon, some Secret Service people came in, and right after that, then Senator Obama came in! Went from person to person and knew who they were! Spoke a bit with each one. I mean, come on! Nobody was whispering in the man’s ear. He knew!
Have a great time.
November 11th, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Wow….this visit flew beneath the radar….and I could not be happier for Alaskans. I was one who strongly petition the Obama campaign to visit your beautiful state as he criss-crossed the nation last year. I am so grateful that he is now taking the time to address the issues…up close and personal.
God bless America…
November 12th, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Writing from Alaska Says:
November 11th, 2009 at 4:42 PM
If I am not mistaken – MoveOn.Org is also calling for a rally at noon on Thursday – outside of Young’s office in support of a healthy health care bill. Cooridination anyone? Twitter to the Welcome Obama rally how many are supporting health care? Someone could carry a sign with number of health care supporters rallying at Young’s office with increasing numbers as the rally grows?
***********************************************************************************
Unlike the Hannity videos, ours will match!! The people will be real and the effigy hung will have Yon Doung’s picture on it!
November 12th, 2009 at 12:36 AM
beth Says:
November 11th, 2009 at 9:05 PM
WHOA! Does anyone have any idea WHO the white-vested person holding up the sign in the middle of the second picture is? I mean, seriously, anyone?
************************************************************************************Well, Beth, at least your doppelganger is a Progressive! She could have easily been a wingnut!! LOL!
November 12th, 2009 at 12:40 AM
An open prayer to President Obama:
President Obama, please openly support all the hard-working ALASKA ATHLETES that have been busting a move and breaking a sweat for several years to qualify for the Vancouver Olympics, and the families who support them, long before they got derailed by Sarah Palin and the Republican National Christian story.
Please, God, grant the greater public the wisdom and insight to understand that the 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS deserve as much attention – BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE – as Wasilla folk Levi Johnston and his baby, and Sarah Palin.
Please, God, deliver understanding to the Alaska State Legislature, the Alaska media, and the Bob & Mark Show, that the next winter Olympics – 2010 in Vancouver – are just 91 days away, and that by the time Alaskans have recovered their senses, it will be TOO LATE to make an Alaska presence at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
Please, God, help President Obama see that THIS Olympics, in just 90 days, has the potential to be an historic moment again for America. I beg that God will show President Obama that an opportunity exists for an Eskimo to compete in the Olympic Games representing the United States, for the first time time ever, in Olympic history.
Mr. President, please understand that this moment does nothing to undermine you; but extends your victory beyond you and your family’s expectations and career plan.
Dear God, please grant that the Alaska Congressional Delegation might better understand the sacrifice made by Alaska athletes and families to financially support those who are nominated to United States National Teams. Please Bless them with the appreciation of the fact that absences from the state are no different than attending universities out of Alaska, and that Alaska athletes pay cash for those training opportunities, as well as travel expenses, and show them that it is fair and just to allow Alaska athletes to be eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend.
Particularly Senator Murkowski, whose children participate in ski racing.
Thank you.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:42 AM
This isn’t the visit PO promised Alaskans, however. This is an extra goodie I believe. He told the Native Alaskans that he would be coming in summer for a longer visit.
It is just like him to do something like this to keep up the spirits of those who worked so hard for Alaska rural issues.
I can’t wait to see if Scarah’s head explodes. She quit so she can’t even snub him.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:10 AM
AKM- thanks for the reminders of all the things this President has done. Wasn’t there also some important reversals of Bush’s mineral/gas exploration permits?
I have a client who is extremely conservative, and when I was mentioning this spring’s tax cut he said “Was there a tax cut??” (He’s in a tax bracket where he wouldn’t have gotten one). The teabag folks have done such a good job of complaining about having to pay taxes when a Democrat is president that they never noticed they were getting more in their paychecks, I guess.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:27 AM
Yes, I do believe he did reverse the sale of some gas exploration permits on public land. One of the last thing Bush did was to sell permits for public land, here in Utah, that was adjadcent to numerous National Parks in like Moab,etc. So, when visitors explored the natural beauty of this protected areas, they would see/hear drilling operations in the background. Unbelieveable.
A lot of people were outraged that he would destroy the beauty of these areas by allowing exploration permits. The Obama administration saved those areas from development. Robert Redford, who has a home here and does preservation work, and many other citizens, fought to save the land.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:29 AM
@10 Brandon, Please share!!!!!!!!! That would be fantastic.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Beth, were you adopted? lol…….you may have a twin sister out there! how cool.
November 12th, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I LOVED the way AKM dated the picture of the Obama supporters (October 2008). No Sean Hannity she!
Please give a warm Alaska welcome to my D.C. “neighbor” when he comes.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:31 PM
[...] might have some people there, though. AK Muckraker posted Jonathan’s letter yesterday, along with some encouragement: With all the issues swirling around health care and Afghanistan and a host of other issues that [...]