Following through on a promise

Before Barack Obama was President-elect -- from the very beginning of his campaign -- he pledged to change the way Washington works. That meant not accepting any financial contributions from lobbyists or political action committees.

Voters often said this was one of the major reasons they supported Barack, and they've been writing to the Transition to tell us how important they think it is that this commitment continues.

Lexington from San Diego, CA, wrote:

"When I first learned of Barack Obama, I was encouraged by his thoughts [on] ending the power of lobbyists and the negative effect of the revolving door on the White House. I'd like to see an agenda that focuses on promoting transparency and getting people into government who sincerely want to serve the interests of the nation over their own careers."

John from Seattle, WA wrote, "I am so tired of special interests getting the best of us all. I support you and hope that you will allow the common guy to have a say in how we are to be governed from now on."

Now Barack has taken the first step, with new rules that restrict how lobbyists can participate in the transition -- just as he restricted how they could participate in the campaign.

The new policy, which ethics experts have praised as a bold step forward, was only announced yesterday -- but already people have written in to show their support.

Sarah from Brockport, NY, wrote, "Today I read about the tough new rules for lobbyists and it just further solidified the faith I have in this administration to bring about a real change....I am feeling real patriotic and in tune with my government for the first time in my 46 years."

Carmen from Olympia, WA wrote simply: "Thank you for the transition ethics. Thank you."

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I am so happy to read this because I firmly believe that democracy in this country has completely lost its meaning. I am reading a book for class and I have to write an academic review. The book is called One Nation, Underprivileged: Why American Poverty Affects Us All by Mark Robert Rank. There is a section in the book on Democracy, Liberty, Justice and Equality and how the existence of poverty undermines these ideals. Impoverished groups are excluded or underrepresented in the democratic process and are usually not knowledgeable in how to speak up for themselves. Poor are often invisible in the democratic! We will never see change the process continues this way. We ALL need to speak and be heard.

BLOGGERS UNITE FOR REFUGEES

This idea is really neat. The bloggers of Bloggers Unite have created what is the only global blog initiative designed to harness expression in support of human rights and issues in need of highlight. Refugees United is the only online, highly secure and anonymous possibility of refugees to reconnect with family. This is important, no?

The way I see it, refugees are victims or sufferers of torture. A refugees is said to be someone with a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. These people have fled their home country and are unable or unwilling to return. Refugees are forced from their countries by war, civil conflict, political strife or gross human rights abuses.

We, as caring individuals, can take a STAND to assist these scared and defenseless people. Just educate yourself, and educate others. All it really takes is a simple conversation, or an email. You would be surprised at the vast amounts of people who don't have a clue about the atrocities that are happening in places like Burma or Sudan.

The world is getting smaller due to globalization and we can use that to our advantage. Spread the word and help out refugees!

Some orgs to check out:

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

I just adore books about animals and how they touch human lives. I am a massive fan of Marley and Me and I just that I love a story of an abandoned kitten that uplifted a community who had lost hope.

Bloggers Unite!

On November 10th over 10,000 bloggers from around the world will unite to raise their voices on behalf of more than 40 million voiceless refugees. To ask the world to face the atrocities so many human beings must endure and to join hearts and minds to help bring forward information, understanding and action.

Join us on November 10th to tell your story, share your thoughts and be part of the global solution to a global problem. It is in our power to bring people to act to make a change. The core cause of Bloggers Unite and Refugees United is information. Information leads to empowerment. Bloggers Unite enables ordinary folks to make an extraordinary impact.We hope you will sign up to participate. Your actions will matter. Your words can help change lives.

Together, our voices will make a difference!

Congratulations America.

I never thought I would see the day when a man of color became the President of the United States of American. It was only 50 years ago that African-Americans / Blacks fought for equality in this country! What an AMAZING step in the right direction.

I am so proud of us. Americans had something to wake up and smile about today - November 3, 2008. While Obama may not be everyone's choice, I think that man is going to renew what it means to be American - what it means to be Free, to live in a Democracy, to be Equal amongst ourselves, and to ensure Justice.

I am so pleased that he won historic Red states like Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Virginia, New Mexico! While the race was very close in all of these places, the mere fact that Obama pushed ahead alone shows me just how bad this country want change. And damn it, we deserve it.

YES, WE CAN!!!!!