Jean Carnahan's blog

­­We supercharged the world last night with the election of Barack Obama.  Not only did we reclaim our hopes and dreams for the 21st century, we took a giant step in restoring our moral authority in the world.  That hope was etched on the faces of all those who watched longingly throughout the evening hours, whether they were in Chicago, Times Square, outside the White House gates, in the villages of Kenya or in the ballroom of the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis.

Many thoughts came to mind amid the tears of victory.  Each Election Day, we put ourselves and our democracy to the test.  You see, our country, like no other, is built on this “crazy” idea—one that should never work.  It’s the idea that “all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” ­
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    An Election Day shall ne­'er go by,
    From this day to the end­ing of the world,
    But we in it shall be remembered--
    We voters, we happy voters, we band of brothers;
    For he to-day that stands with me­
    Shall be my brother . . .
    And those who remain this day a-bed
    Shall think themselves the worst they were not here,
    And hold their freedoms cheap who did not rise
    And stand with me in St. Louis on Election Day.

(Apologies to Will Shakespeare and Henry V.)  Story Continued »

I just heard John Zogby, the pollster, speak to the Women's Democratic Forum in St. Louis.  He suggested that we all get out the "blue crayon" for Tuesday night because the electoral map is going to change color. 

A "Weekly Reader" poll (remember that one from your grade school days?) has never been wrong.  According to Zogby the poll released just today shows Obama winning 55% to 43%.

I spoke to Al Gore today in Austin following his address on climate change and the responsibility of bloggers in getting out the message.  I told him that Missouri now has the the only town in America totally powered by wind.  He was thrilled to hear that. This gathering of progressive bloggers at Netroots Nation is a breath of fresh air as they deal creatively with the "democracy crisis." This is definitely a group committed to the election of Obama. 

Don’t miss this wonderful addition to Missouri politics entitled: "Warren Eastman Hearnes: A Memoir."  The 176-page biography written by Rob Crouse, comes from the personal notes and recollections of Gov. Warren Hearnes and his wife, Betty.  

The reader will enjoy a delightful stroll down memory lane with the Hearnes family. Most of all, Missourian will be reminded of what it was like when Democrats dared to make a difference.

Funeral for Sen. Eagleton will be on Saturday, March 10th at 11 am. at St. Louis Unniversity College Church at Grand and Lindell. He was 76.

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at FiredUp Missouri.

Thanks for all the wonderful well-wishes from my "internet family." Having a pace maker gives a whole new meaning to being "FIRED UP."

Award-winning poet Sharon Olds sent regrets to Laura Bush this week, declining an invitation to attend the National Book Festival. She tells why she refused the White House luncheon in her letter published in the Nation.

I found the solemn beauty of her words very moving. By all means, take a minute to read them.

Congratulations to Roy and Stacie Temple on the birth of their daughter. The new Ms. Lily Temple weighed in early this morning at 5 lbs. 7 oz., and will be joining her sister, Natalie, at the Temple household in Jefferson City.  

Three cheers for Claire! She didn't let us down. Concerned voters all across Missouri should get behind senate candidate Claire McCaskill, a woman who has distinguished herself in every job she has taken on. Her courage, competence, and compassion place her in stark contrast to her opponent.

It's time to send a real leader to the U.S. Senate, one who is in tune and in touch with everyday Missourians. McCaskill is a strong, commonsense Democrat who's not afraid, or reluctant, to take on the difficult tasks of public office. Her ability and accomplishments make Claire one of the most oustanding senatorial candidates in America today.  Story Continued »

I received an email this weekend from Jackson County Democratic Chair Phil LeVota. Wow! Are they fired up! Reading their upcoming events shows an incredible amount of activity early in the election cycle. Most exciting is their plan to set up satellite offices in neighborhoods and highly visible sites. Phil say that he's getting lots of calls already, but, hey, I bet he would be happy for you to flood his mailbox (plevota@yahoo.com) with more offers of help.

And, there's more:
. . . Dems are perking up their website in preparation for the 2006 election.
. . . There's a fundraiser by the Summit Dems for Rep. Cleaver (see the calendar for details);
. . . a picnic by Raytown Dems later the same day;
. . . a lunch with US Sen. John Edwards hosted by the Mo. House Dems;
. . . a Labor Day parade and rally;
. . . and, a "One Year Until 2006 Election" Kickoff in the fall.

Jackson County Dems are out front early, showing us what Fired Up Missourians can do. Keep in touch, Jackson County. We're here to spread the word.

Also, this just in from Gasconade County--once considered the most Republican in the state because of their failure to support Roosevelt in the 1932-Democratic landslide. They now have an active, enthusiastic Democratic Club with seventy-some members! Way to go, Gasconade Dems!

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