Tonight
, on the same night as the first presidential debates, I began my formal efforts as part of this historic campaign led by Barack Obama. What an amazing night to begin!!
After spending the entire afternoon researching the total projected cost for my travel to New Mexico and the cost for me to remain effective once there - ie, mobile – I set off on the task of raising the funds. Once my letter of introduction and intent was put together, off to Kinko’s and debate-watching parties throughout the Monterey Bay!
I started at the Monterey headquarters, traveled (half way through the debate) to the Seaside headquarters, and finished with an unexpected final push for funds at the Ol’ Factory Cafe also in Seaside. Between the Seaside attendees and the Ol’ Factory crowd I had to return to Kinko’s twice more!!! All in all, I’ve come home with $242.00, a wonderful start!
The debates proved to be a wonderful context in which to begin, not only was I motivated and energized by Barack’s performance tonight, I think everyone I spoke with was as well. People were making plans to attend additional phone-a-thons and participate in canvasing efforts, and luckily for me, they were convinced of the need to send volunteers like myself to go to the battleground states like New Mexico so as to make sure that come the 5th of Nov we have reason to celebrate!
To all those reading who have already contributed and would like to remain informed of my activity, your financial donation and emotional support are overwhelming. Thank you.
If any readers would like to make further contribution to my campaign to support Obama or to other volunteers like me, please visit www.ObamaTravel.orgThank you in advance.
“The thinker, slowly going on his way, suddenly stood still…”
Siddhartha looked up and around him, a smile crept over his face, and a strong feeling of awakening from a long dream spread right through his being. Immediately he walked on again, quickly, like a man who knows what he has to do.
The only book that I’ve read repeatedly… Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
(And yet I wonder, what would Siddhartha have to say about me learning from his life as an example? Was it not he who left The Illustrious Buddha in order to follow his own path? Was it not he who affirmed that we must each find our own path to self and strategy in its conquest? I wonder…)
I find myself at the beginning of a new journey and, not surprisingly, I therefore find myself with another copy of Hesse’s classic. Despite the abundance of events that need be accounted for due to the time that has passed since my last entry to this blog, my current plans give me the urge to read, reflect, and write. As of this afternoon, I have confirmed plans with Democratic Party offices in New Mexico to leave Monterey within the next two weeks so as to serve as a full-time volunteer for the Obama campaign. After a summer of restlessness for not having where to dedicate my mind and energy, this opportunity is a Godsend. And I cannot think of a better description of my state of mind and conviction than the very words of Hesse to describe the journey of Siddhartha himself.
I leave soon to New Mexico… knowing what what I have to do. (tomorrow something about swimming, Buddhism, Guerrilla Warefare, and Bruce Lee – I think.)
My wonderful friend Macala told me I need a more professional, socially acceptable web presence. I think it was really because she’s obsessed with social media and loves wordpress more than anything else. Big things and big plans coming in the next few months. Going to New Mexico to work on the Obama campaign.
