SC Yellow Dogs

I am so glad that James and Kirkland could join us at yesterday’s event for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. This is a living memorial that supports and recognizes advocacy of RFK’s  passion for social justice. 
Living out those passionate causes has guided my work for civil rights, public education and political affairs.  I loved my hug from Ethel aknd the chance to talk with RFKjr and Kerry, but also introducing James to these extraordinary people. James is carving out his own ways of working for others. I salute him, welcome him home and look forward to his future of public service in South Carolina.

Bud Ferillo (Richland)

Congressman John Spratt invited me to join him at a Circle of Friends for America Veteran’s (www.vetsvision.org) meeting during the Democartic National Convention.  It was great to hear from our SC Congressman and budget guru whole told those assembled there of the tremendous improvements made in funding for Veteran’s Health benefits.  With 1 in 5 returning Veteran’s suffering from PTSD or other wounds, it is essential the our Nation make good on its promise to those who have given so much for our freedoms.  Many of the needed psychological and medical services for Veteran’s are simply not available because of past poor and inadequate funding.  Through Congressman Spratt leadership veterans health benefits funding has been increased over 18%, funding that will deliver the needed services to our veterans.  Barak Obama and Joe Biden will fullfil that promise as President and Vice-President.  They have a solid record of support for veterans with the passage of the new GI Bill and veterans health benefits.  James Smith

Wednesday, August 27

Although the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be winding down soon, SC Democrats still full of energy. We’re seeing the sites and raising our Party to new heights.

Last night, our delegation heard a riveting speech from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Senator Clinton encouraged all Democrats to unite and stand behind our presidential candidate Barack Obama and praised him for his strengths. Although he is relatively young, Senator Obama has proven that he is a strong, experienced leader. He will bring much needed change to our country.

Senator Clinton also reminded her supporters of the fact that the only alternative to voting for Obama is Senator John McCain. As we all know (and Senator Clinton pointed out), John McCain is not the right option for us. His policies mirror the policies of our current adminstration. We don’t need four more years of George W. Bush.

After hearing Senator Clinton’s speech, Democrats left the convention feeling more united. SC Democrats are not being fooled by John McCain’s recent TV ads, that prey on Hillary Clinton supporters. The Clinton’s have pledged their support to Barack Obama and so have we.

Today, our delegation will nominate and celebrate our next Democratic president, Barack Obama. We’re so excited!

Hear Michelle Obama’s beautiful, down-to-earth speech about her husband and family - the next President and first family of the United States.  Watch it all on YouTube.

OMG this convention is great!  There is so much excitement in the air.  Michelle Obama’s speech (see it on YouTube.)  The South Carolina delegation has been very busy since arriving here Sunday.  We’ve met hundreds of influential Party leaders, celebrities, and fellow Democrats from around the country. And it’s only Tuesday!

Forty years ago I attended my first Democratic National Convention on the bloody streets of Chicago 1968.  I was a Peace Activist supporting Sen. Eugene McCarthy’s campaign to end the war in Vietnam.  It was truly a police riot.  There is a wooden bench in Grant Park that saved me from being clubbed by the Chicago Police as they indiscriminately charged a rally of thousands of peaceful demonstrators.  The night Humphrey won the presidential nomination the streets were being patrolled by the Illinois National Guard with barbwire on the front of their jeeps.

As I write this, I am less than a week away from attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. I never thought I’d come to wholeheartedly support any candidate for president as I have done for Senator Barack Obama. I think that people have found in him what they have been looking for in a leader: integrity, intelligence and intuition. I have so admired the way that Senator Obama’s candidacy has awakened and challenged voters, that I was compelled to become more involved and become a delegate.

Please read this great article I found in The Herald

John McCain’s plan to reform Social Security could “destroy” a program that millions of Americans depend on, U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., said Thursday.
Spratt criticized the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for supporting what he called a radical move toward privatization.

Hello, my name is Marilyn Hemingway from Georgetown, the third oldest city in the state of South Carolina. I am very excited to be an At-large delegate for John Edwards to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. I look forward to being a part of national history as we move to make Senator Barack Obama the first African American nominee of a major political party. And of course, onward to victory on Tuesday, November 4!!!