Sunday, January 27, 2013

Watch: Inauguration highlights, and a special thank you

Steve Kerrigan, Inaugural Committee
to me


Friend --

So many moments made this inauguration special.

Starting on Saturday with the Day of Service and Kids' Inaugural honoring military families -- to the Commander in Chief's Ball, the Inaugural Parade, and more than 1 million Americans who joined us on the Mall to witness the swearing-in.

Thanks for being part of it.

We put together a brand-new video with some highlights from the ceremony and President Obama's speech. Check it out on our site, or here at WhiteHouse.gov.


As President Obama said on Monday: 

"Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time, but it does require us to act in our time."

In that same spirit, and on behalf of everyone at the Presidential Inaugural Committee and thousands of volunteers and supporters across the country, I hope you'll help build on this moment -- it was never just about inaugurating a president. 

You can watch the video and find out about getting involved at WhiteHouse.gov:

http://action.2013pic.org/Thank-You

Thanks again, it's been an honor.

Steve

Stephen J. Kerrigan
Chief Executive Officer
2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee

P.S. -- For some amazing photos from this past weekend, head over to FacebookFlickr, or the official blog

Thanks and welcome

Jon Carson, Organizing for Action
to me
Hi --

Thanks for saying you’re in for the next phase of our grassroots movement.

I’m excited to get the chance to work with you as we set out to finish what we started.

Over the next four years, we’ve got an incredible opportunity to keep moving this country forward. This grassroots movement has shown time and again that ordinary people have the power to change our country if we work together to do it.

So locally and nationally, OFA will fight for our shared values on issues like immigration reform, climate change, gun violence, balanced deficit reduction, and more.

We’ll be working with you and other supporters to write a plan for 2013. This organization will be volunteer-led, always guided by the core principles of "respect, empower, include."

That starts now. Make sure your friends and family know about Organizing for Action, and ask them to add their names now to get involved:

http://OFA.BO/aftLVr

Thanks so much for being a part of this. See you in the field.

Jon

Jon Carson
Executive Director

President Obama Delivers His Second Inaugural Address

Yesterday, President Obama delivered his Inaugural Address, calling for a "new era of responsibility." Watch the video here: Obama takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol and delivers his second inaugural address.


www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address

Call your representatives - are they on board?

Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
to me



Donna --

I hope you saw Vice President Joe Biden's email this morning.

In order to protect our children and our communities by reducing gun violence, he and President Obama need your help. The most important steps we can take will require congressional action. And Congress will only act if we all raise our voices to demand it. 

Donna, your voice in this couldn't be more important. Tell your members of Congress that you want to see decisive action on this issue.

Give them a call, let them know you support the President's plan, ask if your members of Congress are on board, then make sure you report back on the conversation.

It doesn't take long. According to our records, here's who you should call:
Representative Mike Thompson
(202) 225-3311

Senator Barbara Boxer
(202) 224-3553

Senator Dianne Feinstein
(202) 224-3841
If that doesn't look right, call the switchboard operator at 202-224-3121. If you're not sure who your members are, look up your representative here and your senators here.

Let us know how it went and who's on board right here:

http://my.barackobama.com/I-Called-Congress

Thanks,

Messina

President Obama is counting on you

Joe Biden
to me
Donna --

The President did something big last week.

He proposed a set of major reforms to help protect our children and our communities by curbing gun violence, and he's already announced 23 executive actions that will go a long way in helping keep our kids safe.

This is an important start -- but I have no illusions about what needs to be done and how difficult it will be.

Every step we intend to take will preserve the tradition of responsible gun ownership in our country and uphold the Second Amendment. And while we'll never end gun violence entirely, if we can save the life of even one child, then we have a responsibility to act.

This action includes not only what we can do, but what Congress can do. To make a real and lasting difference, they must act soon.

The President has called on Congress to act on four specific legislative measures: closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines, making our schools safer, and increasing access to mental health services.


Read more about the President's plan to reduce gun violence, and make sure you forward this to friends and family.

The President asked me to work with law enforcement, teachers, parents, sportsmen, Democrats, Republicans, faith leaders, mental health experts, and other organizations and individuals to come up with a set of concrete policy proposals. The plan he put forth is the product of those conversations and recommendations.

Right now, President Obama is counting on you.

Each one of us needs to speak up and demand action. It doesn't matter whether you live in a big city or a small town like Newtown, Connecticut. When our fellow Americans are victims of senseless violence, we all pull together as one American family.

Let's get this done, folks.

Whether the action we take saves one life or 1,000, it matters.

Thank you,

Joe


P.S.:  The Importance of Education Safety:  To all families, friends, associates and communities.  Please read for the safety of all children.  No matter what denomination, race or cultural preferences.  "It matters."

What our Constitution of The United States "We The People"  Second Amendment states:  

Amendment II.

     A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. (Alexander Hamilton, 1775, pg. 21)

This is true.  But now in our society of todays' time, we as the responsible parent must reconsider the safety of all children in the educational school systems.  

~ Success to you ~ 

Stand with the President to reduce gun violence

Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
to me




Donna --

Yesterday, President Obama announced his plan to protect our children and our communities by helping reduce gun violence.

We won't stop every violent act like the one in Newtown, Connecticut. But if we can save the life of even one child, the President believes each of us has a responsibility to take action.

People like you spoke out and demanded action. Your input, along with ideas from leaders and policymakers across the political spectrum, went into the President's plan.


Learn more about the plan, and say you stand with President Obama in tackling this critical issue.

Most gun owners use their guns safely and responsibly, and the President believes firmly in protecting our Second Amendment rights.

But common-sense changes can go a long way in keeping our streets and our schools safer -- and there's too much at stake to stand by and wait for action.

The President will not wait. Yesterday, he signed 23 executive actions to start moving our country in the right direction. And he's calling on Congress to act on four legislative measures -- closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons, making our schools safer, and increasing access to mental health services -- right away.


Take a look at the President's plan to reduce gun violence, and stand with him in support:


More soon,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- Please visit the White House site to learn more about what's at stake, join in the discussion, and download the President's full gun control plan. 

Say you're in * I'm In

Barack Obama
to me



Today, a new grassroots organization is being launched: Organizing for Action. Following in the footsteps of the campaign you built, Organizing for Action will be an unparalleled force in American politics. It will work to turn our shared values into legislative action -- and it'll empower the next generation of leaders in our movement.

Michelle recorded a video to tell you more about the new organization -- take a look and let OFA know you're in:

 

https://my.barackobama.com/Organizing For Action


We may have started this as a long shot presidential primary campaign in 2007, but it's always been about more than just winning an election. Together, we've made our communities stronger, we've fought for historic legislation, and we've brought more people than ever before into the political process.



We have the power to do even more to change our politics and our country for the better. With Organizing for Action, you'll have every resource you need to do it.
But it starts with you. This new organization is in your hands.
I'm so excited to see what you all do next -- and so grateful to be part of it.


Thanks,


Barack

Kicking off Organizing for Action

Jon Carson, BarackObama.com
to me

Donna --

I'm Jon Carson, the new executive director of Organizing for Action.

I hope you're as excited as I am for this new organization, and for what our grassroots movement can accomplish in the next four years. 


If you haven't already, you should check out this short video First Lady Michelle Obama recorded about our organization, and then say you're on board.

Just a little bit about me. I'm a Wisconsin guy, and I grew up on a farm in the western part of the state. In 2007, I joined Barack Obama's campaign and served as the national field director. After the election, I went to work for the President in the White House, most recently in the Office of Public Engagement.

That brings me to now, when very soon, my family and I will be moving back to Chicago as I start this new role with all of you.

I first joined the President's campaign because I was inspired by his belief that ordinary people have the power to change our country if we work together to get it done -- and that belief will be at the core of this new organization as it unfolds.

And the way we'll get it done can be summed up in one word: local.

That means each city or region will have its own OFA chapter, and you'll decide the issues your community cares about most, the work you want to do to make progress on them, and the kind of support you'll need to get it done.

At a neighborhood and regional level, OFA members will grow their local chapters, bringing in new leaders and helping train a new generation of volunteers and organizers to help fight for the issues at stake.

There'll be times when we pull together at the national level to get President Obama's back on passing major legislation, like reducing gun violence or immigration reform. And we'll all work to help transform Washington from the outside while strengthening our economy and creating jobs.

But for the most part, the direction our work takes will be completely in your hands -- with the support of this organization behind you every step of the way.

In the next few weeks and months, I'll be asking for your input on putting together an OFA plan for 2013, we'll be holding online briefings about the issues we want to tackle, and we'll start organizing on those issues as they're debated in D.C.

But for right now, I just want to say thanks and welcome. There's a lot to be done, without a doubt -- and I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of OFA with you.


Take a look at the video the First Lady recorded this week, and go ahead -- say you're in:

http://my.barackobama.com/Organizing-for-Action

I'll be in touch soon.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
Executive Director
Organizing for Action

P.S. -- I recorded this short video on Organizing for Action, and the kind of work I hope we'll be able to do -- take a look.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

It's my favorite inaugural event - will you commit to serve with me?

Michelle Obama
to me


Friend -- 

Four years ago, during his first inauguration, Barack and I were thrilled when thousands of Americans from every corner of the country took part in the National Day of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We were so excited because we knew that the celebrations weren't just about a new president, but about everything that we can accomplish together. And that starts with service.

So this year, as we prepare for another celebration, we're hoping to renew that spirit of service and citizenship -- we're calling on all Americans, including you, to volunteer in your community on Saturday, January 19th, for this year's Day of Service.


Please join us, and commit to serve on January 19th.

Throughout our lives, Barack and I have seen that building a full life isn't about what you can get for yourself -- but what you can give to those around you. It's a value that's been central to our lives together. And as parents, it's something we're trying every day to pass down to our girls.

This inauguration is only possible because of you and all your hard work. Barack and I are so grateful for you, and for everything you've done for us and for our country.

Pledge to join us for the Day of Service at an event near you:

http://action.2013pic.org/Pledge-to-Serve

Thanks,

Michelle


P.S. -- When you commit to serve, you'll be automatically entered for the chance to come out to Washington, D.C. for Barack's inauguration -- flight and hotel covered.

The Inauguration

Steve Kerrigan, Presidential 
Inaugural Committee
to me


Friend --

Thanks for being part of the inauguration -- only the 57th in our nation's history.

We put together a video to welcome you on board -- a look back on President Obama's first inauguration four years ago.
 Watch it here, and then share with your friends:


Official events begin in less than three weeks, but here are three ways to get involved right now:


Check out the official inaugural website for details about events, info about the organizations participating in the parade, and -- my personal favorite -- fun facts about past inaugurations.

On Saturday, January 19th, citizens from across the country will be joining in a tradition the Obama family started in 2009 -- spending a few hours doing service work in their community to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether you're in Washington, D.C. or Washington state, there will be opportunities for you to join in.Sign up to take part in the National Day of Service.

Between the Inaugural Parade and the ceremony itself, we're counting on a lot of dedicated people like you to play important roles in making this an event worthy of our great nation. If you're planning on being in or around D.C., sign up to volunteer at the inauguration.

Only 19 days to go -- here's the link to that video again:

http://action.2013pic.org/Watch-the-Video

Thanks, look forward to seeing you out there.

Steve

Steve Kerrigan
Chief Executive Officer
Presidential Inaugural Committee 2013


P.S. -- You can also get the latest updates about the inauguration on Facebook and Twitter.

Video: President Obama on the "fiscal cliff" agreement

Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
to me
Donna --

The President reached an agreement with Republicans and Democrats in Congress on the "fiscal cliff" that prevents a tax hike on 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses, while fulfilling the President's promise to ask the wealthiest Americans to begin to pay their fair share to reduce the deficit.

President Obama recorded a video to update supporters like you on what's in the agreement and what it means for you -- watch it and share it with friends and family:




It's thanks to people like you who spoke up and contacted your members of Congress throughout this debate that we were able to avoid a crippling tax hike.

As we address our ongoing fiscal challenges, the President will do exactly what he said he would on the campaign trail -- working for the middle class and all those fighting to get into it, and building an economy from the middle out, not the top down.

There will be more soon. For now, thanks for all you do, and happy new year.

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America
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This is yours, Donna

Barack Obama
to me
Donna --

Because of you, I'll be taking the oath of office again on January 21st.

I'd like you to be part of this historic moment -- whether that's in Washington, D.C., or wherever you call home.

As we make plans, we want to make sure the people who made this inauguration possible are the first to know what's happening.


Sign up here to be part of the inauguration.

I'm honored each and every day to be your president, and I will never forget how I got here.

I'm so grateful for everything you've done.

Let's also remember why we're here: we've got more work to do. And we're going to begin this next chapter in the American story together.

Sign up and stay updated:

http://action.2013pic.org/Inauguration
Thanks,

Barack

A look back at what you built in 2012

Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
to me

Donna --

When we launched the campaign in April 2011, I hoped to be able to send something like this.
Enjoy this compilation of some of our finest moments together:

http://my.barackobama.com/Our-Journey


I can't wait to see how much more we will accomplish. Our next chapter is just beginning, and President Obama is counting on us to help finish what we started.

Thank you for an amazing 2012 -- and have a very happy new year.

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

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