Rallying with President Barack Obama

Rallying with President Barack Obama is a historic event. One of approximately
9500 people, I waited nearly four hours for Vice-President Joe Biden's ten minute
introduction and President Obama's twenty minute speech.

The Dayton 2012 Rally with the President and Vice-President was an unexpected
surprise. It was President Obama first Dayton campaign visit and his first Ohio
visit with Vice-President Biden. First Lady Michelle Obama had made an earlier
visit in July at the Dayton Convention Center. Vice-President Biden had visited
Wright State University, September 12th. Ohio is considered an important swing
state to win in the upcoming Presidential Election.

It was a gorgeous autumn day, 78 degress, in beautiful Triangle Park. The mood
and atmosphere of the crowd was upbeat, exhilarating, full of positive energy of
hope and faith, and love for the President. I have seen three previous U.S. Presidents
(Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush), but to see an African-American President is
perhaps a once in a life time experience.

My red ticket allowed me to enter easily, avoid the long lines. I sat in the ADA
seating section. I observed the Paramedics attending a number of people, throughout
the wait, who were standing in a gated section directly in front of me. I was favored
with a ride and pick up at the Park's entrance by my friend, Gwen, avoiding the
long walk where the car was parked.

The day before, I spent three and a half hours helping pass out Rally tickets at the
Trotwood Obama Office, Organizing for America, 4815 Salem Avenue, the old
Rex Appliances location.

The Presient defended his presidential record with barbs and zingers about his
presidential challenger, Governor Mitt Romney.  Good News Ohio! I have
saved the Auto Industry, 1 out of 8 Ohio jobs, eliminated pre-existent conditions
for health insurance. My goal is to keep the American people safe: decimated
Al Qaeda, brought Osama Ben Laden to justice, ending the war in Afghanistan
and nation building in Ohio. Cut taxes for the middle class and small businesses,
repealed Don't ask, Don't tell. Our stock market is on the rebound. Our heroes
are coming home.

I would like to hear both candidate' s plans to address the issue of poverty and
inequality. Many are quite concerned about the latest 7.8% unemployment rate
report. The unemployment rate for African-American males is 14.2%. Poverty
diminishes the person and lack of a meaningful job leads to a breakdown in the
moral and social fabric of the community. Leadership and advocacy voices on
this issue have been muted.

In 2008, I volunteered for neighborhood and telephone canvassing prospective
voters through the Trotwood Democratic Club Office. Since August 29, 2012
I have volunteered at the Organizing for America Office  on Mondays.
My duties have included telephone canvassing and recruitment
calls for volunteers. When I learned there was a need for "Beds for Barack,"
I recruited  friends and fellow church members to provide housing for volunteers
coming to Dayton to Get Out The Vote. I was pleased when a fellow church
member housed two young people from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.,
Washington, D.C. Office. I have been impressed with the young people who
staffed the Organizing for America Office, Shanika, Steven, Monica, Hamidi.