[Dialogue] Adventures with the Obama campaign

[Jack Gilles]

Janice,

Thanks for sharing.  Judy and I are in Virginia after voting by  
absentee in PA.  We decided to canvass for Obama locally here, mostly  
as a symbol of some way putting our lives where are hearts are.  We  
spent almost four hours knocking on doors in a part of Arlington.  We  
had a similar experience.  A lot of "not home" but those we did greet  
had for the most part already voted for Obama.  While walking we  
encountered another young person with a clipboard from another group  
who were canvasing for votes.  She was from NY city and had driven  
down to work in Virginia.  We talked awhile and were able to cross- 
check names, many of which were the same.  Saved a lot of time and  
energy!  A man in a mini-van stopped as we were near his home.  He  
said his wife had already voted but he hadn't.  When urged to do so he  
said he wasn't a citizen yet, being from Mali.  A kind man, who said  
he hoped to be able to vote in the next election.  I'm pretty sure we  
didn't add any to the VA total, but it was good for our spirit.  This  
morning I took a long walk savoring a fine cuban victory cigar I had  
brought from Mexico just for this occasion.  It was good!!!!

A final reflection.  I don't know if you noticed, but I could see a  
difference in the countenance of Eugene Robinson and some others after  
Barack's speech.  I would like to get a copy of that speech and get it  
framed.  It was transformative for me.  Perhaps we should change the  
words to "I Can See a New Day" to "I Have Seen a New Day".  Janice,  
I'll let that task to you!

Grace & Peace,

Jack