Your email address is safe with us. View our Privacy policy.
Obama promotes large-scale volunteerism
The call for volunteerism is part of Obama's campaign on themes and in areas that are traditionally Republican strongholds, The Washington Post reported Thursday. Obama spoke of patriotism in Missouri, pledged to grow federal assistance to faith-based service groups in Ohio and called for national service in Colorado.
"That's what history calls us to do, because loving your country shouldn't just mean watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. Loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it," the likely Democratic presidential nominee told an audience at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Obama's $3.5 billion-a-year plan, among other things, would expand the AmeriCorps and Peace Corps programs, create an Energy Corps for energy and environmental-cleanup projects, and offer $4,000 to college students for 100 hours of public service.
Several normally Republican states have changed politically, the Illinois senator said, which could benefit Democrats in the general election, The New York Times reported.
Obama told a crowd at a fundraiser he and former President Bill Clinton discussed the changing political landscape in states such as Colorado.
"He said, 'When I ran the first time, it would have been tough to win if (third-party candidate) Ross Perot hadn't been in the race, but you've seen a seismic shift in attitudes here,'" Obama said.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International.
This news arrived on: 07/03/2008
Printer Friendly Version | Send this page to a friend | Post Comment
Rate This Story:
Great - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Bad
Posted Comments:
07-04-2008 06:06
Canadian gal wrote:
volunteerism,
It is nice to hear that there is a movement back to the tradition of volunteerism. Won't it be nice to have a world where people are willing to help strangers, without thought for personal gain. In Ontario Canada, there is now a requirement for a minimum of 45 hours of volunteer service in order to graduate. Some kids would routinely complete it at grade 9, while others are struggling to get it done in June of graduating yesr. There are many non-governmental institutions in this country that owe their existence to volunteers. If taxes had to be raised to pay the volunteers, the cost would be astronomical.
07-03-2008 23:17
wrote:
I think that people might be mistaking Barack Obama's plans for volunteerism with humanitarian services. The volunteer services will have nothing to do with helping the truly needy. At the closest, volunteers will be used for such things as clean-up after floods or tornados, or even helping workfare agencies process cases. This is worthwhile work, and the pay sounds good, but don't make the mistake of thinking that this is some sort of humanitarian effort.
Remember, Obama has confirmed his belief that "there is no excuse for not working", consistent with the anti-poor policies that America has embraced. Today's youth have grown up with a steady diet of "get tough on the poor" rhetoric.
If people can't take care of themselves, their families must provide for them. If there is no family, there are institutions. If they are old, they had a lifetime to prepare, and can pay for any help they might need.
We do believe in helping the deserving poor, but we have also concluded that those who are poor are undeserving of help. Just so you know.
Remember, Obama has confirmed his belief that "there is no excuse for not working", consistent with the anti-poor policies that America has embraced. Today's youth have grown up with a steady diet of "get tough on the poor" rhetoric.
If people can't take care of themselves, their families must provide for them. If there is no family, there are institutions. If they are old, they had a lifetime to prepare, and can pay for any help they might need.
We do believe in helping the deserving poor, but we have also concluded that those who are poor are undeserving of help. Just so you know.
07-03-2008 19:40
normajun wrote:
volunteerism from Obama
just what this troubled world of ours needs!Look at the kids who are victims of post partum blues-the poor, helpless mother has noone to assist her in taking care of her kids(3 of them, and more)newborn and above!Yet, the DYFS and judge put her in prison or jail!Why can't church or civic volunteers help, for a fee?The mentally disabled school pays helpers, even seniors!Look at our aging senior residents who live alone, noone to throw garbage, or clean up their yard?or buy them food, without risking their safety, or property!They also must not pay taxes for their paid houses, anymore!They deserve to die in their own homes!Gardeners, anyone?Allergies are prevalent in this country.Love your neighbor as yourself.Those who have gardening talents, come out , and get a minimal, reasonable fee!Register on your own townhall, for these humanitarian services!Age doesn't matter.Kids, use your muscles!Earn money for your college, do something good!Seniors, use your wisdom-teach catechism, read to the sick ones, etc..If we are helping one another, we will be blessed, Amen!WE will have happy lives!~
07-03-2008 19:32
Karen Mulhern wrote:
GREAT IDEA!!
I love Volunterism. There are those who are less fortunate that need our help.
07-03-2008 19:30
Karen Mulhern wrote:
GREAT IDEA!!
I think that that is a great idea. I really believe that kids are really spoiled these days. You have to work for what you want no matter what it is. I am going to sign up right after I get home from my contest I won. I have been in the peace corps and it's hard but i enjoyed it. i think that i am going to sign up of r Americorps .
For all you lazy butts do something for your country for the less fortunte ones who need help.
For all you lazy butts do something for your country for the less fortunte ones who need help.
Comment archive | Comment FAQ's
 |
 |
|
View Religious News ezine stories by date or visit the complete archive |
The ArcaMax Politics channel is one of 70 content categories offered by ArcaMax Publishing on this ... |
Body Mass
