A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

...which is great, because it is late here in Houston and I need to get some sleep before embarking on our final day here campaigning in Houston. Today was incredible. It started somewhat innocuously, canvassing a traditionally republican neighborhood in Katy. The poster child of suburban Texas life, Katy is a "pop-n-fresh" community just outside Houston. It was a far cry from the work we did yesterday in the Latino flea markets. While most people weren't home, and some who were home didn't care to speak with us, we did meet a few who were excited about Barack and were thrilled we had made the trip from California to help with the campaign.


After traversing the less-than-dangerous streets of Katy, we returned to the campaign headquarters in search of a way, any way, to get tickets or a volunteer gig for this evening's rally with Obama. To see Barack speak was something all of us wanted the opportunity to do. After securing "foot-in-the-door" positions for a couple members of our group we took off for the convention center in hopes of talking our way into the facility. I could go on and on about the details of the subsequent negotiations, but all you really need to know is that two of our more persuasive teammates were able to convince the organizers that we were necessary in the operations of the event and therefore needed to volunteer in exchange for access to the rally. Thus, a couple hours later after welcoming every single rally participant to the event, we too were able to enter the hall and watch as Barack addressed the Houston faithful.


It was exhilarating.

People love Barack. He inspires. Even as one man on a stage in the middle of six thousand strangers he was still able to connect with people. I was blown away.

The highlight for me was when my friend Lizzy brought me back to the press riser to take photos of Barack with the rest of the press photographers. What I was doing among professionals taking photos of the potential Democratic nominee for President I will never know.


That is it. I am tired and I need to wake up in four hours to get back to work. Tomorrow is a big day. Election Day! Thus, I hope to update this blog a couple more times over the next day or two with some more "team-oriented" stories and a conclusion to our time here in Houston. Until then, Yes We Can!

A Question for the Ages:

When does an avocado become guacamole? Are there a certain number of ingredients needed? Is it when the avocado is smashed? Is it just the thought of using an avocado for guacamole? Discuss amongst yourselves.

Si, Se Puede!

A rental car company must be one hell of a place to work. I imagine cars are returned daily filled with an unimaginable array of items. Moreover, as an ex-consultant I am very aware of how rental cars were treated...and I thank my lucky stars the rental car companies weren't. I think. Okay, that probably isn't a true statement. I bet they are fully aware that Ford Tauruses are perfect for off-roading and driving a three speed Geo Metro at 85 is great for the engine.

Anyhow, here in Texas we are sporting around in a midnight blue Chrysler mini-van. While she doesn't have a name, for the purpose of this blog we will call her Lynnette. Lynnette has been a great sport, shuttling all eight of us and our gear through the mean streets of Houston. She has put up with being trampled upon, littered with items, and plastered with posters and flyers promoting Barack Obama. Really, Lynnette is the type of girl any guy would want to date: tough, patient, and able to wear any number of random items while still looking good.



Sunday was "Get out the Latino Vote" day for our group. We were tasked with trying to spread information about both Obama and the election in areas of town with a high concentration of Latinos. From the parking lot of a Fiesta supermarket to the stalls of a flea market, we handed out flyers and spoke a little spanish, all in support of Barack. A few things should be noted about our day. First, the Houston police are really a friendly bunch of guys. Second, it is amazing how valuable some industrial items are. Like a bald eagle or a puffin, the rarity of a gas-filled generator is mind boggling. Third, there are places here in the states that are more Latin American than Latin America.



After spreading the word and eating some tacos, we met up with our host Lizzy at a function meant to educate individuals from the Latino community about Barack and the campaign. While we only caught the end of it, there was still a palpable sense of interest and excitement. Additionally, and not completely shocking to those who know him, our own Cliff Dank gave a short speech to the crowd about our group, why we made the trek, and what we hope to accomplish. True to form, Cliff articulated our collective goals and reasons very well and made our little group very proud.



A final note: BBQ is king is Houston. Lizzy took us to Goode Co. for dinner. In between bites of beef brisket and sauce-covered ribs we laughed, recounted the day, and admired the enormous longhorn-adorned armadillo sitting in front of the bar across the street. While there we also challenged ourselves to solve the picture puzzles located under the bottle caps of Lone Star beers. Here are a few that should entertain you for the next few minutes.

Ford Trucks and Fast Food: America

Greetings from America! In so many ways Houston is a microcosm of the greater United States. Urban sprawl with a rural influence, inconspicuous wealth adjacent to inner city plight, and Chevy dealerships next to McDonalds. America.



We arrived to the political battleground that is south Texas yesterday afternoon. With a mini-van full of eight Berkeleyans and a sense of hope and idealism, we set off to the Harris County campaign headquarters in downtown Houston. Upon arrival we expected to spend some time getting up to speed on the campaign and where we could best contribute. But that was not the case. Instead we were immediately sent off to a local precinct to begin canvassing. In groups of two we traversed the neighborhood, speaking to voters and educating them on the unique aspects of the Texas primary and caucus. Jumping right in: it seems so natural after nearly two years of business school.



So now what? With two and a half Spanish speakers in the group we may end up helping with the Latino vote. I would be thrilled if it worked out and we were able to do so. While winning the Latino vote would benefit either candidate tremendously, it would also help those who cast it in the first place. Immigration is such a critical issue, especially in Texas. As such, being on the front lines and working with those affected by this issue would be a great experience for all of us.


Finally, some random thoughts. First, it's rodeo time in Houston. Tonight it looks like we are going to hit the town and enjoy the best of what Texas has to offer: carnival food and rodeo clowns. Since most of us haven't spent much time with livestock, it should make for an entertaining experience. Second, makeup and big hair are to Houston as peanut butter is to jelly: flavorful when put together. That's it for now.

Why Change, Texas, and Internet Travel Deals Go Hand In Hand

I should be sleeping right now. As I look over my shoulder I can see the comfort and warmth of my bed. But I'm not ready to sleep. Instead I am making an entry for a blog that didn't exist ten minutes ago about a trip that wasn't being taken two hours ago. How quickly things change.

Change.

Change is also why I am going to Texas. My friends and I are heading to the Lone Star State to assist in the effort to win Texan votes for Barack Obama. If we are successful then a week from tomorrow Mr. Obama will be one step closer to representing the Democratic party in the national election...and we will be successful.

Why the blog? This is by no means a political blog; there are plenty of those littered about the Internet. Rather, this is a blog about a group of friends and their effort to help affect change. Over the next week I plan to capture, by means of photos and commentary, the effort to win Texas for Barack Obama. Through those mediums I will share our experiences with those in Texas and those cheering from home.

Finally...the why. I have already been asked this question. In response I want to offer this: I am a cynic. Sure, I am idealistic as well, but those ideals are often snuffed out early. But not this time. I believe in Barack Obama. I believe in him because he is a genuine leader. His opponents claim he doesn't have the experience to be President. But what does that really mean? Washington has plenty of seasoned politicians. It also has analysts and aides and bureaucrats and staffers and everything else a government needs to be effective. Essentially, Washington already has experience. But what it doesn't have is a leader. Yet. Barack Obama is inspiring cynics like myself to take action. To believe. To get out and try, even in the smallest way, to affect change. More than anything this is what America needs right now. More than anything this is why I am heading to Texas.