GEORGIA WOMEN VOTE!: Coming Full Circle

In the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, John Kennedy was elected President in 1960. When Kennedy took office, the Governor of Georgia was Ernest Vandier, father of current Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, Jane Kidd. The Lt. Governor was Garland Byrd, the father of Democratic Party of Georgia Parliamentarian, Chuck Byrd. Now both Jane Kidd and Chuck Byrd are outspoken supporters of Barack Obama whose candidacy would not have been possible except for that fight for equality and suffrage for all Americans. And, on election day - and all days between now and then - both Jane and Chuck will be fighting to protect that hard-won right for every Georgian to cast a ballot and to have their vote counted.

Last night, Chuck Byrd addressed the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce as a surrogate for Barack Obama- not exactly friendly Democratic territory. His remarks below are well worth the read:

Remarks of Chuck Byrd
Obama Surrogate
Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce
October 23, 2008

Yesterday in Richmond, Virginia Barack Obama held two events -- one a campaign rally – the other a meeting with his advisors on national security and foreign policy. After that meeting these advisors stood with Barack Obama before the American public and the world.Standing with Barack Obama was a great American - a great Georgian – a son of middle Georgia – a son of Houston county. Standing by Barack Obama was Sam Nunn.

Sam Nunn said when endorsing Sen. Obama that he “will have the sound judgment to put together an outstanding governing team, bringing people across old boundaries.” Sen. Obama doesn’t just show sound judgment in taking counsel from Sam Nunn – he shows great and wise judgment. Sen. Obama continues to cross old boundaries. Colin Powell, a Republican Secretary of State, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a war hero, when endorsing Barack Obama said that Sen. Obama was “a transformational figure.” He went on to say that Sen. Obama “is a new generation coming into the world, onto the world stage.”

Sam Nunn and Colin Powell know both candidates for President. They have known Sen. McCain for many, many years. Their respective judgments in this race speak volumes ---- most importantly they speak for and too our children and grandchildren.

I both respect and admire Sen. McCain. While I may disagree with him on many issues I never question his love of country and his patriotism. – my respect for Sen. McCain grew even more when he publicly stated that he has never questioned or doubted Barack Obama’s love of country and his patriotism.

We live in perilous times – two wars – economic bad times we have not seen since the great depression – hardworking people in this state and all over the country losing their jobs – losing their pensions – our international standing is in tatters. The way we respond to these challenges will forever set the direction of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Listen to the words of Barack Obama spoken yesterday at the campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia:

With the challenges and crises we face right now, we cannot afford to divide this country by race or class or region; by who we are or what policies we support. There are no real or fake parts of this country. We are not separated by the pro-America and anti-America parts of this nation - we all love this country, no matter where we live or where we come from.

I ask you ----- how will the United States of America respond to these great challenges?

We need change. We need change.

As Sam Nunn said Barack Obama will cross old boundaries.

As Colin Powell said Barack Obama is a transformational figure.

As Barack Obama crosses these old boundaries he will forever change this country in a positive way for our children and grandchildren.

I thank the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce for bringing us together. Five minutes is not enough time to address all of the issues but it is a good start -- now is the time for us to come together not only to discuss our differences but also too reason together. It is biblical. We only have twelve days until election day -- now more than ever --- we need positive discussions – we – and certainly our children and grandchildren – should not be exposed to scurrilous e-mails and campaign flyers. Certainly we have passed those old boundaries of lies and hate.

Join with us on this Campaign for Change. Vote for Barack Obama.

Let everyone within the sound of my voice understand that on the night of November the fourth when we elect a new President that the enemies of freedom will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are not divided as a country and that we are the United States of America.