Obama feels the Nuys
We don't often get presidential candidates in Van Nuys. But today amid throngs of neighbors, about 10 dogs of various breeds and dozens of news trucks -- KABC-TV, Channel 7, alone sent three -- Barack Obama got right with Van Nuys.
We barely knew it was happening before the whole damn thing was over. First I thought the crush of news trucks meant somebody got rubbed out -- as in "Godfather" -esque "get rid of the gun, keep the cannolli" rubbed out.
Then I thought Britney Spears had her latest meltdown a mere two blocks from our house.
But that didn't explain the half-dozen black Crown Vics with government plates, carrying black-suited, short-haired gentlemen with earpieces.
We stopped at home and turned on the TV -- "Obama in Van Nuys," the KCAL-TV, Channel 9, anchor bellowed before throwing it over to tape of ... something else.
Digital camera in hand, Ilene, the little one and I walked up the street to assess the hubbub.
Neighbors told us how Sen. Obama shook hands, answered questions and generally acted like the non-singing rock star he is before entering another neighbor's house for some kind of set-up talk about how the economy is crushing us, each and every one.
With Secret Service types shooing people this way and that -- you don't bring 20 satellite trucks with you and not expect a crowd -- Obama exited the house to cheers, hoots, hollers and general mayhem.
He waved to the crowd -- and yes, Ilene snapped these pictures of the whole thing -- got in a black GMC Yukon-ish vehicle and left Van Nuys. Probably forever.
So Hillary, when are you coming for a little chit-chat? Hope to see you soon.
I just finished reading this wonderful human interest article. I'm also facing a major "financial" crunch as well. I love being self-employed as a notary public and mystery shopper. However, I'm not generating enough income to pay my bills. I just turned 60 back in November. Lately, I have been plagued with car repair bills, had to put some of them on my credit cards. Back in 2006, I re-financed my condo, took out cash to pay off the credit cards. Now, I'm back in debt again! Now, I have to start looking for full time employment again! Can you tell me who wants to hire a 60 year old disabled worker with a college degree and years of experience? This is another crisis facing "baby boomers!"
All I can say at this point is lets get out of the middle east, work on concentrating our efforts at home. There's plenty of gas so why gauge consumers at the pump? We need to provide everyone who wants to work with a job that will pay their bills, provide adequate medical care and housing.
One further note, this was a valuable lesson I learned from my Grandma Ida (BTW she was the first woman to run for Congress in Pennsylvania back in the 1930's, and my LA City College Political Science Professor Dr. Philip Schlessenger, you need to keep your legislators aware of what's going on!
This is a valuable lesson I learned from these two wonderful individuals and I practice it on a continuous basis.
Please encourage your friends and family to get out and vote on February 5th. Also, your representatives on capital hill and sacramento need to be informed of your concerns.
The only way to make progress is to vote and write your representatives. Also, sign those petitions you see at the supermarket!
The more we pester our legislators, the more we can accomplish!
Did you see the Military helicopter following the procession? Very impressive!
In Van Nuys?
Why didn't he take a small tour of the valley?
People must have been shocked.
I know I was astonished as well I couldnt believe it when my professor commented it to me. Overall I believe that Obama scored some good points by coming down to a local city and so call hanging out with a common city. At the same time I feel he did it for publicity but hey it worked right?