Backyard Politics: Benches for Barack
Here’s one way for Democrats to make a campaign contribution that promises immediate payback. For 40 bucks, Benches for Barack — a grassroots fundraiser advertised on lampposts and on Craigslist — will build you a garden bench. $25 goes toward building supplies and the remaining $15 gets donated to the Obama campaign. A pair of…
Here’s one way for Democrats to make a campaign contribution that promises immediate payback. For 40 bucks, Benches for Barack — a grassroots fundraiser advertised on lampposts and on Craigslist — will build you a garden bench. $25 goes toward building supplies and the remaining $15 gets donated to the Obama campaign.
A pair of bright neighborhood kids, 18-year-old high school grads Harry Fishbein and Emma Dillon, build these sturdy benches in the basement of Harry’s Cobble Hill home and cheerfully deliver them to doorsteps around Brooklyn, free of charge. The benches are 18 inches tall, 4 feet long, and about 10 inches wide, and turnaround is quick. We received ours, which is painted a muted sage green, within hours of sending an email to Benches for Barack.
Harry and Emma made their first sale on Friday June 20 and by time tomorrow’s deliveries are done, they’ll have sold 38 benches — enough to donate $570 to the campaign. They don’t have any furniture-making background, but during Harry’s high school career, he built “a suspension bridge out of cardboard and fishing line that could hold 800 pounds and was 25 feet long,” and “a 7 foot tall geodesic dome out of electrical conduit.” We’re not entirely sure what that means, but one can safely assume that the kid’s benches are gonna hold up.
They’ll be buidling benches and other custom carpentry projects — like wooden trash can containers, sheds, picnic tables, and kids’ bathroom stools — throughout the summer, but in the fall, Harry’s going to Lafayette for engineering and Emma’s heading to Tufts for international relations.
3:02 you are wrong.
besides, are you suggesting that McCain is better?! Give it a rest. It says volumes about McCain that you try to make his case by attacking Barack.
What we dont need is more tax breaks for the rich, endless and pointless wars, and an energy policy that continues to drain our pockets and pollute the environment.
Lastly, if McCain is not your guy, then shut the hell up. You contribute nothing by moaning from the sidelines. Pick the lesser of two evils and make sure he wins. Being a bitter loser when you can help to minimize future damage to our country by supporting the better candidate makes you undeserving of the right to have a voice so many died fighting to get, and so many others died fighting to get.
3.26 – actually BO seems pretty darn pro-religion to many of us.
Yeah what 3:02 said! He gives a great speech, but seriously what has he accomplished in his two years of national politics. I guess at least we can be greatful he vanquished Bill and Hillary.
After Barack wins, the President of the most powrful nation on earth will no longer believe the world was created by god in 4004 BC.
So that’s one thing that’ll change.
good for them — this is a great summer project!
I hope young Harry doesn’t mind me ripping off his bench design – ’cause that’s what I’m going to do. That said, it’s great to see young people involved in something inventive and positive.
Barrak is an empty suit relying on good old fashioned Chicago machine politics.
If Change means reviving failed 1970s policies, well I guess I should break out the shag carpet and wait for the IRS to come have their way with me to some Al Green.
The man has nothing in common with JFK other than being a young senator with a little d next to his name. READ SOME HISTORY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
Research Deval Patrick if you want a preview of how empty the rhetoric is. It boggles my mind that so many young people believe anything he says as long as some cheery slogan is thrown in.
The fact he has adjusted his positions at every whim is a hint that he cares more about getting power than upholding principles.The man has the authenticity and honesty of a used car salesman for Pete’s sake.
Save your money kiddos, politicians always will come for it AFTER the election, why give it to them before?
I have to agree with 2:35.
In addition, its good to see kids inspired by real people, as opposed to entertainers and athletes. If they can dream about change, and actually feel like a part of the process by building benches, who knows what long lasting effect it will have on their character. It has to be better than watching them stare at the TV in disbelief for another 4 to 8 years under Mccain.
I expect you to give equal time to Coffins for McCain.