John Edwards continues his campaign…

[Sapphire Blue]

... to Cut Poverty in the United States in Half in Ten Years

Half in Ten plans to reduce poverty in the United States by 50 percent within 10 years. Under the leadership of Senator John Edwards, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAPAF), the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), have joined forces on the campaign to:

(1) Elevate and sustain a focus on the situations facing the poor and middle class today

(2) Build and strengthen an effective constituency to demand legislative action on poverty and economic mobility

(3) Advance specific legislative and policy proposals that will deliver real benefits to struggling American families
For more information on how to reduce poverty in America, see From Poverty to Prosperity: A National Strategy to Cut Poverty in Half (http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2007/04/poverty_report.html) by the Center for American Progress Task Force on Poverty.



http://www.halfinten.org/aboutus.html


You can sign up to learn more @ http://www.halfinten.org


Indigo Blue (Sapphire Blue's daughter)

(I hope it's alright for me to post this under my mom's ID; I know she would have wanted to see this posted here)

[GetTheRightVote]

1. I love what John is doing as well, I really liked him as a candidate as well.

[wellstone dem]

2. Thanks for posting this

I signed up.

I think your mom would be proud to have this posted.

[OzarkDem]

3. Good luck with that

the odds of making a difference are getting more remote every day.

[babylonsister]

4. Indigo Blue...

please, I've missed Sapphire Blue. What happened? She was such a champion of the poor.

[Sapphire Blue]

6. ...

I appreciate your asking after her; my mom passed away the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

[spooky3]

7. Oh, Indigo, I am very sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and

your family. We exchanged some PMs as fellow Edwards supporters and I enjoyed her posts.

I hope you will return for more visits whenever you wish.

[babylonsister]

8. I am so sorry to hear that, Indigo.

I remember awhile ago her sharing that she was sick, and I have missed her. Thank you for letting us know. How are you doing, honey?
I hope you keep her name and post in her honor when you feel like it. My condolences go out to you and your family. :hug:

[ladywnch]

100. Indigo, if you get any crap for posting under your mother's name just

let us know. I'm sure we can convince the powers that be to change their minds. :evilgrin:

my condolences to you and your family. Your mother was always one of the people whose posts I looked for and respected.

[smokey nj]

9. I'm so sorry Indigo Blue

:hug: :cry:
Your mom was a wonderful person and I really miss her presence here on DU.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. I am so sorry to hear that.

She was an excellent advocate against poverty and a kind soul. A rare jewel these days.

My condolences to you and the rest of those who loved her. :hug:

[goclark]

11. Indigo?

goclark

[Seabiscuit]

13. Your mom would be so proud of you, Indigo. You're always welcome on DU.

And I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[Stop Cornyn]

18. She was a hero to many

[peacebaby3]

20. Oh no! I had asked what happened to her a couple of times and never heard anything. We were soul

mates in the fight to end the death penalty and she was one of the kindest souls.

I hope to cross paths were her again one day in different place!

I already know you are, but you should be so proud of of the wonderful woman your mother was and I'm sure she raised you to be a wonderful woman also.

Thank you for posting this and letting us know about your Mom. I hope she crossed paths in another realm with my mom that I lost just a few years ago. They would definitely love each other!

Take care and please come back here to check in every once in a while.

[question everything]

22. I am so sorry to hear this

She was the champion of the poor and I admired and loved her posts on the poverty forum.

She was strong and generous.

My deepest condolences to you and to your family.

[rockymountaindem]

23. My condolences n/t

[Nutmegger]

24. Oh damn that is so sad.

I'm really sorry to hear this. I enjoyed recommending and kicking her posts. I didn't know she was sick, I thought she took a break or something.

:cry:

[flamingyouth]

26. I just heard this tragic news.

I want you to know that I admired your mother very much. She and I PMed often and she always posted in threads of mine that had anything to do with the social issues she cared for so deeply.

I am just shocked to hear this and feel very sad. Your mom will be greatly missed. :cry:

[calimary]

31. I just found out, too, in another thread here. Dear Indigo, your mom was loved and

respected for her wisdom, grace, compassion, and kindness. I thoroughly enjoyed posting back and forth with her, and the occasional PM exchange. And she was always on the alert to draw our attention to the plight of the poor. She was an angel on earth. Now she's an angel, period.

[uppityperson]

28. Indigo, I am so sorry.

I don't know what else to write but I am sending hugs your way.

[gumby]

29. Condolences

.....

[sandnsea]

30. I am so sorry

I remember posting about Camden and the Diane Sawyer special with her, and how we both wished it would spark a real national response. I am just shocked to hear she has passed. Of course my heart goes out to you and your family, but she will be missed by so many more.

[HardWorkingDem]

32. Condolences...

Please accept my sincere condolences. She and I PM'd a bit over a controversial topic and she provided wonderfully sincere answers.

Best wishes. She was a true soul here.

[alittlelark]

33. I am so sorry.... I had no idea.

I assumed she was in GD-P (I never go there).

She was always so together and 'with it'. Damn.... I don't know what to say.

[dogday]

35. My sincerest and deepest sympathies to you and your family..

I know you must be very proud of your Mom, she was a true champion of poor people's causes and not to mention championed causes of all our civil rights....

This is such shocking news, I am truly heartbroken :hug:

[nofurylike]

36. .

...

[tkmorris]

37. Your Mom was my favorite DU'er

I have been wondering where on earth she could have gone. I knew that DU frustrated her sometimes in it's tendencies to get caught up in trivial issues while ignoring ones she cared about, such as poverty (which is why I liked her so much). I had been hoping she simply took a break. I cannot possibly tell you how sorry I am to hear she has passed. Words just utterly fail me right now.

:hug:

[orleans]

40. that's so sad. i'm really sorry to hear this. so many have asked about

your mom...
i'm so sorry.
:hug:

[emilyg]

42. My deepest condolences.

[Breeze54]

43. I am shocked and very saddened to hear this news, Indigo...

You have my heartfelt condolences... :(

Your Mom was a special and caring lady!

Thank You for posting on your Mom's behalf. :hug:

[Bluebear]

44. She was a very good friend to many of us. I am devastated by the news.

My deepest condolences, I am so sad to learn what happened.

[The Doctor.]

50. I'm so sorry.

She wanted so much good for all of us, and really cared about people.

She will be missed.

O8)

[Cooley Hurd]

52. Indigo Blue, I'm so very sorry to hear of Sapphire's passing....

:cry::hug:

[Yael]

53. Oh honey -- I am so sorry to hear this!

I have missed her. :(

:hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

54. Indigo, I'm so sorry to hear this

Your mother was a gem of a soul and loved by so very many of us on DU.

:hug: :loveya: :cry:

[mogster]

57. I'm so sorry to hear that

I really liked her posts. Sorry for your loss :hug:

[myrna minx]

58. Oh, Indigo I am so sorry.

Your mother was a much beloved person on our little message board, so I can't imagine what a wonderful, cherished person she was in person. :hug: My condolences to you and your family.

[Solly Mack]

60. :(

(((Indigo)))

RIP, SB.

[G_j]

62. she was a compassionate and vital voice here

she is deeply and sorely missed.

:cry:

[kdmorris]

64. Words cannot express how sad I am to hear that

Your mom was such a great person. I loved reading all her posts. It's like a small light went off in the world. I was really hoping she had just taken a break and would be back when the craziness dies down.

My condolences to you and your family. As much as we all miss her, it's not the same as losing a mother.

:hug:

[lumberjack_jeff]

66. Thank you Indigo, please accept my condolences.

[SeattleGirl]

69. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, Indigo.

I always loved reading her posts.

My condolences to you.

[WillyT]

71. Indigo... I Am Profoundly Sorry For Your Loss...

Your mom was a great lady, and will be sorely missed.

Peace.

:grouphug:

[OhioChick]

74. I'm so sorry for your loss...

She will be terribly missed here. :hug:

[Blue Diadem]

75. I'm so very sorry. Your Mom was one of my favorites here.

I miss her and often wondered about her since her last posts in Oct. :hug:

Indigo, I hope you stay with us and I'd like to say a big THANK YOU for bringing JE's campaign to reduce poverty to our attention.

[Terri S]

76. A beautiful tribute to your mom on Mothers Day

I am so very sorry for your loss, Indigo. Your mom was --is-- a beautiful, caring soul who will always live on in your heart.

:hug:

[Richard Steele]

78. She was one of the best; her presence will be sorely missed here. nm

[cascadiance]

79. I put my Oliver down two days later on Monday...

I'd like to think that he might have found a new friend in the afterlife with your mom there when he arrived.



I miss him daily too, as I'm sure you do your Mom!

[slipslidingaway]

81. My condolences to you and your family, RIP Sapphire Blue n/t

[Coexist]

84. I am so sorry for your loss.

[hfojvt]

86. she has been missed

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3002114

[Bozita]

87. My sincere condolences, Indigo.

Your mom will be remembered here at DU for a long time.

[mike_c]

88. indigo-- please accept my heartfelt condolences....

Your mother inspired many of us here, including me. I've missed her posts. Thank you for letting us know what happened. I'm very sorry for your family's loss.

[Pushed To The Left]

90. I'm very sorry to hear this. I could tell that she was a wonderful and caring person.

:hug:

[donheld]

91. I'm sorry for your loss,,, and ours

:hug:

[nam78_two]

93. I am so sorry to hear that-she was a wonderful person

I had the pleasure of getting to know her a little bit last year. I was so pleased to see the username again-I had no idea...
I am so sorry to hear about your loss :hug:.

[rasputin1952]

99. She has been missed...

Graceful in every way, filled with the dignity that comes of wisdom, compassionate like few others.

My sadness is deep, but I know that there is no pain, no tears, no poverty in heaven...:hug:

[Mnemosyne]

105. Indigo, my heart goes out to you and yours. Sapphire was/is an amazing soul. Her

compassion and passion were truly inspiring and her frustration with apathy was heart wrenching at times.

Thank you for letting us know. I hope you are doing alright. :hug:

She will be, and has been, missed terribly. :cry:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

106. I'm so very very sorry.

My deepest sympathies to your family and yourself.

[goclark]

12. I'm still in shock, we have been looking for Sapphire Blue for months

[patrice]

5. It's more than a little obvious that the value of money is completely arbitrary. We need to start

offering EVERYONE things of REAL value for their lives: Complete and Appropriate Education, Real Health Care, Egalitarian Economic Opportunities, Economically Rational National Security . . . stuff like that will help end Poverty, not just money.

[MissDeeds]

14. Happy to K&R this

Your mom would be proud of you for bringing this important information to our attention. So sorry for your loss, Indigo Blue.

[pamela]

15. K & R

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I have missed her posts and was hoping she was okay. This is very sad news.

[grantcart]

16. k and r

[Political Heretic]

17. This isn't John Edward's Plan (though I love Edwards and know he supports it)

He is a supporter of the plan, but he's not the leader. The Center for American Progress' National Task Force on Poverty concluded research and released a national strategy to cut poverty in half in ten years. This is an outgrown of that plan - coalition building.

I know because I've been doing research on this proposal during my internship this year.

[LiberalAndProud]

19. Thank you.

Your mom is missed, and it's lovely that you brought this here in her name.

[barack the house]

21. That's fantastic then more power to him long may he fight for the people.

[SammyWinstonJack]

68. He would have been a great President!

:cry:

[Nutmegger]

25. R&K

Thank you for posting.

[flamingyouth]

27. K&R

[nadinbrzezinski]

34. Indigo my heart goes out to you

and your family

[Cleita]

38. OMG! I didn't know she passed.

We often got together to make sure her posts stayed on top so that everyone could benefit from her knowledge and wisdom. My deepest condolences to you.

[Wilms]

39. Sapphire Blue always had the most inspiring bouncy frogs!

:cry:

[TragedyandHope]

41. My Condolences to your family

:cry:

Keep fighting the good fight! :kick:

[ismnotwasm]

45. Your Mom

Was one of the people who made this place really meaningful. I miss her here, and I'll always think of her when any thread about injustice for people, or advocacy for the poor comes up.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Dammit Ann]

46. So, so sorry to hear this news. She was an inspiration.

I'm really sad now. My greatest admiration to you and your mother.

[Forkboy]

47. This is the saddest news.

Your mother was something special. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for ours here at DU as well.

It seems her spirit lives on in you, and I hope that you join us here from time to time.

Peace Indigo Blue. :hug:

[saracat]

48. Thank you for this Indigo. My deepest condolences. Your Mom was very special.

She made DU and the world a better place.And you and John Edwards continue the battle.Thank you.

[countryjake]

49. Everywhere

"Well, maybe it's like Casey says. A fellow ain't got a soul of his own, just a little piece of a big soul, the one big soul that belongs to everybody, then..."

Ma Joad: Then what, Tom?

"Then it don't matter. I'll be all around in the dark...I'll be everywhere. Wherever you can look...whenever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Whenever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there... I’ll be in the way guys yell when they’re mad an’ — I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry an’ they know supper’s ready. An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build — why, I’ll be there."


I'll forever think of her whenever I hear those lines

a sad loss for us all

peace (and one last mazel tov) to one fine person, our dear Sapphire Blue

[Sapphire Blue]

89. Thank you for posting this, countryjake, and my deepest thanks to all who have posted here.

You are truly the beautiful community that my mom spoke of.

countryjake, the Grapes of Wrath was one of my mom's favorite movies.

One of her favorite lines was:

"I been thinkin' about us, too... about our people livin' like pigs, and good rich land layin' fallow. Or maybe one guy with a million acres and a hundred thousand farmers starvin'. And I been wonderin' if all our folks got together and yelled..."

- Tom Joad, in The Grapes of Wrath: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wke1RBvcNQ


You know, I been thinkin' & wonderin', too.

She posted it here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=662949


It seemed to hurt her down to her soul to see all the injustice in the world, as if she carried all that weight on her shoulders. She taught my brothers & me never to turn our backs on injustice, never to look away, always to do something, anything, to try to change things for the better.

One of my earliest memories of her was going downtown and seeing an elderly woman without a coat. It was winter and snowing. She took off her coat and gave it to the woman. When I said, "Mama, you'll be cold!", she answered, "I'll be warm when we get home. This lady doesn't have a home. She needs this coat." I've always remembered those words, words that she lived by, words that she guided my brothers and me with throughout our lives.

Before she passed away, she told us: "I know that you're going to miss me when I'm gone. Shed your tears, then open the door and look outside; there's a whole world that needs your attention, a whole world that needs fixing. Do whatever you can, in any way that you can, whenever you can. So many people need you desperately." We live by those words. I sincerely hope that you all do, too.

Much love and thanks to all,

Indigo

[mhoran]

95. You mother's grace and eloquence flows through you

My heartfelt condolences.

[dbackjon]

96. I made it this far before the tears started falling

Deepest condolences - your Mom was amazing.

[femmedem]

102. Your mother always inspired us to be our best selves.

And it seems she passed that gift to you.

RIP, sweet Saphire Blue. And Indigo, thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory of her with us. :hug:

[Batgirl]

104. Such a benevolent soul

She exuded goodness and kindness and people obviously responded to that. The winter coat anecdote says so much about what kind of person she was and how she lived her life. Condolences to you and your family.

[bananas]

109. Thanks for sharing her words with us

:cry: :hug:

[countryjake]

114. Thanks to you, Indigo Blue

for bringing us this post and also sharing your sad news about your mom's passing.

Your mom and I shared an affinity with "The Grapes of Wrath", troubles with typing and simply putting a post together, and a deep-down anger at the injustices all around us. That is why whenever she put up a grand topic here, I surely appreciated what that meant for her, and often felt her pain as some posts went unnoticed by most.

In a community this big, that's just the way it goes, with so many diverse interests and causes. But as you can see (and I so wish that she could too) many many folks on this board knew what a tireless crusader Sapphire Blue was and we dearly loved her for it.

Her example is one that will not ever be forgotten. Activist inspiration.

Wishing you the best on this Mother's Day, Indigo Blue!

[lonestarnot]

51. I am so sorry to hear this.

Of all the posters who post here with various causes and interests, when I think of the poor, I think of Saphire Blue. I have certainly missed her posts and often wondered what happened to her. I was thinking of her just this afternoon and wondered when she was coming back. Thank you Indigo for sharing her with us. :cry: I am so sorry. :hug:

[Mezzo]

55. BRAVA DIVA!!

Thank you so much for carrying the torch for your mother. I am so proud of you for this. :hug:

[mogster]

56. Thanks

.. and welcome! :-)

[JNelson6563]

59. K&R *sniff*

For our fallen friend. :patriot: :cry:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

61. (((((Indigo))))) your Mom was wonderful. Peace to you and your family.

[Greybnk48]

63. Indigo, I always read your mom's posts.

She will be missed by her many friends here. Love to you honey, and my sincerest sympathy for your loss.

[Turn CO Blue]

65. I'm so sorry for your loss. DU will miss her - I will miss her

I was always sure to recommend any posts by Sapphire Blue. She had a great way of reminding us of what was shallow versus what was truly important.

[Dystopian]

67. Heartfelt condolences, Indigo Blue

Thank you for taking up the causes your mother held so dearly. I just checked my box, and the last PM I got from her was a year ago yesterday...I had no idea that she had passed away...
I am deeply saddened.


Peace, love & light ~

[Irishonly]

70. I Am So Sorry, Indigo

Your mom would be proud of you for continuing her fight. I remember reading one of your mom's journals when I first joined DU. I had goose bumps. Your mom was a hero to me even though I never had the privilege of meeting her.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family and I will light a candle for her tonight. Sapphire was one of the best ones and the world is a sadder place without her. I hope you check in once in a while. Sapphire's legacy will be carried on.

[Straight Shooter]

72. I don't know what to say ...

:cry:

[ClayZ]

73. Indigo, you Mom was so inspirational.

I too, always read her posts.

She was an amazing person, and I am sorry for your loss.

My heart goes out to you on Mothers Day. :hug:

[windbreeze]

77. I am so sorry to hear this...

I loved her posts..I wondered where she was many times...RIP Sapphire Blue...The world has lost a real trooper...belated condolences...wb

[butterfly77]

80. My deepest sympathy...

I loved her posts and I asked about her a few weeks ago...sorry to hear this.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

82. Such sad news

Your mother was one of the great DUers. :hug:

[rosesaylavee]

83. I am so sorry for your loss.

You and your family will be in my prayers this weekend. Thank you for letting us know...

[mzmolly]

85. Indigo, I am sorry. Your Mom

will be missed by us all.

[Gormy Cuss]

92. My deepest sympathy, Indigo.

Your mother was a tireless crusader here for low income and disadvantaged people. I miss her contributions (and her PM alerts!)

[nam78_two]

94. K&R.nt

[countryjake]

97. kick to remember Sapphire's message

[mntleo2]

98. Dear Indigo and Family

...there was none more rare than Sapphire Blue. I know because I also work to end poverty in this country and in the world. I have been missing her badly and am deeply saddened to learn now that she is no longer with us. I believe I missed her almost from the time she stopped posting. I know from her PMs that she was so frustrated with the attitude sometimes shown here at DU, and we commiserated because our work crisscrossed here often.

I want you to know for me your mom was a beacon of hope because there have been times, and I am sure bobbolink will agree, we all cried our eyes out because our posts would sink to the bottom in minutes flat. Especially when it was about poverty. Our tears were *not* because the posts would sink, but because we saw that many of the most hateful could face the awful consequences of poverty themselves and they did not have a clue. Still when they came here to lament their fate, guess who would be waiting for them with her virtual arms out and her great shoulders ready to bear the tears? Dear SB herself! If I can be half the activist she was dear Indigo, please know your mother was my hero and my inspiration, that the beacon from her soul radiated clear up to Seattle and across this nation. Matter of fact, it is STILL shining in my heart! O8)

Love
Cat In Seattle :cry: :cry: :cry:

[boston bean]

101. .

:cry:

[shaniqua6392]

103. I am sorry for your loss.

Blessings and peace to you Indigo Blue.

[NewHampshireDem]

107. I'm sorry that I didn't know Sapphire Blue but I thank you for continuing her work

Indigo Blue, you have my deepest condolences, and I hope you find some small comfort in these words:

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." --Gautama Siddharta, the Buddha

[roguevalley]

108. oh god. I am so sorry. My mother left in May of the same year. If

you look and listen really closely, she will whisper to you that she is still with you. I hug you and wish you peace and love, indigo blue. I am so very sorry. How proud it must be to have a mom like yours. That is how I feel about mine. Her life and goodness will continue through you and the good memories she leaves among those of us who love her.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

110. No words are adequate.

Thank you, you and your mother are why humankind has a chance for understanding. :hug:

:tearsinmyeyes:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

111. dupe

[Forkboy]

112. For your mother on this day.

[countryjake]

113. one last bounce for Sapph

:bounce: