57 year old mother of three, social justice activist, landlord, retired P.E. teacher, gardener. The most important thing I have ever done in my life is to have raised three intelligent compassionate and beautiful daughters. By far the most important thing. I raised my three daughter both economically, physically and morally on my own due to my ex's struggle with addictions.
After family, comes my commitment to my local community and then the bigger picture which includes how my life and my government effects others on this planet. During the eight years of the Bush administration we know that the negative effects of our country on others was felt around the world. My commitment to making sure that we witnessed accountability in regard to the 2000 selection of our President, the invasion of Iraq based on a "pack of lies" and the subsequent and unnecessary death and destruction became my political focus. I have been obsessed with the desire to witness justice on these very critical issues.

This activism came alive during the mid 60.'s with civil rights issues, South African Apartheid , Vietnam War, then continued with deep concerns about what was going on in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua) and continues with issues today.

I have been deeply involved with elections since Eugene McCarthy in 68.

I have a deep spiritual and political belief and recently President Obama expressed it better than I can

"All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.that we are herePresident Obama recently said "

He basically expressed my belief system in those words

First off it is difficult for me as it is for most people to ask for any financial support for anything I choose to do. I was raised in a blue collar family where the message was truly "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" and that is what I have always done in any circumstance I have been in. Fortunately I have always had boot straps to pull on and realize that there are many who do not and for that I know I must always count those blessing and do everything in my power for the less fortunate.

But as I help my youngest daughter through college as a single parent tend to two aging parents dealing with our insane health care system, continue to be obsessed with social and political justice issues the income that I make just will not stretch enough to include the Netroots gathering.

I know there are so many who deserve to attend and find themselves in difficult situations. But I do hope I get your vote. Be well, count your blessings, and let's all continue to do our parts whether we get to the Netroots gathering or not.

• 

  Douglas M
  Kathleen sounds like someone who is committed to the Democratic Party and to this country.