Barack Obama drew an estimated 18,000 people to a Jacksonville, Florida rally yesterday. It was reported on by Yovia editor Emily Patterson:

What I saw truly affected me. I saw people of different ages, backgrounds, genders, classes, and ethnicities freely mingling and talking. I felt the energy of a movement that represents change and hope to so many of us. As I looked around at everyone excitedly talking and sharing together, I had a very hopeful thought: this is America at its best. There is nothing our country can’t do if we really mobilize and let every single citizen know he or she has a part to play.

Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Obama talked about the economy and his plans for tax cuts for 98% of America. He mapped out a plan for ending reliance on Middle Eastern oil. He talked about funding research into renewable energy resources, and how that could be the next boom segment of our economy. He discussed education, and ideas to finance college for those who volunteer or serve our country. Then he asked us all to go and talk with our neighbors about his campaign, so we could win Florida and the rest of the country.

There is a widely believed myth that Obama will raise taxes for everyone. In fact, he will greatly reduce taxes for 98% of Americans. Taxes will be LOWER for 98% of Americans then they were under Reagan.

2. He has a plan to increase funding for renewable resources, and is concerned about climate change. McCain wants to repeal the gas tax to temporarily lower gas prices (prolonging our addiction to oil), McCain has promised tax cuts for oil companies, and McCain’s choice for VP shows how out of touch he is on the issues of oil and global warming: Palin’s home state relies on financial kick-backs from oil companies, her husband works for Big Oil, and she does not believe that humans are contributing to global warming.

3. Obama sees that our nations future is tied to the intelligence and patriotism of its populace. He wants to make education affordable. He has proposed a plan, similar to the GI Bill, to finance college tuition for anyone who gives back to our country through military service, Peace Corps, Americorps, or other volunteer opportunities.

4. Like Eisenhower, Obama believes that the future of America is also tied to a healthy populace. And healthcare prices are rising almost as fast as gas prices. At yesterday’s rally, he said that he would offer uninsured working Americans “the same healthcare plan that we members in congress give ourselves.”

You can help. Get out and vote, get out and talk about the election and support Obama. Here is the official donation website:

http://obamadonations.com/

If you live in Florida, or want to help in Florida, join our Facebook group.