Comment on Democratic Unity

This week Democrats from around the nation attend and watch the events unfold in Denver with high expectations of success this November. I am proud to complete a ticket with both Senator Obama and Governor Warner and thrilled for Virginia as we will be the focus of so much excitement.

We have an opportunity this year to show the world that our party believes in principles; an opportunity to put partisanship and power below the needs of the people. With questions looming about energy, the economy, and the integrity of our republic, we must stand tall together as Americans against those interests who seek profit over progress.
We know that the END goal is helping our battered families survive and rebuild, and we know that fighting as Democrats is an MEANS to that END. Together, we pledge not lose sight of that END that unifies us.

Join me tonight as Virginia proudly sends one of our own to the national stage and again on Thursday as we celebrate the shattered ceilings that have fallen this cycle.

I'll be fighting for you.

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DIVA'S HOUSE OF HAIR, RASOUL TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL "KUTS FOR KIDS"

Contact - press@samrasoul.us (877) 726-2008

Roanoke, VA - Diva's House of Hair and Sam Rasoul for Congress will sponsor the 2nd annual "Kuts for Kids."

Both organizations are sponsoring this event in order to give students $1.00 haircuts. With the rising costs of school supplies, Diva's House of Hair and Sam Rasoul for Congress understand the enormous expense of sending a student to school.

Kuts for Kids will take place on Sunday, August 24 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Diva's House of Hair, located at 5524 Williamson Road, Suite 7.

Those who are seeking more information should call Sam Rasoul for Congress at (877) 726-2008.

PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RASOUL TO TOUR NEW MARKET, MOUNT JACKSON WITH MAYORS

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT - press@samrasoul.us
(877) 726-2008

New Market and Mount Jackson - Tuesday, August 12th, Sam Rasoul will be touring the towns of New Market and Mount Jackson with their respective mayors. Sam will meet Mayor Larry Smith at the restaurant Public House at noon, and from there will be shown around the Town of New Market. Afterward, Mayor Joseph Williams will guide Rasoul around the Town of Mount Jackson at 3:30PM.

Why Have Gas Prices Gone through the Roof?

Column by Sam Rasoul

Those big signs at gas stations along every major road in the sixth district shout our dilemma. We can't afford to drive the vehicles we own. In a few short months, gas prices have destroyed the family budget and now threaten our entire economic health.
Over the past few weeks in parades, at fairs, and on doorsteps, I have heard the same concern: the price of gas. We are in a crisis, and families need help today.

What happened? And will things get better or worse? First, let's talk about why the price escalated.

Not everyone agrees on why the prices rose as quickly and as high as they did. I'll take you through the conventional explanation, which offers no quick solution. Then, I'll end with a possible dilemma we can fix with the appropriate legislation and effective energy policy.

One reason for increases in price is simple supply and demand. However, supply and demand didn't hit the wall overnight. There's no doubt demand has escalated. Americans use 25 percent of the oil produced worldwide, and developing countries, especially China and India, are trying to catch up to our pace. Right now the world demands 87 million barrels a day, while oil production lags behind at 85 million barrels a day. OPEC, with two thirds of the world's oil reserves, could produce more but has no incentive to do so while reaping such healthy profits.

The Iraq War has contributed to the crisis also. Oil production was interrupted and has not climbed back to prewar levels. Though the shortfall is only about a quarter million barrels a day, it's easy to see how that shortfall fits the supply and demand picture. To make matters worse, our military operations in Iraq use great quantities of oil, costing us money for which we gain no useful economic output. In fact, our military operations protecting the shipping lanes and oil refineries and other needs of the foreign oil industry we depend on adds more to the demand, pushing prices higher.

Couple those problems with the weak dollar. Our addiction to oil and weak domestic production force us to spend $33 million per hour on foreign oil. We import nearly 70 percent of the oil we consume, sending the money to places where it has no chance of entering our economy. When we send more dollars out of the US, we weaken the dollar and gas prices go up again. Then we must send even more money out --- a cycle that hits us weekly at the gas pump and the grocery store and every other sector of our economy.

Okay, all that makes sense but doesn't answer why prices rose so fast. In 2000, at the request of Enron and other energy companies, Congress exempted energy markets from government regulation. A 2006 Senate report warned speculation uninhibited by regulation would send prices sky-high, but our representatives paid no attention. With no oversight, energy traders have gone wild with market manipulation and excessive speculation. Investors looking for good returns and a hedge against the falling dollar have found an unregulated energy market provides them the perfect opportunity. Their opportunity may account for as much of 60 percent of today's oil prices, according to several analysts.

I'll address possible solutions to these problems in my next article. If speculation is indeed the main driver of high prices, we can provide some short-term relief perhaps, but the supply and demand issues necessitate a long-term commitment for an energy revolution in our country. In 1999, we could get gas for 90 cents a gallon; those days are past. We must create a secure supply of energy that is pro-national security, pro-environment, and pro-growth. The responsibility rests with all of us.

Press conferences in Harrisonburg (tomorrow, Tuesday) and Roanoke (Wednesday)

Hope you can attend and show your support for Sam!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SAM RASOUL PRESS CONFERENCES TO ADDRESS DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL

PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT- Ally McIntosh

ally@samrasoul.us

877.726.2008

Roanoke, VA - Sam Rasoul, the Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District, will be hosting two press conferences next week to address the energy crisis. The events will begin at 12:30PM on Tuesday, July 15th in Harrisonburg at the ISAT center on the campus of James Madison University and at 12:30PM on Wednesday, July 16th in Salem at the Roanoke County/ Salem Jail. Rasoul will be discussing the need to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

"Right now our national security is at risk because we are dependent on other countries to provide for our energy needs," Rasoul stated. "Businesses are highly vulnerable to the volatile oil market, limiting the potential for economic growth. We must reduce our need for imported oil and invest heavily in alternative energy and conservation to protect our economy at home and security interests abroad."

Richard Baugh, David Wiens, and Kai Degner, city council candidates in Harrisonburg, and Professor Munley of Roanoke College in Salem will also be speaking at the press conferences in support of Rasoul's candidacy and revitalizing our energy portfolio.

www.SAM2008.com

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Spreading the American Dream

Today I spoke with students traveling from Indonesia with Legacy International, a program teaching Indonesian children about government and civic participation in America and Indonesia.
I began by giving a background about myself beginning with my upbringing as a first-generation American. I grew up in a working-class family as the child of two immigrants. I told them that my success as a small business owner and as a candidate for federal office is one example fulfilling the American Dream.
The students were very bright and interested in hearing more about the American political process. They asked great questions about the structure of American government, and why I am running in such a "dirty" system (government is very corrupt in Indonesia). I told them that while American government is also full of corruption, I am running to help change that and to give a voice to those that do not have one in the system as it exists today.
The students were asked to introduce themselves at the end and explain what they want to do in life. One student explained that he is in line to be the next president of Indonesia. After stating this he said, "I want to be a good leader like you."
These students were such an inspiration to me. Their thirst for knowledge of the world is refreshing and truly admirable.

Bedford Democrats Open Their Headquarters

Sam joined Tom Perriello, Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional district at the opening of the Bedford City/County Democratic headquarters at 133 W. Main Street in Bedford today.

“With the help of Bedford Democrats and other volunteers, we will knock on over 100,000 doors just in the 6th district in the next 80-85 days,” Sam said. “Along with Mark Warner, we feel confident that we will be a vital part of helping to turn Virginia blue this year.”

The festivities included cutting the ribbon to open the Bedford headquarters, listening to candidate speeches, enjoying refreshments, and socializing with local Democrats. The headquarters is beautifully decorated and large enough to accommodate teams from both Congressional races along with Barack Obama and Mark Warner’s campaigns.

We had a lot of fun with the Bedford Dems today and look forward to working with them throughout the campaign. The Bedford office will be the base for both committees’ and local campaign organizations until Election Day, November 4th.