Signature update

Tuesday, 15 August 2006
I returned home from China last Friday. Again, I had a productive trip, it was a good conference, (China-US Medium Energy Physics) and I felt good about the talk I gave. My two daughters (Lela and Laura) and son in law (John Mark) joined me at the conference, taking advantage of the opportunity to see some sights in China. I took an extra week after the conference to visit Lela’s home in Yanji, China. If interested, you can read some of our exploits on her blog at http://www.chinachat.blogspot.com/.

I tried to hit the floor running on Friday and went to my office to touch base with my students. But jet lag takes its toll and I didn’t have enough energy to be very productive.

Over the weekend I called various people who have been helping me get signatures. Obviously, my own signature efforts came to a halt the last two weeks since there were not many eligible signees in eastern China. I had about 350 signatures when I left, not counting others who are helping me. The deadline for appearing personally in Austin (with 500 eligible signatures in hand) is 29 August. So I started calling people that are helping me to send in what they have after having them notarized. I got three packages in the mail today. The signature count as of 11 PM, 15 August, is 513! Many thanks to all who have helped with signatures thus far (listed in the order that I have received them):
Larry Henderson 10
Nilah Turner 20
Marla Bullock 87
Monty and Cheri Rodgers 6
Don Avery 10
Ron Reed 10
Ginna Sadler 8
That’s 151 (notarized) signatures and combined with the 362 that I have obtained it comes to 513. Again, many thanks to all those who have helped. Everyone is busy with their own lives (family, work, errands, etc.) and I feel humbled that you have taken the time to help me in this effort. It feels good to be over the top, and I have a half dozen more people who I will obtain petitions from the next couple of days. Of course, some signatures will be thrown out (illegible, not registered, etc.) so I need some extras. I am carrying my clipboard everywhere I go and will add to the total as time permits.

I hit a low yesterday. Too many things to do, not enough time, etc. But the 500+ signatures have energized me (together with adequate sleep). I still think we’re going to win this race or, at least, have a positive effect on addressing the real issues facing the American people (particularly the people of District 19). I would love to hear from you, to obtain your feedback. Leave me a comment!

Mike