Howdy Albert,

I was reminded about the importance of the upcoming election in Virginia from reading Robert Hubbell's excellent newsletter, Today's Edition. I start my day reading Robert's excellent summary of what's going on in our nation's politics. He's a big fan of action and not giving up.

So, I've been thinking about what I can do and I remembered sharing songs about Georgia with you a year ago when we successfully elected 2 Democratic Senators! Music is a great way to learn about a place and to think about what it's like there. I asked friends in a few FB groups to chime in with their favorites. Here's one from my brother, Dan Kaufman.

I thought of one great reason for electing democrats in Virginia and beyond. Blue states are about encouraging life. Democrats have been taking the pandemic seriously and my guess is that life estimates and quality of life are much higher where team blue is running the show. I feel it in Oregon. Perhaps you feel it or you don't where you live, too. That's why I wrote "Virginia is for Livers" - people who want to live and thrive. (a play on Virginia is for Lovers, ha).

You know me - I'm all about living a big life. You can't do that if you're on a ventilator. So, help me elect democrats, please. For the sake of your fellow humans and other species who lives in the US.

The next 2 songs were provided by friends who participate in the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop - music heaven. This is something I'm looking forward to returning to when it happens again.

If you'd like to take some action to keep Virginia blue and make it bluer, here are some recommendations! If you have a song or action suggestion, please write me back. I'll be doing round 2 of this newsletter once I've found a few more songs and we get closer to election day!

Action: Facebook makes it simple to find out whom you know in Virginia. In about 5 minutes you can figure out who that is and reach out to them to encourage them to vote. Learn how to do this, here. Thanks!

Thanks for reading and considering taking some action for Virginia.

Lots of love and I'll see you in a couple of days with more songs and encouragement!

I'll be headed to Philadelphia from 11.2-9 - get in touch if you'd like to hang out!

Love, Albert

PS - we now have the fluffiest cat - his name is Louie, and he's a delight. I've never been a big pet person, but I'm falling for this guy!

PPS - No more Handshakes :)