“The Ties That Bind Us- by Stephanie Phillips. I wrote this song in response to the anger and hatred that have been bubbling up in this country for years, causing a chasm between neighbors and even family members. I hope that the message of hope will inspire people to hold out an olive branch rather than a fist.”

 

"So that you know who we are, Chester County, Pennsylvania, is just north of Wilmington, Delaware. It's where the Mason -Dixon line begins and it's part of the Philadelphia market. Most important is that this County was the foremost battleground county in this battleground state. We received national attention during the campaign. Ours has been the most Republican of Republican strongholds. But Barack and Stephanie said, "Yes, we can", and we did. Obama won big here and we are all very much enthused...."

"Dear Marla,

Many of us here in Chester County, Pennsylvania, are aware of what you and your committee are doing for the Obama cause and for the arts, and we are grateful.

We are friends, fans and admirers of Stephanie Phillips Markstein who were overjoyed at how well she did in your national song competition. Yet we had mixed feelings because she missed out on being first by only a narrow margin. We understand the concept that "them's the rules." We well appreciate the serious and professional undertaking that your organization preformed to determine the winner. Moreover, we recognize that Lady D's entry was also outstanding. Nevertheless, it seems that it shouldn't all end at his point for Stephanie.

To be sure, some of our zeal for Stephanie and her effort stems from the fact that her "Yes We Can" became our local anthem at campaign events and gatherings. And, we know her for her tireless work on behalf of Democrats here while keeping up with her other time consuming duties including those of being a wife and a mother of two young girls. She is well thought of in this community.

Is there not some way that Stephanie can be included, as a runner-up, at appearances and in publicity and the like that will follow from the song competition? This is not to suggest that Lady D's achievement be diminished in any way but that the worthy recognition that will stem from the competition be broadened and enhanced by recognizing Stephanie's work as well - especially at the Inauguration.

Many people say that Stephanie's song, especially the rousing chorus, can be appreciated much more fully by viewing the youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9wp4VOHOuQ (That video was produced by a very talented young man, Kevin Fitzpatrick, who is in charge of the video lab and courses at a local high school.) I'm not a music professional, but it seems to me that Stephanie's song would likewise benefit greatly from some reworking/rearranging that would come along if you gave it a little more exposure. I think the song has legs. 

So that you know who we are, Chester County, Pennsylvania, is just north of Wilmington, Delaware. It's where the Mason -Dixon line begins and it's part of the Philadelphia market. Most important is that this County was the foremost battleground county in this battleground state. We received national attention during the campaign. Ours has been the most Republican of Republican strongholds. But Barack and Stephanie said, "Yes, we can", and we did. Obama won big here and we are all very much enthused. 

Please do what you can to keep the momentum for Stephanie's song going. A good Obama song is a terrible thing to waste.

Thanks and Happy New Year, 

Bill Scott

William J. Scott, Jr., Member,

Democratic State and County Committees,

Chester County Executive Committee

405 North Franklin Street

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380-2418

610-436-4644

FROM MY POST:

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Consider contacting the Obama Music Arts and Entertainment