That's a phrase that's stuck with me., and I like to use it to describe all the freshly awakened people who recently feel empowered as they announce, "Yes, we can."
But don't let the words 'Obama Nation' tumble trippingly off your tongue, ok?
I made the mistake of speaking a little too quickly at the O-train results fiesta tonight, it was pointed out to me. Go ahead--say it three times fast, so the words run into one another.
Whoops! starts sounding like a word I'd apply to our current administration, instead of the sound of hope for the future.
I'll remember to enunciate clearly, going forward.
To add some context, I was talking about the idea that Obama has already developed a huge ground organization of regular folks with overlapping interests, and the GE is only the beginning for all of us. Though we have to focus our energy on making Obama our nominee, and then on winning the general election, when that's over we need to start gearing up for the real work ahead.
I'm personally most concerned about sustainable living, because I think that is the essential issue facing us as a country and as a global population. The economy won't matter so much if we're all temporarily living in comfort, but the Earth is so altered, and our resources are so depleted by wasteful behavior that our children and grandchildren have nothing recognizable left to work with.
Other people will have different issues they're prioritizing, and that's all for the best. We're not living in single-issue times. But we can start gently thinking about how we're going to network with others to help Obama implement the changes we agree are crucial.
Obama has truly created something greater than himself. Most of us have tapped into that incredible energy and potential. That part doesn't reside in him. He turned the key, we're the engine. We mustn't let it stall, no matter what happens.
Now back to watch the returns. Night, all!