This is an open letter to every one who has been a part of helping in this magnificent campaign. To everyone whose vote for Obama will meld with my own to create a loud and true voice for, yes, change. And, with deepest gratitude, to every one of you who has become an active part of this ground game, everyone of you who has canvassed, called, engaged in conversations you might have previously avoided. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to see the images and thoughts posted here and elsewhere that speak to the wave of, yes, hope, of love, of fellowship.
My somewhat cynical (he professes he is simply realistic) English husband can be rather dismissive of this call for change, but primarily because, I believe, he doesn't truly understand what it means. He doesn't believe Obama can change Washington, doesn't believe he will be able to deliver on much of what he intends, doesn't believe people will act any differently come the 5th. I explain that it is not that we who are so invested in this campaign feel Obama will simply and magically change Washington, that he'll hand us something, that we expect by electing him we need do nothing else, that somehow change will happen without the intent to be ourselves the measure of change. I point out that there is great power in demanding and offering courtesy and respect in the exchange of views (making sure that I am remembering it myself when we have these conversations!), that Obama has had the courage to raise expectations and encourage the realization of our ambitions, that he has asked that we participate and that we have now, in much greater numbers, demanded more of ourselves. Some just needed to be asked--how wonderful and powerful is that, to feel connected and part of the creation of new dynamic because someone has had the courtesy and respect to ask? Undoubtedly we will have moments of falling short, but this campaign has asked us to be clear about what we want to achieve for ourselves and for each other, and more and more us are taking the time to be clear and brave and thoughtful. With that clarity and focussing on we CAN do, not simply what we aren't doing, comes manifest change.
This morning I woke and thought of every one of you who is out there fighting for this, loving this opportunity to collect and effect change, who has indeed become the change itself. I have had my moments of dipping into thoughts of the unthinkable, a squeaker of an election and possible upset, but am reminded at every turn that those thoughts are like an addiction, as if I were succumbing to something I wrongly think I have no control over. I have no blinders on in this election, there is nothing guaranteed, but I choose, today, to focus on all of you who are getting people to the polls, voting, calling, praying, living the intent...
This blossoming is beautiful to behold. And I thank you. I thank you all. May this be a glorious and, yes, hope filled day, where we see Barack Obama to the presidency, carried by our love, our respect, and our gratitude to his unfailing calm, to his family's unfailing commitment, and to his steady leadership.
Cheers! To you, to us...