Two weeks. Fourteen days. A fortnight.
You and I are about to participate in something much larger than ourselves. History books in the future will be written about you and me, and what we are about to do. No, not the act of pulling a lever or punching a chad, but what it represents - something much more far-reaching.
Two weeks to redeem our country from the stain of 2000 and George Bush. Fourteen days to give our grandchildren something to look back on with pride. A fortnight to change the course of human events.
This is it. Things may get a little crazy. Please, stay focused!
My humble advice after the jump...
First, and very important...
Overconfidence is electoral suicide.
It is OK to be excited. It is essential to project confidence and a winning attitude. But it is a mistake to start counting chickens. Play like we are five points down. Fight like the future of our grandchildren depends on it. Work like it is important to you. Vote with a vengeance!
Second, you can do something for this campaign.
If you are financially strapped and can't give money, you can canvass a neighborhood.
If you are shy and can't talk to strangers, you can contribute to Obama or Act Blue.
In the closing days the most important resource will be boots on the ground. Contact your local candidates or the local Obama campaign office and ask, "What can I do?" Then do it.
I know it is not always easy, but you can influence those around you. Family, friends, acquaintances. Make a difference one person at a time. Don't let Obama be defined by the far right, who never seem the least bit shy about giving their opinion. Don't let people think progressives are timid or are ashamed of their own principles.
Make yourself heard! Stand up for progressive ideals.
Be polite. Be honest. Be bold.
There is something you can do to be part of this campaign. There is something you can say to make your voice heard. There is something you can give to contribute to an historic election.
Time. Money. Enthusiasm. Sweat.
If you have one ounce of effort left in you, use it!
A major theme of Obama's campaign is change. Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Good advice for all of us in the days ahead.
Finally, and I want this to be the thing you take away from this diary:
Stay Focused! Keep your eyes on the goal.
People may lose their heads. Don't you.
Rallies may turn into riots. Don't retaliate.
The days ahead may put knots in your stomach. Don't lose hope.
You and I are part of a long and honorable story of human progress. You and I may only see small steps taken in our lifetime. Do not be discouraged. Today we don't have to fight for emancipation or women's suffrage. Those struggles were taken up by progressives, bold progressives of our past. They are our brothers and sisters. We have a duty not to fail them in our time. We have a heritage to pass on to the next progressive generation. Do not let them down.
Most everyone knows by now that Ralph Nader was wrong. There most certainly IS a difference between the two parties. This year of all election years, there is a difference between John McCain and Barack Obama.
The difference between endless war or diplomacy.
The difference between "drill baby, drill" or energy independence.
The difference between a broken health care system or universal coverage.
The difference between shredding the constitution or respecting the rule of law.
Perhaps the difference between a depression or a sustainable economy.
Very likely the difference between catastrophic climate change or a survivable future for our grandchildren.
How many Supreme Court appointments will the next president make?
This election is that important. There will not be a more important one in your lifetime, and you have something to say about it.
You have a duty to do something about it.
Let me repeat-
There will not be a more important election in your lifetime. What are you doing to be part of it?
Two weeks- Stay busy. Keep your head on straight.
Fourteen days- The game is won by players, not spectators. Don't watch, ACT.
A fortnight- You are on the side of history. Be confident. Be bold.
Give your time and money. Talk to those around you. Take someone to the polls with you when you vote.
Stay focused! Stay on task. This has been a long time coming. We need to make sure we follow through. And frankly, casting your vote this election is just the first step.
I know it is nerve-wracking. I realize you are wrung out emotionally. It has seemed like this would never come. Well, here it is. So be excited. Exude confidence. Hold your progressive head high.
Prepare to witness- no, prepare to make history.
This is it. Now, go make it happen.