The Democrats' health care victory was exhausting, but it was also historic, inspirational, and meaningful. In addition to securing significant health care reform, the Democrats showed that they can overcome huge legislative obstacles to make real change. But the Republicans don't make it easy. If we want the Democrats to continue making change, we have to show our support in the most meaningful way possible: By donating now to Democratic candidates.
A few weeks ago, a Democratic candidate asked me to donate to her congressional campaign. She's a terrific, experienced, thoughtful person--just the type of individual I'd like to see in Congress. And she's challenging a Republican incumbent in a nearby district; observers think she has a chance of unseating him.
Despite these promising signs, I declined to contribute to the candidate's campaign. I told her that I was depressed by the Democrats' lack of ability to get things done in Congress. "Why should I give to more Democrats?" I asked. "The party has super majorities in Congress, as well as a popular president, and still nothing is getting done. The whole system seems so dysfunctional that I'm not sure why I should even care."
But yesterday, the Democrats proved that they can produce meaningful change--despite the insurance industry, despite every imaginable roadblock from Republicans, despite the historic inability of Americans to confront our health care issues. In addition to passing historic legislation, the Democrats showed again that "yes we can!"
Today, I signed onto the web and sent a contribution to the candidate I talked to earlier. I'll be seeking other Democrats, both challengers and incumbents, to support. If we want the type of change we saw yesterday to continue, now is the time to signal that attitude by donating to Democratic candidates--and by pledging to ourselves that we'll continue making those donations through November.
The Republicans think they can use this vote to unseat Democrats in Congress, governorships, and statehouses. You can be sure that Republicans are dipping into their pockets and sending sizable donations to their own candidates--the people who opposed significant health care reform, who are blocking financial reform, and who raise every road block to progressive reforms. And those Republican donors are targeting the Democrats who bravely voted for change.
It's time for us to step up and show our support. Financial donations work twice: they signal our approval, and they help candidates win. Democrats and progressive independents poured huge amounts of support into the Obama campaign. It's time to do the same for all of the Democrats who are making a difference. Find a candidate--or two, or three--and donate today. Then make a note to donate again next month.