I am humbled by the dedication and hard work of volunteers, the graciousness of voters who've been pestered many times, the generosity of those who bring food and treats to share.
The last four days of this ultra-marathon are coming to a close. Though Iowa opened voting in September, though my county has almost 50% of registered voters already casting their ballots, we push on, trying to assure victory for our team.
Volunteers vanquish their discomfort of phone-banking or door-knocking. They do good anyway. Team leaders spend twelve and fourteen hour days herding the troops, coaching, directing, recording data, endlessly. They do good anyway.
My own role is as "comfort captain," making sure food is available for those with no time for a bathroom break, much less a trip out for fast food. People have donated generously, bringing soup, roasted chicken legs, desserts, cut veggies and fruit, chips and chips and chips!
I am humbled by the generosity of all those who give their time, effort, food, money, trying to assure victory for our team.
My awe is not that they are willing to do so. After all, many on the Republicans' side give thousands, even millions of dollars, for the same purpose. My awe is that the motivation is pure, that we do these things, not for our personal gain, but for the greater good.
This morning I stumbled on a quote attributed to Mother Teresa. Though I am not religious, the sentiment struck me. This is what she wrote:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
When the election is over and the race fades into the past, I'm confident that those here at Daily Kos, YOU, will still be working for good. Not just for yourself, not just for your family, but for the greater community, for the world. I know you will, because you are good people. You do good anyway.