Democrats recognize we have to work together to resist. But we need more than cooperation—we need cooperation over time. These last two weeks have forced us to ask ourselves how we will keep up our motivation to fight. Every day, Trump and the GOP majority renew their invitation to each of us to succumb to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Betsy DeVos won't be the last loss we suffer, by any means. So, what will keep us going after weeks, months, or even years of feeling like we aren't being heard?
I think the answer is simple to say but hard to do: We must immerse ourselves in the joy of participating in something larger than ourselves, despite the risk that our collective efforts will fail. If we derive motivation only from chalking up short-term victories, we will run out of motivation. Soldiers often say their motivation in battle is protecting the man or woman at their side. We need to feel much the same way.
I announced my candidacy for Tom Price's seat in Georgia's 6th Congressional District in early December, as a way to "do my part." I didn't run because I was guaranteed to be the best candidate for the race. If potential candidates ran only when they were sure they would win, we would have no candidates. When I announced, the Atlanta Journal Constitution quoted anonymous Democrats in the state who said: "Who is this guy?" "Never heard of him." "He's not our candidate." Broadly speaking they were right, but we need an inspired response to new voices if we are going to build a bench in a state like Georgia. Whether each of us steps forward as a candidate, an activist, or a citizen with a phone, the only real option is to take a risk and participate in something larger than ourselves.
Ultimately, I dropped out of the race for much the same reason I joined. I realized in early January that supporting Jon Ossoff was the best way to be part of something larger than myself.
Jon is giving all of us that opportunity. He is brilliant, devoted, and capable. Most importantly, he's sending the right message: We the people are courageous, kind, humble, and ready to fight. Some Republican leaders might smirk at this message. These leaders have abandoned courage, kindness, and humility in favor of temporary victories. They forget that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, even when temporary setbacks make us feel otherwise. Our job is to remember—for as long as we are physically able—that it takes a while for the arc to bend. But it will, because there are people willing to come together and take risks to bend it. To quote a former president I miss dearly, "We are the ones we've been waiting for."
In that spirit, I ask you to make a contribution to Jon's campaign, if you are able. Don't believe for a second that your $5 or $10 are too small to matter. You are part of something larger. And history will remember all of us for our efforts. Let's flip Georgia's 6th District, together.
Please give $3—or whatever you can—to Jon Ossoff today.