I did my part as one of millions of donors and volunteers to get Barack Obama elected President of the United States. I see no reason to alter my actions going forward as my way of helping Obama bring about the "change we can believe in."
During the presidential campaign, many of us donated, phonebanked, canvassed, and otherwise did what we needed to do to get our man into the White House. If we can continue the oft-described "unprecedented grassroots movement" from the campaign, then I believe we can affect some deadly serious change despite the incredible hole that we as a country are in right now.
Therefore, I would like to take a multi-pronged pledge about what I will do to bring about the change we need:
- I pledge to tune out the irrelevant yammering of the 24-hour news/spin cycle. It will do little to nothing to affect my disposition, and I will remain focused on getting things done. This includes waiting until Obama has formally announced his nomination for Secretary of State.
- I pledge to keep up the same hope in the face of adversity that I had during the election cycle. If we can move the Clinton and Republican machine mountains the hell out of the way, then surely we can move others, right?
- I pledge to do the same grassroots work that I did during the election campaign. However I can "lift up my community," "spread the word," or do whatever else I'm supposed to do (with the guidance of people who know what they're doing since clearly I'm a neophyte), I am more than willing to do it.
- I pledge to hold my elected officials' feet to the fire, Obama included. I expect to hold my Congress-people accountable for passing Obama's legislation without playing stupid games of any kind. I expect to make my voice heard to Obama when I think he's slipping or if I have a disagreement with him.
- I pledge to trust Obama's judgment. It has served him quite well and has shown the depth of his talents. I will not be completely uncritical, but I think he has earned getting the benefit of the doubt more often than not.
Those are my pledges to bring about change. What are yours?