One of my Progressive heroes is Congressman Raúl Grijalva. This man has worked his tail off for progressive causes for years, and during his tenure in Congress has made sure that progressive voices are heard and listened to.
No, this isn't a diary to say "thanks for your service, and it's a tragedy that you lost." Congressman Grijalva won his tough race and we have him standing up for us all in Congress for another two years at least.
I just got a heartening email from the Congressman that I'd like to share. It holds a tremendous message for those of us who are downcast from the election results last night and the loss of the House to the Dark Side.
Without further ado, Congressman Grijalva:
Dear River,
We did it. I can never thank you enough for all you've done for this campaign. When I say we couldn't have done it without you, I mean every word. Your contributions, phone calls, canvassing, get-out-the-vote work and good wishes sustained us over the past several months, especially when John McCain and the outside right-wing groups were throwing everything they had at us.
In the end, this was a pure grassroots victory. They had money; we had an army of volunteers. They took to the airwaves and never let up; we went door-to-door across the district and talked straight to voters. They believed they could buy this election; we believed you have to earn your votes the old-fashioned way, by having a better record on behalf of your constituents. In the end, the grassroots came out ahead. It couldn't feel any better.
We won the race last night thanks to your hard work and your belief that democracy can't be bought no matter how much anonymous money you spend. Republicans came gunning for this seat with everything they had. Today, we have a message for them: the people of Southern Arizona saw what you have to offer, and they said no thanks.
This is only the beginning. We're heading into a new Congress stacked with powerful conservative interests. They think they have a mandate. Well, we're going to mobilize the most powerful progressive movement this country has ever seen to make sure the people still come first in Washington. I hope you'll join me on this new journey. The story is not over. It's heading into an important new chapter.
Once again, thank you so much for all you've done and all we'll do together.
Peace,
Raúl
Check that out. "This is only the beginning." He's going to take the fight to the Republicans, mobilizing "the most powerful progressive movement this country has ever seen". THAT is the way to do it. Take the fight to them. Never, ever let up. Let it be seen who is in the back pockets of the corporations, and who - just exactly who - has the People's best interests at heart.
"No thanks" to the special interests. "No thanks" to the party of money and power. "No thanks" to corporatists and lobbyists. "No thanks" to taking the country backward. Congressman Grijalva clearly wants to take it forward and intends to never let up.
Congressman, I've got your back. I will have the back of anyone who stands up to the Money Party and says "Go to hell." If you want to mobilize a powerful progressive movement, count this Washingtonian in.
Thank you, Congressman Grijalva, for bringing light to this dark day. Thank you for continuing to stand up for the People. And thank you for saying what a positive force for good you intend to continue to be in the Congress, because the Gods know we need that!