This election is far from over, and this is in no means conceding victory in this race. However, I cannot in clear conscience continue to do my part in this fight for this country's soul without saying a big, heart-filled thank you to everyone involved in this.
I speak this upon what I witnessed today and what I saw and experienced in the last week. The Explosives Story, no pun intended, is quickly turning out to be an October Surprise...for our side. But, I have to believe that this would not even be having such an incredible impact on the Bush Campaign and this election season were it not for all of us continuously pounding on this story, making certain all of America heard us. Even Rudy Guiliani's little comment would not have become a major albotross around Bush's neck were it not for people like us who were so disturbed by what he said.
It is because of our efforts, our newly reformed Progressive Movement, unified and dedicated like never before, that this race is where it's at today. And, even better, win or lose, I don't see it going away any time soon.
It's already having an effect in the voting process. I voted yesterday early, and am glad I did because of what I saw. There is only one early-voting precinct here, and so the line wait for me was about one hour, and the number of people per hour I would have to believe is at least 200. But, when I left following the outline of the line I just finished, from the things I saw I have to believe that there was a 9 or 10 to 1 ratio of Kerry voters to Bush voters. People, dressed not like you would think voters would dress, of all ages and races were there ready to cast their ballot. Simply incredible to see such an enthusiasm to change this country. That alone should have been enough to convince me of what we have been able to accomplish here, but there was more.
I visited Michael Moore's Must Read blog the other day, and a good deal of the links he provided went to stuff I already knew about, such as Bush's One Fingered Victory Salute, the 18 year old (now not so) promising marine recruit who threatened his (ex-)girlfriend because she was voting for Kerry, etc. But, what amazed me was just how widespread these stories were being sent and linked. It is absolutely stunning that this kind of stuff is now getting out at such a lightning rate, whereas 2 years ago there was no chance in hell of a movement like this. Even the disgusting Milwaukee voter suppression flyer story is getting legs in this community.
I don't know if Kerry will win this election even though the odds are increasingly looking good for us or what kind of dirty scheme the Republicans have in mind to not go quietly from power, but I do believe that what is happening here is a direct result of the Shame on Me Era. We were fooled once, had a movement going, and then lost it in the drug/sex-induced, forgetful period of the mid- to late-70s. Now, it has happened again, and those who witnessed the first fooling era are still alive today, and are now more determined than ever to make certain that future generations don't fall into the same trap theirs and ours did.
The blogs and grassroot movements are a direct result, I believe, from those who remember that horrible period in our country's history nearly 40 years ago, and are now more determined than ever to see to it that it never happens again. No longer are they simply hoping for the good of humankind to overcome these disasters, they are building the machines and efforts that will guarantee all of us being on our toes and keeping our government and future in check.
I did not get introduced to the blogs until mid-2002, when MSNBC writer Ken Alterman provided a simple link from his daily journal to a site called Best of the Blogs. Through that site, I found this site, Atrios, Josh Marshall, Kevin Drum, TalkLeft, and a whole slew of people I had no idea existed, and an encyclopedia of information that I hadn't seen before. My life hasn't been the same since. As a musician, my writing is being constantly consumed with social commentary, a direct result of what I have read the last two years from this blog and others. I find myself having a much, more comfortable voice, more accepting of the kind of person I am and can be, and a belief that even I can direct a change that will better ourselves and each other.
The election isn't over, but allow me to say to all bloggers, writers, and everyone involved at the grassroots of this new movement: thank you! Thank you for opening the gates and letting the floods happily drown us in love for this country, our world, and our future. I'm more confident than ever that the media and government as we know it today are witnessing a beginning of the end, for better or for worse depending on who wins Nov. 2nd. We are increasingly setting the tone for what's to come and what's being talked about, and for what passes as conventional wisdom. I'm so happy to be a part of a community of folks, telecommunicatingly and physically, that are no longer content on sitting down and shutting up. We are raising our voices, we are being heard, we are being considered, and the best part - it's only the beginning. Nothing but love to everyone for starting what will surely be an exciting journey for all of us!