I would like to encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on this historic campaign season and to keep in mind that this is only the beginning of our work as citizens.
This election season since the DNC, I've been riding an emotional roller coaster from elation to apoplexy to fierce determination to anxiety and back again. For the most part, I've really enjoyed the ride. I've had the privilege of watching the transformation taking place in this country and actively contributing my small part by canvassing, phone banking, contributing and now, blogging.
For the next two weeks, My wish for everyone involved in the national, state and local elections is that we keep our wits about us and start to think ahead a little beyond the next 12 days. Tensions are running high and it's easy to get distracted by and pulled into the instantaneous hysteria generated by both sides of the ideological divide. Let's remember why we're in this. I, for one, am not out for quick vindication and political schadenfreude. The still-potential gratification of seeing McCain-Palin and the GOP lose would be outweighed by the sense that Barack Obama will have taken power of a severely hobbled nation. It will fall to all of us to resuscitate our economy, the environment and our political standing abroad as well as bridging the cultural divides in our communities. I don't think it's too early to start thinking about what we are going to do from November 5th forward, regardless of the outcome.
I know I'm going to miss the adrenaline rush of the last couple of months of this election season, but I'm also looking forward to a little more calm and a little less meta-analysis of the campaigns and the media coverage.
That said, put down the mouse, step away from the keyboard, get off your asses and go DO something. Wear some holes in your shoes canvassing, gather the change in your couch to contribute, phone bank until you're hoarse.