As election day inches closer and closer, as the nation is on the verge of nominating it's first African American president, as this country is so very close to shedding itself of the tragedy that President Bush's policies have created, as sunshine is on the way; there are some things I would like to say to you.
In the last week I took the time to re-read your book, The Audacity of Hope. I was reminded of a man that sees the best in people of every disposition; but shown a man that has been, to a certain extent, buried by the sound bytes of the 24 hour news cycle for nearly two years. I was reminded of the man that has been, is still, and will be refreshingly progressive in office. A man that has never left, but has been often forgotten.
In light of the fairly brutal campaign trail that has been run before America, I want to personally thank and congratulate you for your incredible efforts. I also want to thank you for presenting your platform honestly, fairly, and more respectably than seems possible. You have taken the formerly beaten spirits of a defensive Democratic party and shown us that the old idea of us and them isn't the only idea to which we can subscribe. This is not to say that you haven't been poignant and pragmatic when dealing with the issues and non-issues, but that you have done it so gracefully as to prove that we can be (and are) no longer scared and scattered. We can be a party that is engaged and not either-or, for or against. We can be a party, a generation that stands up and takes America back to a place where ideals meet discourse. Where work can not only be found, but made into accomplishment.
It's been a long road, unimaginably so for myself, but as you come to the end of this chapter, when you are the most tired and the most worn -- it is us that will carry you. Of this I am entirely hopeful (and now I am wishing changeful was indeed a word.) On Tuesday I will walk out of that booth knowing I voted for something bigger than the differences of liberal and conservative and hoping that those words will begin to loose their value as identity in place of persuasion.
We have all come a long way in the last years, and I can not wait for this to be over with so we can see that man from 2006, refined as only time and a national campaign can, as our president.
I can not think of a better first vote to cast. Please, continue on your way and we will continue with you.