The change I thought I worked and voted for in November was not just one in ideology, but one of tactics. Obama promised to shine a light on those blocking key legislation and those doing the bidding of special interests instead of the American people. He was to use the bully pulpit of the Presidency and enlist his supporters, like myself, to educate people and fight for the change we voted for. And so I've stood waiting for that fight ever since.
As the Health Care debate started heating up I prepare myself for what I thought would be the next big campaign. I educated myself on the issues and the major players. I checked my email often looking for organizers who wanted to enlist me in the health care fight. I stood waiting.
For awhile I fought alone making calls, writing letters and trying my best to educate those around me. I watched as tea baggers organized by lobbyists were called to arms. I then watched as end of life counseling became "death panels" and the public option became a "socialist takeover". I watch as the public option became coops. I started to wonder what it is I'd be fighting for if the rallying cry ever came. Still, I stood waiting.
Then I got the first real organizing email asking me to canvas in support of health care reform. I asked myself what reforms I'd be fighting for? Would I educate the people on the benefits of a public option only to have it negotiated away? Would I have to convince myself that coops would result in real reform? Would I be fighting for triggers? I stand waiting to understand what it is I should be talking to those in my community about.
I stand ready to respond to that organizing email and lend my support. First I need to know what it is I'd be fighting for. I need a line in the sand to defend. I'm willing to fight back against those who want to move that line and support those on my side of the line. I need a plan Mr. President! I need to know you support that plan and will fight with me until we pass that plan. I need to know you will not move that line in the sand. Give us a health care plan worth fighting for and draw that line in the sand. Then we will take our case to our communities while you use the bully pulpit to shine the light on those who try to move that line in the sand. Together we will seek change.
Mr. President, draw that line in the sand! Yes you can. Yes we can!