This battle is coming to a close. No matter what happens on Tuesday, we’ve made history. We stood up together in the face of injustice and we, the people did something. Win or lose, we’re not going anywhere. Win or lose, we stand together.
In times like this it’s easier to return hate with hate. It takes a lot more effort to love, but love is our greatest weapon. Love, like a storming tempest is powerful, the most powerful force of all. Hate is born of fear but love has no fear. Love is what takes us past our prejudices to build an unshakeable coalition. We’ll need it for the work that awaits us.
The journey that has taken us to this point has been extraordinary. So many have worked tirelessly on the front lines and behind the scenes, doing what’s uncomfortable, scary, exhausting or just plain inconvenient. Throughout the battle unlikely alliances have been forged.
For the first time we have a whole slate of candidates who look like us, who speak our language and understand our struggles. When they saw injustice, like those who came before them they stood up bravely to say “I’ll run.” They answered the call, in astonishing numbers. They followed their convictions without modifying their platform or watering down their message. And the people responded.
Even the act of casting a vote has taken on new meaning. People are standing up and saying “it’s my turn now”. For some of us, in states like Minnesota, voting is easy. For others, in far too many states, it’s an act of courage, defiance and history. I honor your persistence, and I thank all who have been fighting to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote.
If we happen to win big—and I think we could— we will have been given a mandate by the people, all the people.
We must remember that our battle is not against all Republicans. We fight a corrupt minority who have become a reckless, renegade mob, wreaking havoc, willfully ignoring the people they serve—even those of their own party—despite any consequences. I think the majority of Republicans are shocked, confused and angry, betrayed by their party, adrift without direction.
In the end we are all Americans. When the building starts, we’re going to need them too.
It’s time to get ready for what’s coming. We have a lot of work ahead of us. In these remaining hours let’s focus on winning this battle. After that we’ll need to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Together.
-Lucy Lamp