The Work We Have Still To Do

I wonder if everyone who writes and reads dailyKos understands that this work we do is the most important work that is being done in America today. The knowledge, erudition, insight and breathtaking righteousness of our gifted diarists is revolutionary. Modern day Thomas Paines.

We are on the forefront of a movement that is going to change our beloved country. The common ground that we have found in Progressive politics is, I think, destined to reshape the grand experiment that is American government.

We are strong. We are strong because we are RIGHT.  We are strong because we are many and growing. And most of all, we are strong because we have hope and not despair or fear about the ultimate direction our country will take.

There is so much work still to be done. We have won an election, but the problems that we identified and campaigned on in 2006 are growing worse and more complicated hourly. We pause and breathe at our own peril. I'm sorry to be so meta, but a call to arms is what we need. Read on, please. Poll below.

There is nothing, NOTHING more important than saving our country. Without the leadership of this country, our United States, civilization could very well be doomed. Not the planet--humanity. The Earth, four and a half BILLION years old, could, in Carlin's famous words, "shake us off like a bad case of dandruff." I'm talking about people, humanity, civilization. No other country has the resources, the expertise, the popular will, or the moral imperative to change the careless and reckless direction we are on now. We are the main contributors to most of the world's main problems, therefore, it is incumbent on us to be the main fixers, the main repairers. In my humble opinion, the Netroots has become the main voice of those who are seeking a new direction dedicated to solving the difficult and dangerous problems of America's future.

The carelessness and top-rot in our government has become so deep that nothing short of a revolution can save us. However, this revolution, if started now, need not require  blood and bullets and bombs, it needs nothing more than active participation in the political process. We simply must demand that our voices are heard, that our wisdom and foresight is acted upon, and that the uninvolved become involved. Our future and our children's and grandchildren's future is at stake.

What parent, what person would want to leave a world in a worse state than the one he was born into? How callous and uncaring would one have to be to leave ever-increasing problems to the next generation? What would it say about us, my friends, to our progeny?

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How many times have you been told that it is "impolite" or "inappropriate" to discuss politics? The specious argument usually runs something like this: "I never discuss religion or politics". Unacceptable. One of our primary duties as responsible Progressives is to inform, enlighten, and challenge those whose eyes are still shut. With practice, this can be done politely.

How often have you thought "well it's only one letter or email to my Congressman or newspaper, how much impact could it have?" Unacceptable. Believe it or not, those letters have impact.

How often have you said, "I just don't have time to join the Democratic Party or get involved in grassroots organizing." Unacceptable. Everyone has time for the future.

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Now that we've won the Congress, there is great hope that the foundering of our Ship of State can be avoided. There is NOTHING more important. It will take constant vigilance on our part, however, to ensure that our elected representatives do not become complacent or lazy or false. We have to keep them on point with regular reminders of our power and our vision. We can do this.

The way that we will continue to help fix our broken government is simple in concept, difficult in execution. Talk to the undecided. Help them make up their minds. Every little bit helps. Run for office. Join activist groups. Vote. Encourage others to vote. Join political campaigns. Think about the future of the Nation. Send money to candidates and causes you respect. Write letters and emails, lots of them. Volunteer. Join the Democratic Party.

And never, ever give up hope.