Dear Liberal America,
For the past year, it has been my honor and privilege to write for you day in and day out here at Daily Kos. I believe in this platform, the team behind it, and where it's going. I have truly learned as much about what makes the political world tick during my year here as I hope you have learned about racial injustice from my writings.
On my last day on the staff, I wanted to thank you for fighting for progressive issues, for taking stands on the environment, for healthcare, for women's rights, for voting rights, for equal pay, for immigration reform, and for a fair and just America.
I say "fighters" because I've learned during my time at Daily Kos that liberal America is scrappy, tough, and always willing to put up a good fight. Don't ever let that ethic slip away.
I want to be sure, though, that you never get so hooked on the battle, on the war, on the fight, that you forget the people who need us to actually get some good shit done. Yes, we should be fighting the good fight, but immigrants need meaningful reform way more than they need us to fight for generations over it.
Americans, particularly young America, needs us to do more than fight for gun control, we have to make some meaningful, substantive progress and actually close the gun show loophole, etc. It's not enough to fight for it. Our fighting didn't stop Sandy Hook or Oregon and it won't stop the daily mass shootings that are surely coming.
Listen, the problems with the American justice system are severe. Millions of families are being torn apart about by mass incarceration and police brutality. It may be the case that 99% of you reading this have never closely experienced either of those things, but my dream is that you will fight for hardcore reforms on those issues like your own life depends on it.
You saw the presidential debate last night. We have credible options. Our leaders aren't reality TV stars or doctors who point gunmen toward cashiers at a Popeye's Organization (smile). However, I've learned the hard way that whatever those leaders, or your local leaders get done, is going to be fueled by our grassroots momentum and influence.
Organize! Organize! Organize!
I believe in our future and know that all of our fighting can lead to more than just a bunch of exhausted fighters, but real change.
Love you! Let's keep it going.
Shaun
