Edwards was born to a working class family in a working class town. He did not inherit big money and worked hard to achieve the American dream. The success he attained shows the best of our country, and gives late bloomers like me something to aspire to. Along the way he met a wonderful, equally as intelligent and compassionate woman. Through good times and bad, these two have consistently known that they could rely on each other through thick and thin. They have endured the death of one child, and through their devotion to each other have come out the other end stronger. They have been wonderful parents, and have raised an extremely intelligent daughter, and decided to share their world with two new children after the tragic loss of the first.
Not only that, during a time when Elizabeth found out that her cancer is uncurable, they have inspired us with their strength and dedication to making sure the ideals we stand for will be represented in this primary. I remember the day I heard that Elizabeth's cancer had recurred and was incurable. I remember the sadness I felt because my mom is a breast cancer survivor, and she explained to me what had actually happened with Elizabeth. She could have gone that way too, but luckily she has made it almost 4 yrs. cancer free. She explained to me how the same thing could have happened to her, and what Elizabeth's new diagnosis would entail. I was so sad to know that such a wonderful lady had been struck with such an uphill climb.
I was also sad because I was sure that our campaign of hope, and One America for all would come to an end. I drove to class at Mid-Continent University that morning with a heavy heart. I was listening to the radio news all the way, and hearing how everyone said that John Edwards had called a Press Conference for later that day, and the consensus was that he was going to drop out because of Elizabeth's condition. I made it to class before the Press Conference started. That was the longest class I had that semester. I remember not being able to listen to my Professor, because my heart was so heavy. Not only would a great family and wonderful lady be facing more adversity, but by all accounts the campaign I believed so much in was coming to an end.
After class, I ran out to my car to put on the radio, fully expecting to hear that I would have to find another candidate to support. I didn't know where to begin. None of the others offered me the hope that John Edwards made me feel. When I got the radio on, because I was mostly out of range of the news station I had listened to, I had to recieve the news from Rush Limbaugh of all people. Yes, Elizabeth's cancer had recurred and was incurable. But, despite this she and John Edwards had decided that this election was far too important and far too many people just like me were drawing hope from the positive vision of hope that John Edwards was providing us. This brave, unselfish woman would not let our campaign end. It was simply too important, and we had to get it right. This was bigger than one person, one family or one husband. This was a fight for justice for all Americans.
While I was sad that this brave woman had the fight of her life ahead of her, I was so happy that our campaign would continue. I let out a "Dean Scream" of joy. Instead of trying to find an alternative to Edwards I just didn't see, I was going to be able to fight for what I believe in. Hearing the disappointment from Limbaugh was just icing on the cake.
Before going any further in this diary I would just like to say to John and Elizabeth, Thank you!! You both have given me hope that our country and party will finally live up to the ideals they were founded on. Your bravery and unselfishness will always be remembered by me no matter how this primary turns out. I hope that we can all agree that John and Elizabeth Edwards simply represent the best this nation has to offer. To both of them I just say, THANK YOU!!! Here in Western Kentucky and all over this nation, millions of us will never forget your sacrifice!!
I want everyone to know exactly why I draw so much hope from this vision. John Edwards has made mistakes as have we all, but instead of stubbornly refusing to admit he was wrong, he has used them to make himself a better parent, person and leader. He has seen what refusing to stand up for what we believe has cost our party and country and has determined he will never be caught on the wrong side again.
Throughout this campaign, and their lives, this wonderful American family has endured hardships. They didn't allow this to cause them to pack up their tents and go home. They could be hiding in the big house we heard so much about in the MSM, but they felt that their country needed them, and that people like me would never have a voice unless they gave it to them.
I hope the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire will take a long, hard look at why people like me draw so much hope from the vision put forth by Edwards. I hope they realize that this election is much too important for us to not fight for what we believe, and indeed fight HARD for what we believe. There is a large segment of the population that all throughout my life has had no champion. In fact, we have had no champion since Robert F. Kennedy gave his life for our vision of the world.
Please join us in building One America, where a man can be proud to go to work knowing that he will be rewarded with a fair day's pay. One America, where nobody has to fear going to the doctor when they have a health issue and don't have to let it heal on its own as I did when I broke a bone in my thumb. One America, where corporate profiteers don't rob our citizens blind as they did with the money to rebuild NOLA, and fight a senseless War against a country that didn't attack us. One America, where citizens once again matter more than corporate entities, and once again their leaders in Washington realize the we, not K Street are who they work for.
I ask you to stand with us for John and Elizabeth Edwards, not only for the inspiring stories of the courage and compassion their lives are, but for the vision of hope they offer all of us. For the promise that we will leave our country behind to our children better than we found it. The damage to our country has been too great the last twenty years, and we simply cannot afford baby steps to try and fix it. We need the bold vision of John Edwards, and we simply need to fight for it. Our country, our party, and indeed the world are depending on us to get it right this time. I would like to leave everyone with the final Edwards add in Iowa, which sums up why so many of us have drawn so much hope from the campaign for One America:
Best wishes everyone, and we're gonna win Iowa tomorrow!!!
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