Yesterday I (along with thousands of others) received a Thank You e-mail note from John Edwards. It was a nice thing to do and it was clear he had an additional purpose in mind, judging from this passage:
"And, along the way, all of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, I am asking you to continue speaking out for those who have no voice, just as Elizabeth and I will continue to do. We need you.
"Do not turn away from the great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us -- all of us together -- to make the two Americas one. We need you."
It was more than just symbolism too, when once he had made his statement, he turned and went to work on a Habitat For Humanity Home in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. That’s our guy.
Well, I want to thank John Edwards – personally and publicly for what he has done for me.
Dear John,
It has been my honor and privilege to work in The Campaign To Change America for more than a year. I have gained so much through the experience and it is entirely possible I might never have had these benefits had you not sought the Presidency and talked about what you talked about.
Thank you for inspiring me. No one has done that in my adult life before you.
Thank you for insisting presidential aspirants have specific proposals for the citizens to evaluate.
Thank you for standing up for the Katrina victims in New Orleans. My niece has given many months of service there in rebuilding. Your notice, your words honor her efforts and those of so many more people trying to right a wrong of our government.
Thank you for drawing attention to global poverty – a cause my mother gave many years of service to addressing. Again, you have honored her and all those who do that important work.
Thank you for reminding those of us who are able to stand up for, and speak on behalf of all those people without the ability or the access to do it for themselves. Though I don’t remember you presenting it this way, I’m sure you know that it is every bit as important for us to do these things, as it is for them.
In short, thank you for reminding me of what is truly important, and blazing the path of possibilities.
I will never forget you, John Edwards, and hope to stand with you again soon.
Sincerely and with deep appreciation,
Don Wheeler
South Bend, IN