Been thinking about that a bit, what everyone counting down and with the last couple of contests really just days away. I've been thinking about how my life has changed during this election--not anything huge, but really the way I spend my time has shifted dramatically over these past few months. For one thing, I had never come to this site until this election cycle, and now, it is my first stop every morning. But I've also just been inspired by this election and by Barack Obama to do something to help bring about change. I've never really believed I could.
This is why I did something very different for me. I got involved in a political campaign. I worked hard in Kansas to help the Obama campaign have a succcessful caucus (Barack-Chalk, Jayhawk!). I walked precincts, handed out information, registered voters, and made hundreds of calls. And I met great people along the way. I also made sure my own kids new the issues and how important it was to be a part of a movement. My oldest daughter (she's 16) also helped with the cause and was so proud to get to shake Barack's hand when he came through Kansas City.
But I also learned so much for so many of you. When I first landed on this site via Huffington Post, I thought it was so dense and jammed with information that it would be impossible to join in. How wrong I was! I have found great links, fantastic information, and most importantly, a sense of activism that is sorely missing in the MSM. Thank you for that!! This place has been my salvation because not only are there opportunities to get at the truth, but there are strategies for forcing that truth into the minds and messages of so-called "reporters" on cable and network news. How refreshing.
And so I have spent my time these past months trying--like many of you--to be a part of something, which has meant logging on, getting in many online battles, sending letters to countless media outlets to share what I've learned here. I actually believe that there is power here. It's been incredibly exhausting, and I've felt weary at times, but coming to DailyKos to find others in my same boat has been wonderful.
Next week, everything changes--I hope! Can it really be that Barack Obama will be the Democratic Party nominee? I MY LIFETIME, I will actually get to see that? Was it really okay to dare to dream about it and hope for it? It seeems so. We did this. WE DID THIS. And now, come Wednesday (please!), what will you do to celebrate yourself?