It appears (as of 1 PM PDT) that this may finally be over, given today's likely primary results and the expected number of SDs who will endorse Obama immediately upon polls closing today... BUT...
how we move forward from here will be the key to winning or losing in November.
How we move on SUCCESSFULLY:
- Unite the party and advance TOGETHER
Democrats and Independents of ALL stripes need to realize that a vote for the Republican candidate is a vote AGAINST America's BETTER INTERESTS. Sadly, this was an argument that Rove, et al, exploited TWICE, to our nation's detriment. We must ALL be MORE vigilant and responsive in 2008 than we were in 2000, or 2004.
- Obama supporters, be gracious, and welcoming.
I realize that Hillary's campaign tactics have been sufficient to grate on many people's last nerves, but if we are to walk our talk, it's time to move on graciously, and ALL PULL TOGETHER as Dems and right-thinking Independents.
- SUPPORT DOWNBALLOT Dems and Independents -
We must reduce the Republican legislative majority to an absolutely harmless level.
One of the reasons Dems have been unable to create much legislative progress since 2006 is the remnant ability of the Republicans to block Democratic initiatives by use of parliamentary tricks. Electing a foolproof Democratic majority will ensure that this option is removed from the Republican playbook.
- Support Change actively -
this means, get politically active, get registered (if you aren't already) and VOTE for Change - not just Obama, but for Candidates that promise they will turn our ailing ship of state AWAY from the insane path it has been on the last 7 years, and return America to the path that will restore our economic strength, reward (not punish) hard working Americans, and once again place America in a position of respect in the eyes of the world, not her current position of derision.
- Watch McCain like a hawk,
"Call him out" every time he flips, flops, or "forgets". This is a dangerous candidate, and one who WILL continue to drive American into the abyss!
- Continue to support good candidates financially.
Republicans will unleash their money-raising machine, now that the Democratic choice has been (all but) made. We all need to continue, or begin, to support candidates that can put America back on track.
- Speak out, and FIGHT the "corporatization" of American life.
Things have gone horribly WRONG for the hardworking middle class in America, and a midcourse correction is LONG overdue.
PART OF THIS MUST COME FROM CITIZENS.
Take small positive actions, and continue them. As you can see from Internet fundraising, grassroots action in huge quantities can offset the effect of small, big dollar contributions. Same goes for grassroots action - choose to redirect your purchasing power to places where it will help entrepreneurs, rather than fatten up fat cats. Patronize companies that care about YOU, not those who treat you like a wallet to be pilfered.
Move your bank accounts to a bank that doesn't bleed you with monthly service charges and does NOT engage in policies you don't support.
Support politicians who understand that America was made great by the efforts of millions of hardworking citizens, and NOT by the financial manipulations of fat corporations.
- In Summary -
We have a chance, and the momentum, to restore this nation to her former greatness, but we ALL have to DO something positive, not just let others do it. BE a PART of the SOLUTION this time. The last 7 years are proof of what happens when we aren't. Take a small first step, and continue doing it - It's fun, and we'll be a better nation for it.