Calling All Democrats: WE LOST

[TheReligiousLeft]

We lost. I’m not going to speculate how or why. We fought hard, we registered lots of voters, we did everything we could for Senator Kerry; it was, to quote President Bush, “hard work.” For all our efforts Bush still won the Presidency, with the popular vote. The Republicans now control pretty much all branches of government with a mandate. We can expect the extinguishing stench of war, both on foreign countries and on the poor and middle class. We can expect the smoke and spew of environmental degradation and further dependence on foreign oil. We can expect the shadow of alienation from allies, and fiscal irresponsibility.
In short, this is a dark hour. Still, the flame of America is here; it still flickers within each of us as tiny beacons of hope in this cheerless sea that surrounds us. That’s right, it shines within each of us. Each time we stand up and speak our mind, each time we talk politics to a friend, each time we open a newspaper to become informed about issues, the light is there.
Look deep within yourself and find your core beliefs, and live them out each day of your life; become a democracy of one. For too long it has been the Republicans that have had a stranglehold on the idea of “local control” and “States rights.” Well, we can do them one better, let us find self-control, and individual rights. If you have a heart for the homeless, work at a shelter, if you want to protect the environment find your State or national parks and volunteer there. If you are worried about Bush’s attack on the school system, take time out to read to a child. Start biking to keep carbon monoxide out of the air, and for the love of God if the Republicans want to attack Cuba, Syria, North Korea, or Iran and you are not so sure that’s a good idea get out in the streets and protest!
The light is not out friends; it is just a little dim. There is so much we can do between now and the next election cycle, that, if we intentionally and incessantly work for change, the cycles don’t matter, we do. Parties may make policy, but people make a nation, a signal fire of democracy lit from the individual torches of the hearts of many.

[TexasSissy]

1. I see what you're saying. But volunteering at a nat'l park does nothing

to help with the environment. That is done on a POLITICAL level.

So I would say JOIN a group that works in that area. There is strength in numbers. If it's the environment, join The Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife Fund, The Sierra Club, or something. Google a search, and you'll find plenty of groups that need $$$$ or help. Local chapters, too.

Google whatever your interest is. The homeless, education, the Democratic Party (join your local party affiliate).

You can also volunteer to work at a national park, but if it's being overrun with three-wheelers, you won't be any help in that respect.

[TheReligiousLeft]

2. Good call, thanks (NT)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. All things start within one's own self

to find peace, be peace. To find justice, be justice.

Sure, some will say, what can one person do? You may surprise yourself-as a wise man once wrote me, being a catalyst can start wonderful things happening.

[ObaMania]

4. Gee, sounds alot like Kerry.

If you are going to think that way then sure we did. Everyone here is talking about what we can do different in '08. I say absolutely fucking nothing.

All you have to do is read that great piece from Mark Crispin Miller and know we won.

The problem is, we are wimps, and complacent and good with just sitting back and accepting this.

If you take that attitude then we did lose. I am sorry to hear you have that opinion.

I am not in denial... just a continuation of my feelings from the last four years of my life. If I werein a better financial situation, say like a Soros or someone who didn't have to keep my head above water in *'s 'Murica, I would pursue this like you would never imagine.

PS.. there's still votes to be counted, polling places to be audited, and lawsuits to be investigated... anyone doing anything about that? Fuck no. Just sitting back and accepting *'s "victory" and planning for '08. That's the stupidest fucking thing I've ever heard in my life! With the record turnout we had this time, there's no fucking way * won. If we bring out 10 million more in '08 the fucking thieves will find yet another way to get their guy into office. They are thieves plain and simple, and no one will ever question it. That's what makes me absolutely ashamed of my party.

[TexasSissy]

6. I agree with you...about an investigation, anyway.

[ewagner]

5. Your screen name

is where we need to go in the next TWO years.........

Repubs don't own Jesus......

[OneBlueSky]

7. um, no . . . we was robbed . . .

hosed, jobbed, and snookered . . . and our "leaders" caved on us . . . that's what happened . . .