It is still too early to tell who won on this Super Tuesday, Obama or Hillary. But one point all CNN commentators agreed upon, was that ‘It’s hard to go against a movement‘. Something is happening in America, and it has a face, Barack Obama.
People like me, who had never cared much for politics, have been showing up at political rallies, knocking on doors, and making phone calls. I was wearing an Obama sticker today. I have a sign planted on my lawn. And I don’t miss an opportunity to engage whoever wants to listen. Something is happening in America. And it’s got nothing to do with politics. Or Barack Obama, for that matter. I have a theory.
People have had enough. And they are ready to make their voices heard, and to take action. People are discovering there are more important things than just shopping at the mall, and watching Super Bowl. They are ready to become citizens and to take charge of their destiny. College students, senior citizens, poor people, rich people, blacks, whites, Latinos, Asians, women, men, they are coming together to say, this is what we want, and this is what we do not want. We’ve had enough. We want change.
Several times, I have written about the consumer needing to step aside, to make room for the citizen. What we are seeing is the beginning of a citizenry movement. People fighting for higher ideals, and coming together in their communities to make sure the man who ignited their movement is America’s next leader. This is good news for the climate fight. The ingredients going into this extraordinary movement, are the same ones needed to win the climate fight: citizenry, community, activism, social conscience, and political will.
I am feeling hope. Are you?
La Marguerite 
Yes, Marguerite, I feel “it” and you’ve described “it” well, as you always do.
Last night my five-year-old son woke up in the middle of the night and when he came downstairs, we let him listen to Obama’s remarks. “This,” I told him, “is history.” This morning he woke up and was shocked to see Mama perched in front of the tv. “Get used to it,” my husband said. “She’ll be like this through November.”
Often I miss the wider range of the European political spectrum, but clearly, this is the most exciting race we’ve seen in our lifetimes. No matter who wins, it will make history.
Obama’s leadership gifts are inspiring. I love listening to him and watching his great ads. (And thanks for posting all the endorsement videos yesterday).
I do worry though about the effect of the Hispanic vote. I think the while the focus now is on white woman vs. black man, in the end the story may well be that the Hispanic vote is the deciding influence in this election. Obama needs to work on his strategy there….Bill Richardson could be a great support, but I have a feeling he’ll end up in the Clinton camp. Let’s hope Obama can pull out some magic to capture some of more of the Hispanic vote.
Thanks Lynn. Yes, it would be great if Obama spread some more of his magic on the Hispanic voters. It would be great if he became our next president. And more importantly, no matter what happens, a huge change has already taken place, and gives us reason to celebrate and hope. Our collective unconscious is shifting, for the better.
Yes, I’m feeling some hope, and I certainly think something (big) is going on, but it seems that nothing is quite as easy as it could be or ought to be. I guess, persistence is key.
(Sometimes, I wish I could get involved in issues that don’t require so much persistence.)
For example, reflecting on the Democratic results last night, what happened to California, New York, and Massachusetts? I’ve lived in all three of those states. They are, supposedly, states on the cutting edge of change. But, statistically speaking, they seem to be applying some “brakes”, at least temporarily. They are looking backwards rather than forwards. California! New York! New Jersey! I haven’t looked at the data close enough, yet, to try to think/guess about what happened.
I think I’ll be needing to get some of those signs, stickers, and so forth too.
The media are dropping the ball too.
Cheers.
Last night was a good lesson in Marketing 101. Again driving home the need for clarity and single-focus message. In my opinion, Hillary’s message of ‘health care for all Americans’ was very powerful with voters. I felt Obama’s message on the same topic was not as clear and compelling. Also there is the importance of recognizing the needs of various segments. Not forgetting Hispanics for instance.
The same can be applied when trying to sell a climate fight message . . .
M – I grew up in a small town where nearly everyone voted. I know because my Mother worked the booth each year. I think the turn out was high because everyone was self-employed and saw the effect of their work and their cousin’s. They knew they had a voice in the town council and used it. They showed up and spoke up.
Then corporations happened and middle management. Those caught in the middle found out that it really didn’t make a difference in what they said or did. Someone above them would change the rules. Government behaved the same way. What you voted for wasn’t what you received.
I think people are rising up because of the reasons you cite, but also because there are now millions of bloggers who have regained the voice and backbone of someone who is self-employed/directed with the power over their decisions and outcomes. People are becoming fearless and are trading in their sheep brains, and they aren’t going to go back.
I recently saw this video on another blog and was quite taken by it – it made the blog author weep – you might appreciate her commentary:
http://blog.patricia-martin.com/2008/02/yes-we-can.html
I think the word citizen speaks so very loudly
Mother Earth aka Karen Hanrahan
http://www.bestwellnessconsultant.com
You are right, Mary, blogging and social networking have been incredible mobilizing and organizing tools for all the dormant citizens who were waiting to awaken.
Karen, thanks for sending me to Patricia’s blog. She really writes from her heart.
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