2008 Election
Pre-Game Jitters
My very wise friend said at coffee tea this afternoon, “October was not a good month for anybody, Maegan.” We both giggled nervously, having spent the previous hour unloading our respective woes as entrepreneurs with big dreams mentally preparing to tough it through The Great Depression 2.0. Truly, it has seemed inordinately distressing. I have over-brooded, nearly imploded and considered joining the circus more than a few times, with a dollop of pretty-please-let-progressive-values-prevail-on-Tuesday on top.
Tonight, though, as I set my alarm for 7am to head down to Norwalk in the morning to cast my vote after almost two years on the campaign trail, it is simply impossible to be so small minded. Frankly, I just feel blessed. I realized while brushing my teeth that I have been waiting for this day for all of my politically-conscious life. We all have an opportunity that no American before us has ever had: the privilege to cast a vote against the discrimination and hatred that has sullied our nation’s lofty ideals since the country’s inception. It is the realization of bold thinking and immense sacrifice, including many great leaders who gave their lives so that this could be possible. I am honored to participate, and also to work at my polling place on Tuesday to ensure that my neighbors are able to relish their personal experience.
This will be one of my proudest days as an American, even though our country faces some of the most challenging circumstances in our history. I’ve been (slowly) reading one of Arianna’s older books this month, “The Fourth Instinct,” and today this passage stood out:
“It is not for reasons of divine economy alone that the ancient Chinese ideogram for crisis is the same as that for opportunity: the moment of crisis and supreme danger, whether in the life of an individual or in the life of a community, is also the moment of the greatest opportunity for renewal.”
Outcome aside, this campaign has already renewed so much of my faith and determination. Not just because it was exciting, inspiring or high-stakes. It’s been in the hearts of the friends I’ve made, and in seeing our commitment to activism and leadership grow in cities all across America. We’ve crossed paths in Des Moines, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Denver and beyond, but their spirits and our shared belief in goodness and the possibilities for our future is something I carry with me everywhere.
Edana, Megan, Shannon, Emma, BSpack, Deb, Calysta, OJ, Greggers, Yosi, D, Boon, Bim, Blaise, Jill: I am so proud and grateful for you.
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Having just met you in line for early voting I feel hope for the future of our great country and frankly, the world.
Effusive praise aside, I do not find my own thoughts as a hopeful generalization. My familly and I also believe we are approaching a great new era for our country, hopefully ending 15 years of the most divisive and disenfranchising period in our history