On Friday hundreds of anti-genocide activists will be gathering at the national mall in Washington, D.C. to lobby Barack Obama’s presidential transition team. While many among this crowd supported Obama in Tuesday’s election, they all have recognized one important truth: politics happens every day. They will be lobbying his team less than 72 hours after his victory in order to turn the slogan “Yes We Can” into “Yes We Will” and “Yes We Have”.
Regardless of whom you supported and what issues are most important to you now is the time to put the election behind us and move forward together in improving the country. Supporters of Obama believe that the hope of Obama’s campaign can translate into a stronger economy, a more peaceful foreign policy and an overall healthier society. Although opponents of Obama may have different tactics, their goals are roughly the same. Our votes have been cast and whether our candidate won or lost, we can continue to fight the good fight in strengthening America.
For thousands of activists including myself, bringing about an end to genocide is a critical goal that the new administration must commit itself to. For others it may be healthcare, the economy, college education and many other important causes of our time. Whatever it may be we have a new congress and a new president and we must make our voice heard. We must transform the hope the majority of Americans hold out for the next four years into tangible action and results.
In his victory speech, Obama said that, ”above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.” I would echo and change this as now we must advocate letter by letter, call by call and tough debate by tough debate.
Both John McCain and Barack Obama spoke passionately about the need to end genocide in Darfur and beyond. The President-Elect cannot make this a priority alone. We must raise our voices and do the political groundwork so that his feet are held to the fire and his actions have strength. Without our persistent voices on the issues we each care about, our elected officials including our president are easily led into false direction. I agree with many in believing that Barack Obama will be able to accomplish many of his goals as president, but he needs OUR help.
Democrat or Republican, it is time to take our message to our officials at all levels. Both those officials who we supported and those we did not. Whether you join with me to fight genocide or push for a greener world or for whatever you may be compelled to support, I urge you to unite, organize and advocate. The results are in, the election has ended and there is a lot to do.
In the words of President Josiah Bartlett, my favorite fictional president from The West Wing: “break's over”.
