Organizer for America: that's me!

I made some phone calls before the 2008 election. It was the first time I'd volunteered to do anything remotely political, but I'd known about Barack Obama since 2003 and knew I wanted him as my president, so it was important to me to take action.

I still feel I could have done more--much more--but he got elected and I got a reprieve...enough other people worked hard enough to cover my relative inaction. But this time, for the 2010 elections, I feel it is I who needs to work hard to cover the inaction of others. Because I don't think enough people realize how important the midterm elections are this year. I know I didn't until very recently.

But on Thursday night I want to a political pep rally where I heard the director of Organizing For America (OFA) talk about how we won in 2008. It turns out that 70 percent of first-time and under-30 voters went for Obama, so that's the group we need to reactivate for 2010. If those same people get to the polls, similar results are likely. It's so important that Democrats keep their seats in the House and Senate. I don't consider myself partisan, but I'm Democrat by default because I know that Republicans are willfully and stubbornly blocking the progress of the President's agenda, and that disturbs me greatly.

All Americans should care about our country, and policies that help everyone shouldn't be blocked on partisan principle. So much is happening right now with legislation...it almost seems like magic, since much of it happens quietly and without press fanfare. But it's happening:Flavored cigarettes are now illegal. (And as an ex-smoker who started at fifteen, I truly appreciate the significance of this.) Women are now legally guaranteed equal pay for equal work. By cutting out banks as middlemen in the federal loan system, $61 billion has been reallocated for education. And now, if I incur outrageous credit card fees, it won't be because I wasn't warned.

And none of the above achievements are even part of health care or financial reform--the two issues the media covers most. WE PASSED HEALTH CARE!

But Republicans want to repeal it. Why, I truly don't understand. It's not like only Democrats no longer get denied health insurance if they have pre-existing conditions. It's not like Republicans won't also benefit from the millions--millions!--our country will save in the long run. It's not like Republicans don't have kids under age 26 who need their parents' coverage. But while I don't get why people want to erase this historic feat, I know I'm not going to sit by idly and let them.

So today I pounded the pavement as part of the Organizing for America Vote 2010 National Kickoff. I asked strangers, again and again, if they were registered to vote, and if they were planning to vote in November. I helped four people register and gave forms to another two, and got six people to sign up for emails that will keep them informed and give them future opportunities to make a difference. Not bad for two hours work, though I am completely exhausted from the effort.

But, tired as I am, and despite all the other things I could/should have done with my time, I'm proud of my actions. I like knowing the President would be proud too. It was the American people who got him elected, and it's going to be the American people who give him a helpful legislative body or an unproductive one. I'm committed to working for the former.