Here's what MoveOn members around the country are saying
Gerry B, Alpharetta, GA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
This morning, I took out and held my copy of Strength to Love by Dr. King. It was a copy that had actually belonged to him, and has notes in the margins penned in his own hand, and some folded sheets of Ebenezer Baptist Church stationery with his handwritten sermon on them. It was given to me by Hosea Williams in 1968, when I was working as a volunteer for SCLC down on Auburn Ave.
As I held it, I cried at the overwhelming importance of what occurred last night. I thanked God for the grace given to this nation to respond to the challenge and the opportunity we were given in this election. I remembered many things: April, 1968, at 3:00 am, outside Sisters Chapel at Spellman College on the AU Campus, where Dr. King was lying in State, I was standing in a long line of mourners all waiting respectfully in the chill night air, speaking in hushed tones, or not at all, to view his body and pay our respects No one was impatient, and when we each had our turn to stand before his casket, no one felt pressed to hurry past. I remember taking a few moments in reflection and prayer there, with tears streaming down my face, feeling an intense commitment in my heart to continue what he had given his life trying to accomplish. I was 20 years old at the time, just opening the wrapping on the gift that was to be my life. Now, at 61, I am still unwrapping that gift.
Last night was so major for me. There have been so few elections in my life in which I have actually voted for the winner! I have often felt so isolated, out of step with those around me, but yet so sure that the path I was on was the only one that I could walk with conscience. In 2006, I was encouraged by the election results. Last night, I was overwhelmed with joy and hope, gratitude and belief in humanity. I'd like to bottle those feelings and be able to take a swig every now and then just to refresh my soul. I have felt almost euphoric all day, in a very spiritual way. I have a strong belief that this man with the unusual name is living his destiny, and affecting ours in a most profound way, for the good of all.
I appreciate all of you, and the ones coming behind you, for living the dream we dreamed, for coming from love and not fear, and for being a part of the new majority in this country.
Hip Hip Hooray!!!!!!
Gerry Burge
What should we do next?
Form task groups to offer assistance on various areas of the agenda.
Lola B, Vienna, MO
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
We all did it! We WILL remember our participation to get here counted! Lola Bogue; Vienna, Missouri
What should we do next?
Work hard with continued dedication to be participants and not just observers in our country!
Judith D, Denver, CO
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
We shed tears of joy and hope. I voluteered as a driver for convention and made phone calls. When our yard signs disappeared, my husband got creative.
What should we do next?
Live a healthier live style to take pressure off the health care system. Each make one donation of time or money to a person in need or an organization that assists such individuals.
Kimberly B, Fishers, IN
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Everytime I think about the fact that Barack Obama is going to be our president it brings a tear to my eye! This election shook the USA out of its apathetic state and inspired people to vote at records levels - some experts saying the highest turnout in a century. It elected the first ever African American as president shattering racial barriers. It has brought unexpected groups of people together with the hope that we can turn this amazing country around. I turn 30 within two weeks of President-Elect Obama's inauguration and I cannot think of a better way to start the next decade of my life. I am truly proud to be an American and to say that I whole heartedly support Obama!
What should we do next?
Keep the spirit and excitement alive!
Lesa F, Buffalo, NY
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I din't realize until I heard Obama's acceptance speech how deeply cynical I had become. I woke up feeling refreshed. Free to feel included, accepted, and ready to start again.
What should we do next?
Stand behind him and charge forward.
Suzanne M, San Diego, CA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
To me, it means that women's rights are still safe and that we are country no longer divided by fear and ignorance, but united in hope!
What should we do next?
We need to focus on lifting up the economy, but not by bailing out big corporations and banks, but by educating the corporations on healthier and more functional ways to run their businesses and helping the person on Main Street.
Josie P, Salem, CA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Feels as if a weight is lifted off the country and the world.A new era is being ushered in.''Hope is not what you expect,it is what you would never dream''....I like that one. I suppose a many ''dreams'' are coming true as of election night?
What should we do next?
Keep up the enthusiasm and support that has been going on. Let all the skeptics and McCain supporters know that the exact right choice was made.PEACE.
Matt W, Green Bay, WI
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I'm so proud to have brought a baby boy into this world on the day Barack Obama was elected president! (The I voted sticker was mine - but the vote was Barack's!)
What should we do next?
We should make green energy into reality!
Rhonda S, Las Vegas, NV
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
We are a middle-aged white couple. We were caucus precinct captains. We canvassed and donated. My husband went with 3 of his friends a generation ago to stand with the little girls in Arkansas who just wanted to go to school. They were white boys doing the right thing and their lives were threatened. We lived segregation. How many gifts of intellect and great beauty have been wasted on the road to today. We sobbed last night when Barack was elected. The world celebrated with us. A new day has dawned and we watched the world evolve last night. May all of our dreams come true in the coming years.
What should we do next?
Love your neighbor and roll up your sleeves, for now the work begins.
Luis P, Orlando, FL
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Obama's victory represents the real "sleeping giant" - and that is the people themselves... if we can do this, then imagine how much we could do if we always worked together!!
What should we do next?
Lets work to expose coruption in the goverment. Get the word out on illegal things being done by politicians, etc...
Franne E, Accord, NY
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
my granddaughter-Zoe Hirsch-accompanied her dad to the polls- she'll cherish this historic moment ! Yes we can!
What should we do next?
end the war in Iraq
Alva C, Pueblo, CO
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Greatness for America! Having a President that other countries we respect.
What should we do next?
Ask him what he wants us to do next!
Tom M, Riverside, IA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
It has reaffirmed my confidence in this nation.
What should we do next?
Keep it going. In any small way, try to exact change. Stand up for what you believe in and help people, even if you may not agree with them. This is one nation...and we need to start treating each other like family.
Karen W, Jenkintown, PA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
A new outlook on the future! I have 3 very little children who have no idea of the significance of this event. I am proud of the different world they have in front of them. P R O U D TO BE A M E R I C A N !!
What should we do next?
Embrace the motivation and spirit people have developed. Empower supporters to take that energy and keep it going!! Create local resources or a pinnacle agency that points people to sign up to volunteer, encorage and participate in local groups to continue emabling change. Individuals made a difference in this election. Individuals can make a difference in their own communities. Help people stay inspired and embrace change as individuals - don't wait for someone to do it for us. But we need an agency to help direct people :)
Lisa T, Kankakee, IL
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
My friend Linda, pictured, and I attended the election night rally in Chicago. It was a wonderful experience and filled us with HOPE for a new beginning! We were so glad we could be a part of history!
What should we do next?
Some how we have to stay engaged ... not just by donating money, but by doing.
