Here's what MoveOn members around the country are saying
Vera H, Woodside, NY
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
What emerged from the voting booths across America on November 4th, 2008 was not only a glimmer of hope for a brighter future but also a very simple truth - the knowledge that fair and just leadership is essential to arresting our country's decline. Human rights, health care, education, international affairs - just some of the complex issues our complex culturally and economically diverse nation faces. Our country needs and deserves a complex, intelligent, humane, articulate and diplomatic leader - President Elect Obama has these essential leadership qualities. On Wednesday when I woke my daughter to help her prepare for school I was excited to tell her the election news. For the first time in my politically aware life I was proud to be an American and grateful to be apart of the new American dream! On Wednesday, we witnessed history together as a family, community, and country. President Obama, with the help of his worthy Vice President and Administration, will guide us out of our backyards and off our front stoops - into the global village of the 21st century!
What should we do next?
Be responsible US and World citizens, stay politically informed and involved. Be willing to make sacrifices to end the war, and ween ourselves off fossil fuels for the sake of the next generations of Americans and the environment. Hold together and work together to elevate our nation.
Linda E, Jupiter, FL
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
The beautiful experiment of Democracy works! When things got off course, when the Constitution has been threatened and separation of church and state off balance, we, THE PEOPLE, stood up through this system of government and put things back on the track of Democracy...freedom and JUSTICE for ALL! Thank you fellow countrymen and women! Heartfelt gratitude to President Obama and Vice President Biden
What should we do next?
Keep informed. Participate where and when you can. Respect one another. Stay positive and send that energy and support to Barack and Joe and their families. Yes we did!!!
kathrine b, The Colony, TX
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I'm British and haven't applied for citizenship yet but I was determined to help Obama be elected so I volunteered making phone calls. It was fun and inspirational and I am absolutely delighted that this wonderful, educated, charismatic, genuine and powerful man has been voted President of the USA. Hopefully now the rest of the world will see that the American People are ready for change and all that involves both nationally & globally. Go Obama!! we love you.
What should we do next?
Unite behind Obama and keep working for that brighter future!
Candis J, Chicago, IL
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
It means that my daughter knows that when you see something in this world that you don't like, you have the power to change it. It means that my husband's hope in this country can be restored. It means that this country has made such progress, that I can honestly say that I am a proud American. I've never felt so moved while saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the Star Spangled Banner, as I was in Grant Park on Election Night. There are no limitations. We can be measured by the content of our character...As Dr. King said in his Mountaintop speech, "only when it is dark enough can you see the stars." Obama is that bright star. I am committed to remaining fired up to see real change because after all, the next generation depends on us all.
What should we do next?
Stay committed and don't let up. The same way we answered the call for change to get President Obama elected, should be the same way we answer his inevitable call to help him ensure that real change is manifested.
Donna G, Baton Rouge, LA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I've been with Obama since day one. I feel like I've worked hard, convinced others to vote for the right person. And this time, the person I chose and wanted WON!! After seeing and hearing him Tuesday late night, my aunt called. She's 70 years old. She yelled "Obama, Obama, Obama". At that moment I realized that Obama won and I voted for him because of my aunt Ruby. She has fought for civil rights in the 50's-60's, she sat at those counter tops in Woolworths, she rode the bus, she knocked on doors and she prayed and waited for change. She told me she didn't think she would see this change in her lifetime, "now they can walk on me". I thank my Aunt Ruby for fighting for this day for making this possible for me and this country and this world.
What should we do next?
Continue to educate, educate, educate. Because there is something to strive for; the bar has been raised and it's time for us to rise up to the bar.
Amanda W, summerfeild, FL
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
This is our shining moment. The simple fact that he got elected says alot about our country. Not just because he is black but because he won by a landslide. This is an amazing victory and all the voters should be proud no matter who they voted for...we really rocked the election. His victory really does mean change and we are all apart of it.
What should we do next?
We should continue to support him and continue to put the effort we did into the election into his time in office to make the change possible.
Gretchen K, Frankfort, MI
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I am proud! So proud to witness this moment in American history.
What should we do next?
ACT! Continue spreading the word that if we all contribute to our local communitiy we will be acting on a national and global scale. Eat locally, support local business, conserve energy, and advocate for clean and advanced energy sources in your region. Ask questions to our politicians, and get answers that are satisfying. Give your time to children! Give your time to the elderly! Love and cherish this land.
Patricia L, SeaTac, WA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Finally, I am proud again to say I am an American!!
What should we do next?
Support his agenda for peace and equality, and pray for protection for him and his family!
Pamela B, Las cruces, NM
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Victory means hope. Obama has a wide world-view. He will do his best.
I have hope for the country, hope for the 'system', hope for the world.
I know he won't be able to do everything he wants (there is Congress), but he will TRY.
What should we do next?
We should be ready for a reality check. I believe in Barak Obama, but he is human. He will do his best, but he can't do everyting. WE have to help.
carl j, aurora, MN
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
new life , new breathe , new changes for a better place than we found it..
What should we do next?
dont' ask me that i'm taking a break from all this
Ursula D, Watertown, CT
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Barack Obama's victory confirms that "WE CAN" make a difference; our voices are being heard; "WE DO" have a choice; and mostly importantly, that "LIFE IS GOOD!"
What should we do next?
Continue spreading the "love," the "compassion," the "beauty" in us all. We are all important, and together we can do anything. We are one!
pat d, locust valley, NY
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
hopefully a brave new world. My daughter cmae home from Sarah Lawrence college to vote for the very 1st time!! We are thrilled
What should we do next?
Remind everyone that their vote was just a start. We Have to work hard, together, to solve our problems, ecomomic, environmental, social. God Bless Us All. Love and Service to each other is the key
Nena B, Spokane, WA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
Obama's victory means that I can walk out of the political wilderness that our Republic has existed in for the past 8, long years. Perhaps we can regain our stature on the world stage and we can repair our torn and tattered reputation. His victory also signals a return to honoring the constitution, instead of trashing/shredding it.
What should we do next?
Now, the really hard work begins. We must stay engaged in order to realize the change desperately needed. It is up to us to be the change that we want to see. Also, we need to reach out to those that did not support Obama and include them in our work to fix this once great Republic.
Kristofer Y, Ventura, CA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I feel SO MUCH HOPE! I have never felt this proud to be an American before! I am ready to work with ALL Americans to become the best nation we can! I made phone calls, I contributed money, and I stood on the roadside near Ojai, CA for 13 hours one day (photo) to connect with our community about our support for Obama.
What should we do next?
Election reform, universal health care, abolish nuclear weapons, and Global Cooling.
Love this work! Kris
Kim M, San Diego, CA
What does Obama's victory mean to you?
I'm just happy that our little baby will grow up in a more peaceful, tolerant world!
What should we do next?
Help him in making his agenda a success (i.e. with Congress and public) so that he'll be re-elected. Also, make sure he stays true to the ideals he has professed during his campaign. I would like to reach out to the people who did not vote for Obama and make sure they know he is their President too. If he does a good job maybe they'll vote for him next time.
