August 28, 2003
I Didn't Need Permission
Bev Marcus, a Seattle Dean volunteer, joined the tour for the same leg of the trip that I did. We got to talk on the plane, and it took a while for her to mention that she was supposed to introduce the governor when we got to Seattle. She'd never done anything like this before, and she was very nervous.
But she did a great job, and I got it on tape to share with anyone who didn't make it to the rally.
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[...]It's great to see you all here tonight. Amazing crowd. I just had the privilege of representing Washington state Dean volunteers on the Grassroots Express. An amazing experience. I just wish [that there] were room for all of you volunteers on that plane.
I first noticed Howard Dean late last year. I was attracted by his stand on universal healthcare. His combination of social liberalism and fiscal conservatism. I gave him a token contribution, never realizing where that would lead.
And then came the Iraq war. In the depths of my despair, Howard Dean's courageous and unwavering stand brought me solace. I realized I was not alone. I was determined to work for him. Actually, I was determined to talk someone into letting me work for him. Little did I comprehend that I did not need anyone's permission to work for him. That his campaign had the faith to empower me, and thousands like me, to do what was needed. It was in our hands.
So I took my first tentative steps. I went to a Meetup. I signed up for Dean Yahoo! discussion groups. I didn't even know what Yahoo! groups were. I went to another meeting, I worked with [...] civil union celebrations, and I joined forces with Amy to form a small group focusing on flyering and tabling.
Through the efforts of volunteers working with us, we've handed out thousands and thousands of flyers, and spread the word about Dean to countless people. Our efforts though, are not unique. Every day, legions of Washington volunteers are spreading the word in their own special way.
Governor Dean speaks of establishing a new American community. That theme speaks loudly to me. My new community is the community of Dean volunteers, who have become my friends, and my co-travelers in this remarkable journey.
My day and a half on the Grassroots Express has convinced me more than ever that we do indeed have the power. We can, and will, take our country back. ...
Posted by natasha at August 28, 2003 01:07 PM | TrackBack