The Lesson? Any issue can be talked to death as long as those responsible for solving the problem have no desire to do so. If you procrastinate long enough, you will eventually manage to distract the voters. The counter-lesson is that you might be distracting them in a way worse to yourselves!
Another thing I noted on my journey and during my time driving around Blacksburg was the plethora of campaign signs for various candidates. In many instances, I saw an abundance of signs for candidates that are not seriously being opposed. I asked myself, 'what purpose is there in advertising for a sure thing?' And then I remembered the amazing thing we did in Virginia last year, and I learned a second lesson: Take nothing for granted. We should fight harder for the lost causes, because one day you win.
Another thing I noted in my time there, is that we as a people draw strength from our shared experiences. As a Hokie, I know this very well. But there is more to it than just that; while our party has many people with different opinions on various subjects (I am pro-life, a position not as many in my party hold as I would like), we are united by common themes.
What themes mights these be? First, a belief in the fundamental goodness of mankind. Yes, we are all capable of doing the wrong thing, and we certainly will make mistakes throughout our life, but our natural calling is to do good for each other. We look out for each other and seek to lift each other up. It is why we support government efforts to help those in need, and government programs with proven ability to alleviate suffering both in our country and abroad. And everyone I know in our party is avid in supporting charities who help in small targeted ways where our government might find it difficult to reach.
Another theme is that we believe that everyone has a fundamental right, a dignity, to a better life. We do not believe that our country was meant for a few, nor our world. We each have a share in it, and we ought to do what we can to safeguard it against those who would abuse it for their own personal gain.
There are more, but I thought those two were the most important. I saw them when I returned to my roots in Southwestern Virginia. I saw them in each of my friends as we gathered for a Halloween party. We spoke of every day things, doing what we could to help each other, no matter our backgrounds, no matter our beliefs. We spoke of our troubles, our grievances, and offered assistance where we could. We spoke of our hopes and dreams, an of memories of wonderful times. It was everything I had hoped for it to be.
We Democrats are believers in the power of doing what is right. If we err in loving too much, it is still better than hate. If we err in loving too broadly, it is still better than prejudice. If we err in forgiving too freely, it is still better than condemnation. I'm proud to be a Democrat, born and bred in Virginia. I'm going to be proud to see our party retake the helm of leadership in our beleaguered state next January.
Now is the time to give it that last effort. This isn't just for an election, but it is about who we are, and what we hope we can become.
Matusleo
Ut Prosim