Ithaca Blog

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Celebrate. Then Participate.

One of the slogans for working and progressive Americans has for years been Joe Hill's admonition, "Don't mourn, organize."

What a pleasure it is today to change that in one's mind to "Celebrate, then organize."

Barack Obama becomes president today due to inspired personal leadership, but also, and ultimately, because of unmatched organizing efforts for this change.

Today is a culmination in our nation's history, but only an indication of the possibilities for its future.

It depends on us. One long campaign ends. A broader one begins.

Now, it's up to us to extend this triumph. Obama stops winning if we stop working.

As Obama takes his oath, let's each take one, to dedicate ourselves to one another as we expect President Obama to dedicate himself to us.

Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog

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