2010 marks 45 yrs since the voting rights act of 1965 passed which outlawed discriminatory practices that had been keeping black people, among others, from voting. 2010 also marks 90 yrs since the 19th amendment was ratified giving women the right to vote in this country. These rights were not won easily.
I organize and I vote because I believe that we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us and because I want to create a better world for those coming after us. And no, voting is not the only way that I or anyone can create change or a better world, BUT all of us with the right to vote should not take for granted the power that comes with it.
On this election day I want to take a moment to honor those that believed, fought and won a better world for me 45 and 90 years ago. I want to express my deepest respect for everyone fighting today for a better world for those coming after me. I am also filled with love and pride for all the first time voters, first time canvassers and phone bankers that took the time to get involved this year. I know that some of you did so very reluctantly and some of you got involved not because you believed in the system but because you believed in me, Hidmo or OneAmerica Votes. Either way, you did it. You chipped away at the machine and you helped to mold a better world.
In Service and Solidarity,
Rahwa
