Today each of you, in your own way, celebrates the spirit ofThanksgiving Day (if not the actual event itself, since it does, inessence, commemorate the beginning of the systematic destruction ofthe lives and culture of those who occupied this land long before our European-centric ancestors showed up. But I digress). Each of you has a particular reason for giving thanks today. For some, it will be for the friends and family with whom you will surroundyourself throughout the day. For others, it will be for theaccomplishments already achieved, and the prospect of greater successin the future. And for the Governor, it will be for the return of aloved one long lost, and the closure that goes with that. And in homes across this nation, in living rooms and around diningtables, folks whose lives you are trying to improve through your workon this campaign will also sit down, and give thanks for themselvesand their families. And those individuals and families who have no homes, and who are sitting down to a meal served in a homelessshelter, community center, or church basement, they, too, will give community it embodies, a community that you and others like you are helping build. They may not know of you or your sacrifices, nor the long hours and tireless efforts made on their behalf. But rest assured that they have been affected by those efforts.
Teddy Roosevelt once wrote, "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
The credit for this campaign, and the change is has and will bring in the lives of so many people in Iowa and around the world, belongs to each of you. By "daring greatly" each day, you bring real hope to our fellow citizens as they go about their lives, a hope for a better future for themselves and their children, and a hope that -- on Thanksgiving 2004 --the future they dream of today day will be that much closer to reality with Howard Dean as the president-elect. Enjoy your rest over these next few days, and be ready for the real fight that begins on your return
Connolly
So while the names have changed, the senitment remains. I am proud of and grateful to my many friends who continue to work on the ground in this election. My office tomorrow will be making GOTV calls in New Mexico (tight Congressional race where we've endorsed, and a close state for Kerry). I know many of my new friends in Seattle have canvassed, called, donated, and aided in other ways. But my lasting goes to people like (I'll forget some, and for that I apologize)
Brian Fusco--for packing up and moving to La Crosse, setting up shop, and owning the west coast for Russ.
Buffy for defying the odds, beating the shit out of the CEA, embarassing the GOP and Democratic establishment with her methods, her personal approach and her tenacity.
Molly for organizing canvassers to basically destroy all opposition in Milwaukee
Mahood--trying to convince Nader 2000 supporters in New Hampshire to be a part of helping America instead of getting off on their own power trip
Emily Thorson--blogging a storm, making SEIU cool and high tech
Allison Stuntz--telling the world what to think, helping to keep voters in line for a little longer, so we get just a few more votes
JKD--shipping shirts and taking names for Run Against Bush
Ben Clark--talking smack and takin' names for Run Against Bush
Jake, Matt and Matt for soldiering on in Wisconsin, seeking out roles in the field, new partners, and bringing Russ home to victory.
Marc Baranov--keeping hope alive for Dave Thomas
Brian Miller--same for Richard Romero
Courtney--same for Tony Knowles
Maureen Meyer--same for Dave Franker
Robert Richman/Dan Cramer/GRS/--making ACT kick some serious ActSS in Minnesota. Paul's state must not be red.
Connolly--saving America from evil, inspiring a Iowa's organizers....helping old people to vote in Florida, and ensuring that I still believe that there is a place for someone who still believes in the power of words and the power of an incredible goal.
I'm sure I'm forgetting people, and I promise it's only because I'm tired.
Go forth and do good.
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