The Democrats have taken back Congress and much of the campus is experiencing an unfamiliar emotion—political optimism. We’ll join in. The national agenda, which looked so bleak a few months ago, now includes raising the minimum wage, stem-cell research, and reducing prescription drug costs. Those of you who actively pressed for these changes should be proud.
Connecticut College Democrats put together a constructive and effective get-out-the-vote campaign that functioned locally but contributed to the nation-wide victory. Their efforts may have shifted the balance in Connecticut’s second district, where Democrat Joe Courtney only beat his opponent by 200 votes. Their model of activism serves as a viable alternative for students reluctant to commit to more radical methods. While rallies, protests, petitions, and sit-ins are high profile and popular, they are not for everyone. If agitation isn’t your cup of tea, realize you still have options. Getting involved isn’t about rebelling; it’s about contributing. Partisanship isn’t required either: WesDems worked together with the College Republicans on several projects.
We can’t stop now, though. If the Republican defeat says anything, it’s that political winds can shift overnight. If you are happy with the result of Tuesday’s election, find out ways to keep it. Plenty of groups on campus are committed to political issues year-round, not just during election season. If you’ve got some time to spare and a voice to add, get in touch with the group of your choice and contribute.
The campus feels much brighter now than the post-election in 2004. People aren’t threatening to move to Canada anymore. “Fuck Bush” has gone from being a liberal bumper sticker to a national decision… so now what?
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