what could be more powerful than power? (live @ Take Back America)

Read the original post at Young People For.

When you begin to recognize your personal ability and resolve to make a difference incredible things happen. There is no doubt in my mind that whether you are a budding activist, a student beginning to learn more than you thought, a traveler meeting harsh new realities, or a weathered volunteer (worker - maybe you get paid to do this) in the progressive movement - your ability to truly impact the course of history is locked in this self-actualization of the power you hold, which is your ability to influence someone else's life. Influencing just one person is important, but that one person is part of a larger global community and they can then influence another person, and the chain will continue. Power is most often alluded to fall into the hands of the politically and economicly wealthy, those who exploit, manipulate, and profit from others, those who sit in the plush offices and government buildings. This I say is not fact. However, one may argue, these people do hold the power - they do make the decisions and they do shape our lives. While this remains a fair argument there still remains nothing more powerful than a person with a passion. No official, no government, no financial powerhouse, no one can stop that person from influencing others except by way of death. So I say give me passion, give me freedom, give me liberty or give me death (paraphrase: Patrick Henry).

Today begins one of the largest conferences of progressive peoples in the US, except maybe for the US Social Forum. 2000 people gather in Washington D.C. to discuss the prospect of reversing the painful and extremely detrimental policies that have shaped or seemingly broken and divided country. The opening speaker told us that we, who gathered today, were the heart of the movement. To that I say no, we are not the heart, we may be a base for launching, we may be the facilitators for a change, but we are not the heart - because the heart of the movement lies in the people, every person. We are the privileged of the movement gathered in a fancy hotel with classic music and opulent settings. While we are the privileged of the movement I like to think that we are also the actively conscious. We do not overlook our privileged place in the movement. The heart of the movement is not ours to possess, but we can be the blood to pump that heart.

Diane Archer was the opening speak on the issue of US healthcare. She noted how public healthcare systems were viewed in a bad light. Many people in America are extremely skeptical of public health insurance, but the private model also has its deep downfalls. The goal now based on the Hacker model is to create a hybrid system where people can choose their private insurance if they want it, but there will also be the public insurance choice. America has one of the worst public health systems in the world, even ranking behind developing countries. We need to make a change. Diana emphasized that it is, "we who move mountains, not the President or Congress." She noted that when we are organized and when we voice our beliefs then we can create the necessary change.

The always powerful speaker, Van Jones, founder of Green for All and dedicated fighter against social inequality inspired action for a green economy. He says, "We need a WWII level mobilization or there may not be a 22nd Century!" The fact that a clean and green economy has more jobs and has the potential to end poverty in America and combat global warming is more than a dream. The wall standing in front of that goal is the political challenge. Our current government is on the side of big business, war mongers, and the polluters because that is what our current government is comprised of: leaders of big business, etc. Jones told us that the solar and wind industries is where we should look to as examples and we need unconditional political will and public support for a green economy to create jobs. The anniversary of the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. is just next month. He died at 39 years old, Jones noted that he was also 39 years old. King was assassinated not because he was a voice, but because he was able to link the issues. King advocated for an inclusive economy for everyone and even spoke that democratic socialism was a better model. "We will reject 'sink or swim' politics," says Jones. People in America should not be sinking as they were during and after Katrina, no one in America should face that. What I think is more common sense than a repeated mantra is, "we are all in this together." Jones said this and I could not agree more, we are in this together and we need to recognize that we as people are now more than ever a globally linked community. Why can America not be the example for this instead of just presenting an American Dream?

"This movement is about Taking America FORWARD! (Jones)"

Candidate for Maryland Congerss, Donna Edwards, told us that a lose can be a win. I would even say that the we are seeing a new politics of momentum growing in America. Even though a progressive candidate may have lost the vote, they did not lose the attention of the people. This is a great example of where dreams can become realities. Progressive values are shared by many people - the views, values, and vision of the community are shared. Edwards said that if being progressive means health for all, a green economy, and getting out of Iraq where we never should have been, then she is proud to call herself progressive. The political will is lacking in within our political parties. I say this and I am no proponent for party politics at all. The Democrats gained the majority with a issue and goal in mind: get out of Iraq. They got lost along the way in rhetoric that said ending the war did not support the troops. Edwards said that if her family and friends who fought in Vietnamwere stil alive today they would say that nothing more supportive of the troops would be to get them out of harms way. On my way to the conference I met a lady in the Reagan airport that questioned me about my button against the war in Iraq. She talked about peace activists and other protestors at a war memorial. They stood on the ground dedicated to the lives of those who gave their lives in something that many did not agree with. She said that her family members who fought in Vietnam would be upset that there would be protest at a memorial. Because while they agreed with the protestors, they could not agree with the lack of respect. This is something that our movement needs to constantly keep in mind. We may disagree with many people, but that cannot be reason for disrespect. Edwards noted that people often call to honor our troops, but where is the honor in needless death? She emphasized the need to engage international institutions. When she enters congress Edwards said she will need the movement to have her back - because we are the ones with the real power.

People power is real and its actualization is growing within the public. As cliche as it may be, the power is in you! Believe in what you do and others will also begin to believe.