"Today is not an ending." That statement cheered us on November 3.

[madfloridian]

We were all hurting inside and in shock. Then Howard Dean sent out this email.

What you won't hear on TV today

Wednesday, November 3

Governor Howard Dean sent this message to Democracy for America supporters on November 3, 2004.

"Montana, one of the reddest states, has a new Democratic governor.

First-time candidates for state legislatures from Hawaii to Connecticut beat incumbent Republicans.

And a record number of us voted to change course, more Americans voted against George Bush than any sitting president in history.

Today is not an ending.

Regardless of the outcome yesterday, we have begun to revive our democracy. While we did not get the result we wanted in the presidential race, we laid the groundwork for a new generation of Democratic leaders.

Democracy for America trained thousands of organizers and brought new leadership into the political process. And down the ballot, in state after state, we elected Dean Dozen candidates who will be the rising stars of the Democratic Party in years ahead.

Tens of millions of us are disappointed today because we put so much of ourselves into this election. We donated money, we talked to friends, we knocked on doors. We invested ourselves in the political process.

That process does not end today. These are not short-term investments. We will only create lasting change if that sense of obligation and responsibility becomes a permanent part of our lives.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

We will not be silent.

Thank you for everything you did for our cause in this election. But we are not stopping here."

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And my statement now. Many of us suspect that some are trying to make him either be silent or be more politically correct. I will fight that.

No one will make change in this environment without being controversial. We are too far gone as a nation for that. We need people who are not afraid of misspeaking, and we don't need those who are being over-cautious. I will fight all who try to silence the voices of those of us who have been called erroneously "fringe activists."

[Hav]

1. .

A pity that no one has replied yet, as the words were really nice ;).
So a little kick.

[madfloridian]

2. Did not really expect a reply, but appreciated.

It brings back hard memories for all of us. I guess it just lets me express my feelings about where our party needs to go.
Thanks.

[blondeatlast]

3. A timely reminder. I hear the people beginning to speak their

angst a tiny bit louder.

We will prevail.

Thanks for a well-timed reprise!