“I do not know what the Democratic Party spent, in toto, on the 2004 election, but what they seem to have gotten for it is Barack Obama. Let us savor.” 11/04/2004.

I doubt she’s savoring now, because in the end we actually got a lot out of that. Two Term President-First Black President Ever!. ACA, out of Iraq, Stimulus, leaving Afghanistan, a Saved Auto Industry, Green Power, Two women Justices on the Supreme Court, we got all of that out of that Community Organizer turned Senator turned President. A very savory dish indeed, and a greater investment would couldn’t have gotten back in 2004, even if Kerry had been able to win.

This election is even tastier. This time we may get an Obama at his very best-unfettered by a future election, able to be even more visionary because of it. I’m looking foirward to some pretty bold moves on his part on immigration and energy and so much more.

A lot of times when someone dies we say we “celebrate” their life. George McGovern was one of those whose lives we can celebrate. Yes, he lost badly in 1972, but he lived long enough to have his principles vindicated. Principles such as diversity, peace and caring for your neighbor. His battle for diversity in the Democratic Party, bitterly resented by old-school politicians then, is why Barack Obama has at least 250 Electoral votes in the bag now, and by the way, why there is a Barack Obama. He’s the reason Food for Peace exists-and who knows how many wars that averted because the poor in India and so many lands were able to eat instead of turning to dictators who promised they would eat if they conquered. He also worked to get Food Stamps, the School Lunch Program, and the Commodity program, improving America’s health and strength.

I believe he created civil peace by bringing the activists and the restless youth into the Democratic Party and anchoring their energies in a peaceful, democratic way. Change came through legislation and initiative and the courts. He brought in minorities, women, gay people and educated people, and freed up so many people in the process. We have him to thank for Bill Clinton, the folks who trained Barack Obama, the great women such as Jennifer Granholm, three of the four women who served on the Supreme Court, people who can be openly gay, and so many more social reforms.

He also cleaned up the Democratic Party by making it actually democratic (small d). No more smokefilled rooms filled with nepotism or ill-advised choices made by a great speech. America would weigh in instead.

“George McGovern dedicated his life to serving the country he loved. He signed up to fight in World War II, and became a decorated bomber pilot over the battlefields of Europe. When the people of South Dakota sent him to Washington, this hero of war became a champion for peace. And after his career in Congress, he became a leading voice in the fight against hunger.” -President Barack Obama

So Vaya Con Dios-Go With God, George McGovern. He’s probably been eagerly waiting for your arrival.

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