Yes, You Can!

by Charles Primerano

On November 4th, for only the second time in over a hundred years, a majority of Ridgefield voters favored a Democratic candidate for President.

It was not a surprise. During the past two months, hundreds of people from Ridgefield and surrounding towns stopped by Town Democratic Headquarters. They scooped up Obama lawn signs, bumper stickers, buttons, and other items as fast as we could get them in stock. But it was the tenor of those who visited that told the story. They wanted change.

To those who visited us, we say "thank you". To those who may have not had a chance to visit but still supported us, we also say "thank you".

Although we've closed our doors for another campaign season, our work still goes on.

As President-Elect Barack Obama stated during his victory speech, "This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change."

Much was made during the campaign about his experience as a community organizer and whether that was relevant to leading our country. His understanding of grass-roots activism proved to be the deciding factor in his nomination and his election. In his speech he noted that the solutions to our problems will also be found at the grass-roots level:

…And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

Ask yourself what you can do. During these trying times, Ridgefield, Connecticut, and our nation can use your help. It may be a donation to a charity, it may be a donation of your time, it may be sharing your ideas with others. Even if you have never participated in anything before, do not let that stop you. "Yes, we can" means "Yes, you can".

All registered Democrats are welcome to attend monthly Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee meetings and other events. If you are not a registered Democrat, you are welcome to join us. And in the spirit of bi-partisanship we say, if you are a member of another political party, participate in what your party is doing.

All residents, regardless of political affiliation, are welcome to attend our forums.

Here at our headquarters on the Internet, you'll find news about upcoming events. Please let us know who you are by clicking the Volunteer button and sending us your email address. There's no obligation. But remember that, as President-Elect Obama said, "This is your victory".

We need your help to make that victory last.

Charles Primerano has lived in Ridgefield for five years. He is a member of the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee which supplies this column.