“1563. 230. 1705.” by Rev. Brandon Gilvin

Rev. Brandon Gilvin

For us, it started with a bunch of preachers at a Panera.

We had an idea. Getting out the word and getting out the vote for Obama.

This website has been a part of that effort.

We’ve spent the last couple of months presenting our cases, getting feedback, getting organized, sharing ideas. Some of us have already spent time standing in line, voting early, watching democracy in action.

I’ve heard people say–time after time–this is the most important election of our lives.

I believe it. Many lifelong Republicans have told me they’re crossing party lines for the first time…ever. I’ve seen 18 year olds and 20 year olds talk about voting for the first time with an unbelievable excitement.

And yet I’ve heard and seen other things, too. Innuendo. Misinformation. Anger. Insults. Racism in its most undiluted form. It’s been painful to watch. Not only because it’s aimed at the candidate whom I support, but because I think it leaves me disappointed. It disappoints me because it is a hard blow to something I believe in very deeply.

I believe in an America that values its people–no matter their race, religion, or political beliefs. I believe in an America that supports human rights abroad and due process at home.

I believe in that noble myth of “the American Experiment”–that we are a place built on ideas and ideals, not on the pure consolidation of power, roughly wielded for our national interests.

Of all the things I think this election is–a referendum on Rove-style politics, Abu Ghraib-style foreign policy, Bush-style leadership (or lack thereof), I think it’s truly a referendum on what kind of America we want.

Obama is my candidate. Not my Messiah. Quite frankly, he is not my hope. He is, however, the kind of leader–one who listens to different ideas, shows an intellectual curiosity, and can strategize and organize around new, innovative ideas–we need to work to make our own hopes for our families, friends, and nation come true.

That’s why this election gives me hope. That’s why I’ve cast my ballot for Obama. That’s why I’ve maintained this blog. That’s why tomorrow I’ll spend a few hours at a polling station, passing out water, sandwiches, and encouragement to people standing in line (no matter who they want to vote for).

That’s why 1563 Clergy have added their name to our list of supporters, and around 230 or so of you have added blog entries or comments on the site. 1705 folks have joined up on the companion facebook page.

Hope is not naivete. It is not only what builds dreams, but what builds allies and networks. It is what brings adversaries to the bargaining table, and what sparks entrepreneurship.

It is what America is best at.

So Tomorrow, let’s tell the rest of the world that we believe in hope, we believe in dreams, and most of all, we believe in ourselves.

Yes we can, friends.
Yes. We. Can.

Rev. Brandon Gilvin
Kansas City, MO