Whether it’s on my show, in blogs, mass emails, status updates or in just plain old conversations with friends – it seems that EVERYONE is worried about the “October Surprise.” Yes, the October Surprise… You know, the significant “event” that “serendipitously” takes place just weeks before the election and completely changes the momentum of the campaigns, allowing the other side to take the election right from under us… again… With many, the fear is so great that, I feel that some of us are literally bracing ourselves for a diabolical deed by those dirty dealers to snatch change from the claws of victory. I say – NOT THIS TIME! This time, I say we adopt the Bush doctrine, and plan a preemptive attack to strike a blow for the rational majority! For those who would try to cloak us in darkness for another four years, to plunge us further in war and deeper in debt – to them I say “I AM THE OCTOBER SURPRISE! YOU ARE THE OCTOBER SURPRISE! WE, ARE THE OCTOBER SURPRISE!
How you ask, can we derail the devious plans of those in positions of greater power than us? First, we are going to place a citizen’s arrest on the injustices voting violations like voter intimidation, registration purging and late opening/early closing polling places. There is already an army of lawyers and voting rights activists highly trained and in place to defend the public interest against attempts to discourage or deny our right to vote. Please keep your eyes and ears open and report any shady business (check the voter protection info at the bottom) you see.
Next, I have an idea that starts with you – right now. As we know, this election is about more than just casting a vote. This election has become about the opportunity we each have to bring about change. It is about caring again, it’s about individual power collectively exerted. Record numbers of voting-age Americans have been mobilized to engage in a system and a process that in the past has both discouraged and defrauded them. I believe that this election can (and will) be a runaway. It is my opinion that the majority of Americans are sick n’ tired of being sick n’ tired and unlike in any election since maybe Kennedy’s, people are fired up and excited to vote FOR Sen. Obama (as opposed to AGAINST Sparky [aka Bush] as we have done for the past two elections). I want us to take advantage of this energy, to use that momentum to change the status quo. I also believe that the under-counted and under-represented 18-40 year olds will lead the way! And we will do it the best way we know how – with a CELEBRATION!!! Let’s celebrate a candidate we can believe in! Let’s celebrate the power of the people!! Let’s welcome the millions of unengaged back to the club of political involvement! Let’s celebrate with the urgency of NOW!
We are the generation that reinvented the celebration and we are going to do it again – this time with a nation wide “Poll Crawl!” WTF?? You say! Yes a Poll Crawl! This does not involve drinking – well at least not till after we vote, lol - but it will be fun! We will give voting a party atmosphere! We make this November 4th an all day/night celebration!
This is what I propose:
1- Everyone with the ability, TAKE THE DAY OFF!!! (If you have flextime go to work early and get outta there!)
2- Gather your core group of friends, 5, 15, 20, 30 – however you guys roll… Then, everyone goes to vote – TOGETHER!!! Each of you goes to their respective polling place with their whole crew to back them! (this will probably take the better part of the voting day)
3- When you are done, either join other groups still making rounds or go to your favorite friendly watering hole to watch how well your fellow crawlers are doing across the country! Giving and taking reports form all over!! Hey, I know there are those who will have extra time and will want to help others get to the polls and/or volunteer for campaigns – by all means, please do!!! But as soon as the polls close get to that Obama friendly bar/restaurant/house, ready to celebrate!
See, it’s that easy. You take the day off to ensure that you have the time you need to vote, so you don’t get discouraged if a location opens late, or has other delays… If you have all day you wont feel the pressure of HAVING to vote before or after work… You have all the time you need… And with your friends there, waiting will be fun. Use your phone or Ipod to create a soundtrack for the day – complete with personal theme songs (every hero must have one!). If you are like me, I’m sure you’ll be texting/calling people from other groups in your area or around the country the whole time. We are going to have a BALL!! Many folks will be voting for the 1st time. How great would it be to emerge from casting your 1st ever ballot to the sound of applause and/or the chants of your friends! Also, with people having your back, you will not be intimidated and you are less likely to allow a polling place irregularity to discourage you from voting… “Look, don’t worry – we are not leaving here till you vote!” How empowering is that???
So start making plans for this Election Day EVENT!!! There is absolutely NO reason to sit around and wait for disaster to strike! WE can take control!! Starting NOW, we can make this election “Surprise” proof!! This OCTOBER we can plan to BE the CHANGE WE SEEK!! Our October Surprise will help ensure the November Success!!! After all, “WE ARE WHO WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR…”
Al B!
** If you witness or experience irregularities at any polling place I urge you to report it immediately. Work with and through the monitoring organizations in your area or use online resources/hotlines like www.866.ourvote.org (website and hotline with REAL PEOPLE answering 24hrs a day), www.campaignlegalcenter.org, www.Vote411.org, and the ACLU’s toll-free voter hotline is 1-877-523-2792. We need everyone’s help to protect our rights.
***Help get out the vote! Invite people who might need a little prodding to get to the poles. Make history! Include a senior voter for whom this day may have seemed impossible.
