On Nov. 4, 2008, Americans of all races, creeds and colors voted for change–and we poured into the streets with absolute joy and pride in what we accomplished as a nation. It was a proud and profound moment for America.
But we cannot rest on the laurels of 2008 and expect that to sustain our objectives into the future. The mission was not accomplished on Nov. 4, 2008– it has only just begun. The most powerful thing we have as Americans is our voice and we must ensure it is heard loud and clear in the upcoming elections. Do not think that what you voted for nationally will be enacted locally.
It is critical that voters go to the polls on Nov. 3 in full force to continue the momentum gained in 2008 and empower the local leaders who will support our President and our ideals.
The Yes We Can 2.0 campaign was created to ensure that the success of the 2008 election is carried out in policy and practice by electing local and state officials who share those same principles. Based on respect, empowerment and inclusion, the campaign reminds Americans of the power of their own voice.
Critical issues such as economic growth, accessible and affordable healthcare, tax relief for the middle class and quality public education for all are being debated in real time.
I encourage all of us to be a part of the conversation and to speak with our vote on Nov. 3. I will speak with my vote in my home state of New Jersey. Like Virginia, we will be electing a governor. These two gubernatorial races will set the stage for the mid-term 2010 elections when 37 governships, 38 Senate seats, and the entire House of Representatives are up for re-election. We all should think about our future and VOTE.
We don’t want “Yes We Can†to turn into “Too Bad We Didn’t.†Think globally and nationally, but, remember, you can also affect change by voting locally.
See you at the polls!
Randal Pinkett, Ph.D., is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. He was also the Season 4 Winner of NBC’s hit reality television show The Apprentice with Donald Trump.