Just a note to put this election year in context...

Had the privileged recently to join Rep. Tyrone Brooks, Forrest Sawyer, and others who were a part of the civil rights movement right here in Senate District 17.  We took a tour of the old Newton county jail which will in the near future be opened as a museum.  To hear their experiences, the struggles they faced and overcame.  To see the jail cells, and feel the cold bars.  

As we would walk through the building, stories-- happy, sad, and even random-- would come to mind.  You could tell by the eyes and expressions that some of these stories had not come to mind in a long time for them.  It truly was a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

Its stuck in my mind ever since and I just now realize why.  It made the challenges I face, we face, in the 2010 election look trivial.  

The little amounts of money, time, and energy that we have to give; the lack of sleep; the nonsense and mud that gets thrown our way which washes off so easily. Its nothing compared to struggles and challenges people faced in this country just a short time ago.  

Be they black or white, college students or senior citizens; their example and courage sometimes doesn't hit home for people in my generation.  We really can't really comprehend what life was like before the civil rights movement. 

Most of the names and experiences will never reach history books and will silently be forgotten---many already have. But we should never ever forget it took a movement... not just one or two leaders... but a movement. 

Good government, smart policy, can make a difference.  But good government takes hard work and commitment.  Good government can and does make a difference---don't let Tea Party cynics and FoxNews spinmasters tell you otherwise!. Say it aloud to yourself, "Good Government can and does make a difference." [no really i'm waiting... say it aloud to yourself.]

Good government can and does make a difference and this is especially true when it comes to protecting and empowering those around us that are struggling the most---be it job loss, illness, lack of hope or lack of opportunity...   

My generation has it easy when it comes to making change.  Shame on us if we don't take it....   

5 days 18hours 39mins till the polls open... Lets get to work!