Archive for March, 2010

Adam Gerhardstein is the Campaign Manager of the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign

Health care reform is law. Whew… Do you feel physically relieved the way I do?

During the yearlong debate, I was often distraught and disillusioned – the tension somehow worked its way into my bones. This was rarely because of the actual policies being considered, but rather, because of the way the debate unfolded. It was ugly right up until the final moments.

In the final days before the vote, Members of Congress were spit upon, called racial and homophobic slurs, and had bricks thrown through their office windows.

I wish I could tell you that we have seen the worst, but I can’t. Since the vote, more than 10 Members of Congress have received death threats.

We are needed. We can’t stop angry attacks but we can hold the hand of those who are victimized and give them the courage to stand strong. We must band together.

Have you ever campaigned for a candidate or an issue that you feel deeply connected to? Do you remember the feeling of turning up at the campaign office and meeting neighbors you never knew, but who were just as passionate as you?

We need to find that feeling again. We need to remind ourselves that we do not stand on the side of love alone; we stand with our teachers, bartenders, insurance agents, pharmacists – our neighbors.

This weekend, I’ve found something that fits that bill. During March 27th and 28th, neighbors will gather in coffee shops all across the nation for the National Coffee Summit. The goal is to band together with other people who want civil political engagement, and to prepare for visits with Members of Congress to establish fruitful respectful relationships. Check out the video about it:

If you are interested in finding out more about it or finding an event near you, check out the website of the new sponsoring group, the Coffee Party USA. Hehehe…