Corny, old-fashioned, boring, and naive

Let’s learn from the past. But remember: America’s story isn’t frozen in the past.

Formerly All On The Line

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Pamela, I get it.

Right now, it feels like the ground is shifting beneath our feet.

Algorithms feed us a steady stream of distraction and outrage. Only the loudest, most extreme voices get attention — fanning our prejudices, appealing to our basest, most tribal instincts. 

At a time like this, it’s tempting to give in to cynicism or even despair, to stop trying.

It’s tempting to start thinking that appeals to democracy and civic participation are corny and old-fashioned and boring and naive — that the very idea of working on behalf of the common good is a sucker’s bet.

Look, I am not immune to anger or doubt, but I do know this: When we lose faith in each other, when we stop believing that voting matters, that how we treat each other matters, we give away our power to decide our own future. 

We open the door to leaders who see some people as more equal than others — and government as nothing more than a way for powerful people to divvy up the spoils, punish their enemies, and keep those who are different in their place.

Here’s the thing: I do not believe that is the story of America that prevails in the end.

I remain convinced that, as unsettled as things are, people aren’t looking for perpetual anger and division. We want fairness and common sense and mutual respect. Deep down, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again, not further away.

That’s why I want people to remember what’s possible and who we can be — so we can forge ahead, clear-eyed and confident to do the work that still needs to be done.

Yes, we should learn from the past, but a beautiful thing about America is that our story isn’t finished. There are chapters yet to be written — not by one person or a few people, not solely by people with fancy titles or high offices, but by all of us.

That’s why I’m teaming up with Redistricting Action: to invest in the grassroots organizing that will help put power back in the hands of regular people. I need to ask for your help directly — make a donation today of $30 or more and let’s get to work to strengthen our democracy and ensure that no law or leader can ever take our power away.

Thank you,

Barack Obama

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