By: Nancy Stewart

The election may be over, but our work is just beginning. As Kerry supporters grieve and Bush backers celebrate, we are told to "let the healing begin." I am here to remind you that "healing" doesn't mean to roll over and play dead or to accept another's belief system or values. As Merriam Webster states, to heal is to restore to a state of original purity and integrity. Integrity will come as we Americans, regardless of our party affiliations, raise our voice loudly declaring our values, as we engage in healthy debates to educate one another, and as we respectfully listen with open ears and hearts to legitimate solutions. As a heartbroken Democrat, I am motivated more than ever to proclaim my thoughts and opinions in an effort to move our nation in a positive direction. Borrowing words of Dylan Thomas, I will not go gentle into that good night. I encourage you to do the same.

Election fervor created an abundance of passion, commitment and energy, as we rallied for our candidates and our causes. Our passion must be carried forward in order to influence the progress of our country. As many of us recover from our defeat and as Republicans realize the impact of their decision, we must not fall victims to apathy. Truth, solutions and advancement are not to be found in apathy. These three precious nuggets are found in us, the American people. I needn't remind you that we may have elected the most powerful governmental figure in the world on Nov 2nd, yet this is an individual who must answer to an even great power - the citizens of the United States. I assure you, I am one citizen who is going to hold my president accountable for his actions. I have seen him in action for four years. I know his patterns, his tactics, his 'strategery,' if you will. I now know to be ever vigilant, to carefully evaluate and rate his job performance, speaking out when he goes astray.

I believe that by paying close attention to our politicians we can make a difference. A good friend of mine shared his concern that with all branches of the government trending toward Republican control, we have lost our system of checks and balances. I do not concur. The American people are the most important element in maintaining the integrity of our government's equilibrium. We are a force to be reckoned with and we can put the force to beneficial use. Join me in my endeavor to monitor the President, Congress and the Supreme Court. Contact your representatives, including your president, write to your local papers and news outlets, participate in (or better yet, organize) rallies for your interests and causes. Protest against transgressions, run for public office, volunteer for special interest groups, monitor your politicians, research all sides of an issue, think for yourselves. We are a bright, resource, powerful people. Let's put those talents to good use.

Remember, Mr. President, you work for all of us, each and every American, and we are watching.



Nancy Stewart is the Program Coordinator for the Youth Mentoring Program for a nonprofit organization, Working Against Cancer. She recently graduated from the University of San Diego with her Master's degree in Counseling. She lives in San Diego and presently adding political activism to her lengthy list of endeavors.