I started this series of three open letters about the election with Barack Obama, then John McCain, and finally, to all the voters:

Dear American Voters,

I have to start out this letter by saying that in all the elections I have participated in, this was by far the most exciting, vivacious, and involved one I have seen yet.    Everyone was talking about it over the water cooler and almost everyone, while they had an opinion, was at least open to discussion about the possibilities.     We had two very dynamic and interesting candidates — don’t get me wrong — but the plain fact is that the voters were the ones pushing the conversation from behind.

Well done, America, well done indeed.    This is how politics is supposed to work — from an involved, interested standpoint.

I have to say I’m especially impressed with the grassroots efforts of the Obama supporters.   Never before have I seen so many people involved at such a small level.    It made me motivated and excited to see so many passionate people taking to the streets to effect change.     Now, perhaps this is a testament to how truly awful the past 8 years has been under the Bush regime, but I also believe it says something about the citizens and how America can really pull together to get something done — if only we choose to do so.

Now that the hubub is all over, the election is done, the leader is picked, and the signs are coming down, we have a new task ahead of us.    Oh, you thought your work was done?   Hardly!

Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike would do well to offer up any services and help to the new government in the hopes of bettering ourselves and our world.    Sure, we now have a largely-Democratic-based system, and both Congress and the President should be aligned on most issues so things should be smooth on that end, but the country is still essentially in dire straits.

The economy is still going to be extremely rough, the war isn’t going to end on a dime, healthcare is still a huge steaming pile, and the environment, human rights, and taxes (among other issues) are still going to be problems to be solved.   We all have an interest in helping out.

And Republicans, don’t think you get a free pass here.    Just because your guy lost and you might still be bitter about that fact, these problems still matter to you folks, too.    Remember that the issues are the same, we just have alternate ideas about how to solve them.   So if you think you can just sit back and go, “Well, ok Democrats, it’s your ship, have fun driving it and we hope you run her aground,” think again.   We need you, dammit.    We need your energy, your ideas, your thoughts, and yes — we even need you to play the devil’s advocate.   It is only by the participation of the opposing viewpoint that we can truly check all our facts and make sure that when we say we are right, we really and truly are right and not just being egotistical.     So please don’t shut up and wait till you get a red-stater into office again, we’re all in this boat together.

Plus — if we fail to solve a problem because you didn’t help, you’re still getting screwed, even if you didn’t agree with the approach.   Doing something is oftentimes better than doing nothing.

But again — I and many others were so overwhelmingly impressed by the sheer forces of human willpower, energy, and enthusiasm during this election.     If we can only take that and push those efforts directly into solving problems, suggesting solutions, and supporting the folks in the front lines of the government and economy, there’s probably no end to the good we can accomplish.   How awesome would it be to look back after 4 years and go, “Holy hell — look how much we improved ourselves, our country, and our world.    AWESOME!”

C’mon, America.    We have work to do.    And you can help.

Yours in the battle,

Nathan Pralle