Last night I had the great honor and pleasure of attending a fundraiser for Newark, New Jersey’s Mayor Cory Booker‘s run for Senate Campaign. I was invited by a good friend, Jodi Gomes who has become friends with the mayor through her advocacy for Autism. You’re probably wondering what the heck was a New Jersey Mayor doing in Los Angeles raising funds for a New Jersey senate campaign? And why would I be interested in raising funds, meeting and campaigning for a senate candidate for a different state? No it’s not just because he’s the best looking guest on This Week with George Stephanopoulos (sorry George). Or because I am an over eager liberal activist. It’s because I believe and am an advocate for common sense governing and it just so happens that Cory Booker has a lot of common sense. As described by my 3 year old, The US Senate is a group of people that helps the President create laws. Yes, the Senate of the United States. A group of representatives from each state that decide what works for the entire nation…not just their state. So yes, I do get involved in elections that have an affect on the nation as a whole. And although the New Jersey plate will sit on Mayor Booker’s door, he will continue to advocate and work toward the greater good as they affect his state and the nation. Like I said, common sense. So I went to the event last night and I left…inspired.
When it comes to service and politics, I believe I emerged from my mother’s womb with one fist aimed toward the sky and the
other carrying an American Flag screaming, “Power To The People!”. It doesn’t take much to get me fired up and ready for a fight for what’s right. So, I can’t really say that Booker woke me up from a gentle slumber, because I stay ready. I think last night was just a great jolt, like a shot of wheatgrass. It gave me the energy boost I needed to continue to do the work it will take to create real change. Last night he said, “Democracy is not a spectator’s sport. You can’t just jump in when you get angry.” It’s SO true. Change will never happen over night and you have to keep at it. But I think that’s with everything important in life. Your career, your relationships, parenthood…all these things require your attention, work and patience in order to create something good.
We went absolutely NUTS when President Obama decided to run for President. EVERYONE voted, campaigned, donated and we got the man elected…but now what? Is he supposed to wave his magic wand over The House and all the bad stuff disappears? No, so we vote in the right representation. And then what? What happens after the 2/3rds vote and the ink has dried on the signature page? Its up to us. Last night Cory Booker reminded us all that the change lies within us, that we hold the power. If you keep talking and doing, someone will hear or see you. He reminded us that with the help of social media and new technology we are more powerful as a people now than ever before. He reminded us that it is time to use this power.
I had the great opportunity to speak with Mayor Booker about healthcare, which he has been a tremendous advocate for, and living with an autoimmune disease and being treated like a second class citizen because of it. He listened, actually listened and reiterated my thoughts that the fight doesn’t end with HealthCare Reform and finding cures. But that it’s time to start making prevention a big issue and helping those living now with the disease have a better quality of life. I know my story is not the first he’s heard, and it won’t be the last. But I know that when he’s at his desk, it will be one remembered and that he will continue to create pathways where we can march and fight for this and all issues. That’s what a leader does, he empowers the group, creates a road map or shines a light on the path to victory.
We need more senators like Cory Booker who believe in laws that work for people and make sense for everyone! It’s very possible! Its time we had more politicians who care about their constituents, and who govern and not campaign. In 63 days, New Jersey will vote and I hope for the nation, they make the right choice in voting for Cory Booker.
