Dear Puma PAC,
Today is a new day. We always knew November 5th would come, and here it is. We did not succeed in preventing Obama from taking over the White House, and for that I am both sad and disappointed, as I’m sure are you.
But we have NOT failed. Our Puma Movement is barely five months old, and it is astonishing how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time.
We’ve inspired and empowered each other to be freer American citizens, to speak directly to government, to criticize and oppose the media, and to fight sexism whenever and wherever it attacks.
Our work is just beginning. With a $600,000,000 budget, a fatally compromised national media, and a country weary of Republican rule Obama and his followers were able to buy the White House.
I’m not happy about that and I don’t think anyone should be. We have SO much work to do. Now, more than ever is when we need each other — to stay active, to stay focused, and to stay hopeful.
The Puma PAC mission has not changed: to fight for free and fair elections; to oppose the sexism and misogyny in the media and in our government; and to reform the Democratic Party.
It’s a big mission. We’re going to need all the help we can get. Our name is People United Means Action for a reason — we are PEOPLE and we are UNITED. But we’re going to need more people.
Rather than focusing on our disappointment and confusion, I want us all to regroup around our mission. Please help us reach out to more members. In the next days and weeks I will be updating and refining our immediate goals, with your help and input. During this time it is important that we gain momentum, not lose it.
We started, five short months ago, as a beacon for people who were outraged at the fraud and the misogyny that forced Hillary from the presidential race. We’re still here. Our light is still shining. This morning there are more of us than there were yesterday. Let’s reach out to them.
Our blog will be bigger in the next few weeks and months as we accommodate more readers and members. Our comment threads will still be welcoming and civil — a place for encouragement, information, and resources. No matter what, I know how much of a relief it’s been to know that there is at least one place on the internet where constructive, friendly, and hate-free political discussion can flourish.
That will never change. I’m in this for the long haul. The presidential election of 2008 changed my life. It opened my eyes to how much work remains to be done to reclaim our democracy, our media, and our freedoms — as citizens, as women, as members of minority groups, and as members of groups who no longer have a seat at the table.
We are a people’s movement and we need to grow. We have 2 years until the midterm elections and four years until the next presidential election. Let’s use that time productively. Please consider making a donation so we can keep going strong. We may not be able to raise $600,000,000 but that shouldn’t mean we give up and quit. We’ll never give up. Please help if you can.
Thank you so very much to each and every one of you. You have been a daily inspiration and source of both happiness and hope for me personally. You have also inspired and informed others. Our light feels a little dim today, but it has not been extinguished and it will burn brighter and brighter in the next weeks and months. But only if we stay united.
Let’s do it.
Murphy.
