Today's MOZEN: Welcome Alabama!!

F LoBuono

First Virginia, now Alabama. Is this the beginning - the beginning of the end that so many of us have been waiting for?

Last night's victory by Democratic Doug Jones over Republican Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race, considering the direct involvement of both President Trump and his political sycophant (or is it the other way around?), Steve Bannon, was a direct repudiation to both their policies and their personalities.

I have been pleading for months for people to make their choice and then take a stand. Well, last night, they did - and, in a BIG way. Alabama is about as red as raw meat. In other words, you just can't get more Republican. Well, despite this certitude, the people of Alabama said, NOT THIS TIME - enough is enough! And, even more impressive was the fact AFRICAN-AMERICANS, often the States most neglected populace, put Jones in the Senate. And, African-American WOMEN were, by far, the most supportive and effective force in the election.

THIS delivers a message in the STRONGEST language possible, and on many levels.

First, the obvious: the old ways, where misogyny and blatant bigotry were parts of everyday life, are dying - slowly, perhaps, but dying none the less. Moore's good ol' boy, gun slinging, horseback riding ways, despite some stubborn support, are fading into the sunset. A thoughtful, more progressive agenda, as promoted by Mr. Jones, is also slowly gaining traction. People of conscience are now making their voices heard.

Second, and, perhaps, most significantly, when we are ACTIVELY involved in the process, i.e. VOTE, we can, and do, make a difference! Remember, it was Alabama's most marginalized community that voted in record numbers that created the change necessary to see their best interests addressed. ALL of us can learn from this!

Third, this cannot be a one-shot deal. We can't rest on our laurels (god, that's a lot of hackneyed phrases LOL). People of conscience MUST maintain the momentum to continue to effect the change we want to see and put this Country back on the path of liberty and justice for ALL.

RESIST!