A more perfect union

@OFA
@OFA
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read

By Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

It’s no secret that I’m a big believer in hope and change.

But I’m also a big believer in reality. Hope that isn’t rooted in reality will never lead to the lasting change we desire.

If you don’t like the things you see, you can’t just close your eyes and long for something better. You’ve got to keep your eyes open, embrace reality, and channel that hope into action.

America didn’t become that shining city on the hill by wishing for it. We built it with clear eyes, righteous ambition, and unwavering determination.

So I’m asking you to recall the unlikely story of America — a story that forever validates our hope — and help write its next chapter.

I’m asking you to be neither blind to, nor dismayed by, reality — but motivated by it.

There is no time to feel discouraged. Now is the time to organize.

Those who believe in democracy and civil rights and a common humanity will always have the upper hand. That’s not just something I want to believe; I believe it because history has proven it true.

But history has also proven that virtue alone is not enough. A better vision will only prevail if we work tirelessly on behalf of that vision.

If we want a more representative, more just, more inclusive democracy, we need to keep fighting for it.

If we want policies that lift up the most vulnerable instead of politicians who keep them down, we need to keep organizing.

If we want a more perfect union, we need to build it together, from the bottom up.

Say you’ll do the work to make this vision a reality: Join in.

All On The Line

All On The Line is the grassroots movement to end gerrymandering and restore fairness to our elections and democracy ahead of 2021 redistricting. Join us: allontheline.org

@OFA

Written by

@OFA

Respect. Empower. Include. Join the movement at ofa.us

All On The Line

All On The Line is the grassroots movement to end gerrymandering and restore fairness to our elections and democracy ahead of 2021 redistricting. Join us: allontheline.org

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade