Obama won. But we’re far from done. How long did it take after President Obama won the popular vote and the electoral college for Republicans to assert that, despite all that pesky evidence, their ideas won and that, basically, nothing has changed? Hours?<\/p>\n

So, it’s clearly not realistic for Democrats and the left to enjoy victory and take a break. The media is already speculating about 2014 and 2016, and even if you think that’s premature and silly, it’s reality. In addition, both the Democratic and Republican parties–as well as potential candidates–are already positioning themselves for those elections. And state legislatures have wasted no time in moving forward on unfinished business [for example, Michigan’s lightning quick passage of right-to-work-for less legislation] and gathering momentum for other agenda items. We need to stay on high alert.<\/p>\n

That’s why, suggests Winning Progressive,\u00a0<\/a> we need to stay actively engaged in the political process. And the site offers a helpful 10-point program for doing exactly that. The list also includes helpful resources for information and action. Here’s the plan:<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Don\u2019t be distracted<\/strong> by side issues, punditry and the incessant chatter.\u00a0 The war against voters, women, unions, workers, education, healthcare, science, the gay community, immigration, minorities, the President and even Christmas will continue. And keep your eyes on the Heritage Foundation.<\/p>\n

2. Get your voter identification<\/strong>, or if you have what’s needed in your state [or may be required in the future] help someone else update theirs.\u00a0 Just because the election is over doesn\u2019t mean Republican dirty tricks will stop. Don’t wait until another election is near: do it now. National Conference of State Legislatures<\/a> has a database with all state voter identification requirements.<\/p>\n

3. Register to vote and make sure your registration has actually been recorded. <\/strong>During this past election, Republicans destroyed Democratic registrations, switched Democrat registrations to Republican or failed to record them at all.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t enough to just sign your name\u2026make certain you are \u201ccorrectly\u201d registered to vote<\/a>\u2026even if you just voted\u2026take nothing for granted.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Follow the legislation that affects your life, <\/strong>and the voting record of your state and federal representatives. OpenCongress<\/a> is a non-profit, non-partisan public resource where you can track all of the legislation in Congress.<\/p>\n

5. Don\u2019t get blindsided<\/strong>.\u00a0 Candidates have records! Voters have a tendency to make decisions based on campaign rhetoric, when candidates are telling the public \u201cwhat we want to hear\u201d, but candidates have records that will give a clue to what they \u201creally\u201d believe. Project Vote Smart<\/a> is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that gives the biographies, voting records, issue positions, ratings, speeches and campaign information of politicians. Another is On The Issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Pay attention!<\/strong>\u00a0 \u201cStates Rights\u201d have very special implications and because of gerrymandering, Republicans control many state governments and are likely assured to do so for the next 10 years.\u00a0 It is where the \u201creal\u201d assault is taking place.\u00a0 Who runs your state?State Government \u2013 USA.gov.<\/a> \u2013 Resources and websites on U.S. states and territories, local and city governments.<\/p>\n

7. Let common sense, instinct and knowledge be your guide<\/strong>.\u00a0 We are all too often swayed by emotional and superficial values.<\/p>\n

8.<\/strong>Find reliable sources to stay abreast of current events<\/strong>.\u00a0 Try to steer clear of ideological agreement and seek out sources that report based on facts.\u00a0 Sadly, that may not always be the media, so it\u2019s important to<\/p>\n

9.<\/strong>Do your own fact-checking<\/strong>. Congress.org<\/a> is a nonpartisan<\/a> news and information website dedicated to encouraging civic participation.<\/p>\n

10. <\/strong>Get involved and stay involved<\/strong>.\u00a0 Support petitions, contact your representatives\u2026rally for the legislation and legislators who support your cause.\u00a0 Write, call, fax, email, tweet, rally \u2026make your voice heard!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The only thing I’d add would be to keep the conversation alive. Not only do we need to watchdog the right, we need to keep talking about the progressive agenda and why it’s better for our country. We need to remind ourselves–and those around us–that it’s about doing things in the interest of the common good, looking out for the well-being of others, doing the big things collectively that individuals and states can’t do for themselves, continuing to ensure access to the basics of democracy–and all of the other pillars of progressivism. And, finally, we need to keep repeating that even Americans who claim to want “less government” depend on it everyday.<\/p>\n

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