People Get Ready, There is a Train About to Start Rolling, Out of Boston, Straight to Washington D.C. in November

“… that we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution; and that our votes will be counted -- or at least, most of the time… If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for their prescription and having to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it's not my grandparent… It is that fundamental belief -- it is that fundamental belief -- I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister’s keeper -- that makes this country work…

The pundits, the pundits like to slice and dice our country into red states and blue States: red states for Republicans, blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the blue states, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the red states… In the end, that's what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope?”

-- Barack Obama, July 27, 2004

People get ready, there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket, you just thank the lord

People get ready, there's a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast

Faith is the key, open the doors and board them
There's hope for all among those loved the most

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Whom would hurt all mankind - just to save his own

Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place against the kingdoms throne

People get ready there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket, just thank the lord.

PEOPLE GET READY, Words and music by Curtis Mayfield (1964)

Courtesy of Dr. Gerry S., a high school friend who lives out the life that John Edwards talked about last night, helping those who can't help themselves.