John Kerry just sent me an email.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

The number of people that responded to the online petition was 400,000. And growing even now.

Not 261,000.

Just thought you would like to know. Things aren't as bad as they seem.

[LittleClarkie]

1. It's been eating it's Wheaties, I see

People are still on the case. Cool beans.

[Firenze777]

2. Got it too

and Barbara Boxer's petition names were in addition to, I assume? It is impressive....let's be sure and watch that on the MSM tonight! I'm sure they will cover it.......(sarcasm).

[babylonsister]

3. Me, too, as follows:

Yesterday, we saw a relentless Republican attack on one of our most treasured natural wonders sneak through the Senate on a 51 to 49 vote. But, we also saw more than 260,000 Americans act in less than 24 hours to add their names to our Citizens' Roll Call in favor of protecting the Arctic Refuge.

It was the first time ever that I or anyone else could stand on the Senate floor and announce that, in a day's time, a quarter of a million Americans had gone online to express their passionate support for a given course of action.

That awesome display of grassroots power rattled our opponents. They even railed against my e-mail message on the Senate floor and entered its text into the Senate record. So, think of it this way. The Republican leaders of the Senate have 51 reasons to celebrate today, but you and I have 260,000 reasons to do the same.

If we keep working together - committed pro-environment Senators and a powerful grassroots movement all pulling in the same direction - we can still stop the plan for drilling in the Arctic from making it the rest of the way through Congress. And we can win the larger battle over two very different visions of America's energy future.

George W. Bush and the Washington Republicans have a plan to sell off our public lands to powerful special interests. As a result of their ruthless drive to undermine America's most beautiful natural treasures, the oil rigs are closer to the Arctic Refuge than they have ever been. But, the Bush administration's own scientists and economists admit that the Republicans' plan will not make us less dependent on foreign oil and will not lower prices at the pump. We have to put America's energy future in the hands of Americans - by inventing our way to real energy independence and having energy sources that create jobs and lower prices.

With your help, we will continue to wholeheartedly resist their special interest-funded partisan agenda. And, if we act with the same energy and determination as we have on this critical Arctic Refuge vote, sooner than later, our power and commitment will carry the day. I know you will be with me every step of the way and I thank you for the passion and energy that you bring to our work together.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

P.S. I told you that more than a quarter of a million people signed our Citizens' Roll Call in the first 24 hours after we launched it. Actually the news is even more impressive. As of this moment, there are over 400,000 signers to our Roll Call, including tens of thousands who signed after the vote to express their determination to keep fighting. Let's keep working.

[KoKo]

4. I signed it but what good does it do? n/t

[kerrygoddess]

6. It's called...

Working for a change and making a committment. It may seem now like it's not doing any good, but the more JK points out what needs to be done and the more people get involved, the bigger and better the network of grassroots activists to make it happen.

Unfortunately we don't always see change instantiously. Sometimes we need to work hard to make it happen. This is one of those times.

Kerry's being a true leader by speaking out, inspiring people and mobilizing them to work together.

[cestpaspossible]

7. Don't be discouraged.

Those who protest, whether by marching in the streets, signing a petition, or badgering our elected leaders may not always see immediate results. But we can't let our discouragement, our setbacks, or the long odds keep us from continuing to speak up...

BTW, were you watching CSPAN yesterday? Ted Stevens almost burst a blood vessel talking about Kerry's email and petition.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. Awesome

I'm glad people are coming out and signing things. I sometimes feel so helpless so I'm glad to see these petitions and online work we all can work on so that makes me feel like I've done something. :)

[kerrygoddess]

5. Awesome!

We've got Kerry's back! That's evident!

[paineinthearse]

8. What online petition?

link please

[cestpaspossible]

10. You're joking, right?

http://www.johnkerry.com/petition/rollcall.php