Ryan Solen on the eve of the 2016 election

Mount Pleasant, WI- In 24 hours, we will be watching as the votes are counted. In 48 hours, we will most likely know the final results, and in 72 hours, much in our lives will have returned to normal. We will go back to commuting to work, attending events with our kids, and worrying about paying bills. We will be relieved that the campaign ads are gone, the get-out-the-vote calls have ceased, and the relentless requests for donations have stopped. The turmoil of the 2016 election will begin its final fade out from center stage. Life will move on – for most of us.

After the last poignant sound bite has played; after the last speech has been given; after the last rally has been held; the election doesn’t signal the end of the struggle, but rather it becomes an opportunity to maintain focus. This election has provided opportunity to shed light on poverty, war, unemployment, inequality, and liberty to name a few. We have spent many months now fighting to break the status quo. Understand that for many, a return to the status quo means skipping meals because they can’t afford food, deciding between paying the electric bill or filling the gas tank in their only vehicle, declaring bankruptcy because they can’t pay medical bills, fighting to stay clean from a drug addiction, or even fleeing home out of fear of death. We must not turn a blind eye to the issues that have become so pervasive in this world simply because the luster and excitement of the election is over. We must fight the tendency to believe that we can only make a difference in this world if we are in a position of power. Sometimes, making a difference only requires that we step out of our comfort zone. That is what this campaign has been for me.

I made the conscious decision to step out of my comfort zone. I stepped into this election to call attention to the many issues that I believe can be solved if we stop trying to decide who should get credit, and turn our efforts to deciding how to solve problems. We spend so much time trying to find the perfect plan to save the world that we completely overlook the solutions sitting right in front of us, and underestimate our own abilities to meet our own potential to make a difference.

As this election season winds down, I implore you to take the time to find random acts of kindness for those around you. Make a difference within your own sphere of influence. Remember that we are all members of the same human family, and that doing the right thing is always the most important decision we can make.

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow night, I pray that you will all remember the passion that has fueled your desire for change in our government and the way we conduct our lives. Keep in mind that I have done my best to bring awareness of what we are capable of and what we could achieve if we come together not as political rivals, but rather as one country dedicated to the proposition that all are created equal. With that, I bid you a wonderful evening. Until we meet again, I wish you all the best. May this election result in much success.

About Ryan Solen

Ryan Solen is an Army veteran of the war in Iraq and is seeking to represent Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District. He is a Digital Forensic Specialist and Computer Security Analyst. He is a married father of four and enjoys reading, writing, doing karate with his family, and relieves stress with his vintage Lego collection.

He is the Wisconsin Democratic Party’s Nominee to run for the U.S. House of Representatives to replace Paul Ryan. For more information, please visit www.solenforcongress.com

Committee to Elect Ryan Solen for Congress

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.