Left In Lowell

If you haven’t already, check out the coverage of the convention from Denver by the BMG crew. (Cue Cartman…”Seriously, I hate you guys…” [/envy])

Anyway, they are doing twitter (I just figured out what that even is *sigh*) and video and everything, including an interview with Lt. Guv Murray. Tres cool.

As for me, I have to get more work done and then maybe, maybe get to go home on time to see the Kennedy tribute. *pout*

This week marks the historic Democratic convention, which will culminate with nominee Barak Obama’s big speech at INVESCO Field. While the idiot chattering class (ie pundits) is saying that McCain has successfully managed to paint Obama as “too celebrity” (did anyone really fall for that stupid Paris ad…really now?) and that makes his stadium appearance seem more of a negative than a positive, I think it’s a great historic moment that, instead of leaving it to the insiders and the media to view it in person, opening up the speech both recognizes that historic moment, and also makes it a people’s event. Rather like Governor Patrick eschewing the cramped elite traditional swearing-in for being outside with the people who elected him. I approve.

Four summers ago, I watched the Democratic Convention in Boston on TV. So I did hear - live - the keynote speech by an unknown state Senator from Illinois running for the US Senate. I was incredibly moved and impressed by it - as a lot of people were. His ability to lay it all out in a clear roadmap - our problems, and their solutions - and his incredible turn of phrase (written, so they say, himself, not too long before delivery, a rather Lincolnesque attribute) which could address issues of race without offense but with seriousness and yes, hope that by understanding one another, we can move beyond them and above them, that clarity was such a breath of fresh air.

Four years ago, jaw gaping at what I’d just heard, I said aloud to my husband, “I just saw the first black president of the United States.”

I never dreamed that it could come so soon. I never thought that Barak Obama, who not only can speak well, but who has intelligence and gravitas, would be able to secure the nomination of the Democratic party in a mere four years.

Say what you will about how you can’t fix everything on hope…be as cynical as you like and believe it’s all nonsense. But we could use a little inspiration in this country, if only to remember what it is we can be proud of. We have had so many heart-wearying disappointments…the US torture policy…wars without end…economic robbery of the poor and middle class…homeless vets who could not get the care they needed…environmental crisis completely ignored and energy costs soaring…to those who doubt Obama can handle the presidency and all the hard work which will be necessary in the next decade, to reverse the terrible damage at home and abroad - Yes, We Can!