Left In Lowell

Friday night’s National Anthem Obama fundraising concert was an uplifting experience. It was nearly sold out, and I have been told (straight from the horse’s mouth) that it reached its $50,000 goal. (I’m sure David will post about that soon - sorry to scoop ya, David!)

Though I was out front selling tickets, I didn’t get to see a lot of the people I knew came, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to say hi. But for those of you who were there you know the front entrance was a bit chaotic - evidence of the amazing attendance. Looking around the hall (after rushing my way in just before curtain), I could see there was only a small percentage of seats not holding bodies.

The evening was full of little moments, like the song sung in the first half which dated from 1920’s Germany deriding oil as something that will ruin the world - all too relevant today - and a lot of personality and poise…and talent. Not the least of whom were Charley and David themselves, who sang in several selections. (Nice to finally hear you sing, Charley!) And the Egmont was lovely (it’s one of my faves).

At the end, the crowd all joined the singers and orchestra in a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Charley already wrote about how powerful and moving the experience was, so I don’t need to. But it truly put a perspective on the politics of hope. After all, that the flag still flew over Fort McHenry at Baltimore gave Francis Scott Key, detained in his boat by the British because he knew too much about their navel positions, much hope in a dark hour.

It isn’t, in the end, what we fail to do as Americans that defines us. And our failures are plenty, dating back to our country’s birth. It is our never ending quest to live up to the ideals of our country that the world admires, that we as Americans believe that the world can be better, more fair, less divisive, if only we work hard enough for it. That’s the country Obama is fighting for, and that’s the country that we can be proud of.