we can not go back now!

The Democratic Convention was great. We watched it on C-Span or PBS since the cable channels and networks were so terrible! How novel to be able to watch a speech and NOT have it interrupted by ads or being told what someone with an opinion to sell you has to say. Hilary and Bill made great speeches. And so did Biden, Kerry and Michelle. And Obama continues to amaze.

And how moving to have the convention on such an important anniversary for this country.

My mother, who passed away five years ago, was at the March Against Poverty in 1963. I grew up outside DC and remember that day well. When she came home, she knew she had seen history. I had wanted to go, but she was worried because of the reports that there would be rioting, and so had not taken the risk of having me with her. I remember she apologized for that, with great emotion for what she felt she had denied me, an experience of a lifetime. It made thinking about that this anniversary very moving for me, remembering my mother as well as seeing the outcome of Dr King’s dream, in Barack Obama’s nomination.

If Obama wins the presidency it will be a watershed moment for this country. A watershed “moment” that began in my lifetime, 40 odd years ago, with laws that LBJ signed in 1964 and 1965. Since that time, the Democratic Party has lost the South to the Republican Party in every national election. To the shame of Republicans, their party has proved to be all to happy to incite fear and loathing; of other races, other countries, other religions; just fill in the blank, anything to WIN. And I am sure they will go that way again to win this election.

My advice to all my friends: Turn off the TV (or switch to C-Span) and Get Active! This election was never going to be easy no matter who was our nominee, folks.

And like Obama says, we can not go back now!

this image from the great blog- wonkette