Mike Pouraryan
The Democratic National Convention: Day 1
:
Quite a Party!!!!
The first day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver just ended about an hour ago local time. There were many speeches and lots of music. That is what conventions are supposed to be. There were two key highlights: Michelle Obama's Keynote Speech and the tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy.
I saw Michelle Obama's speech as she talked about her family, her struggles and her affection for her husband. For someone who has achieved so much, she came across as one of the ordinary faces that have epitomized America. As I listened to her, I also saw a woman who truly lived up to the simple truth that behind every great man is a great woman. They both have come so far. To me, they are America. We must celebrate such achievements as a country no matter what our political convictions are. We have to also remember that we must not forget how blessed we are as a nation.
The tribute to Senator Kennedy brought tears to many. As Caroline Kennedy spoke, I again saw a deep sense of committment the Kennedy family has to America. I don't mind saying that it drove me to tears. Senator Kennedy came to the convention to speak. He looked great!!!! As the video tribute was being shown, I saw Maria Shriver, his niece and Wife of the California Governor, crying. Whatever disagreements one may have with Senator Kennedy politically, he is also America at its' best. As his wife Vickie said during the video tribute, he is of the view that for those whom much is given, much is required. All of us need to remember that and do what we can.
Senator Kennedy has been an inspiration to me whenever I have heard him speak. He had the courage, the foresight and the wisdom to realize the futility of the war in Iraq. When the story broke that he had brain cancer, it broke my heart. He told us and the world that he would be back at the Senate working hard on insuring that we achieve healthcare for all. I am counting on it!!!
Whatever our political differences may be, we must work to celebrate the next two weeks as a celebration of what is right about America. I found the Obama Campaign allowing the McCain Campaign to be accredited observers as another very gracious gesture. I understood from the McCain representative that the same courtesy will be extended to the Obama Campaign. I also did see a dispatch sent out by the McCain campaign expected a signifcant bounce after the convention ends. There is, of course, the issue of money in politics. The corporate sponsors, the big money donors and the influence they play may undercut some of the talk of change. I leave that for another day. Let's celebrate and embrace the very exercise of Democracy at its' best. Let's be happy for America and be hopeful.
Let's see what the second day has in store for us!!!
I saw Michelle Obama's speech as she talked about her family, her struggles and her affection for her husband. For someone who has achieved so much, she came across as one of the ordinary faces that have epitomized America. As I listened to her, I also saw a woman who truly lived up to the simple truth that behind every great man is a great woman. They both have come so far. To me, they are America. We must celebrate such achievements as a country no matter what our political convictions are. We have to also remember that we must not forget how blessed we are as a nation.
The tribute to Senator Kennedy brought tears to many. As Caroline Kennedy spoke, I again saw a deep sense of committment the Kennedy family has to America. I don't mind saying that it drove me to tears. Senator Kennedy came to the convention to speak. He looked great!!!! As the video tribute was being shown, I saw Maria Shriver, his niece and Wife of the California Governor, crying. Whatever disagreements one may have with Senator Kennedy politically, he is also America at its' best. As his wife Vickie said during the video tribute, he is of the view that for those whom much is given, much is required. All of us need to remember that and do what we can.
Senator Kennedy has been an inspiration to me whenever I have heard him speak. He had the courage, the foresight and the wisdom to realize the futility of the war in Iraq. When the story broke that he had brain cancer, it broke my heart. He told us and the world that he would be back at the Senate working hard on insuring that we achieve healthcare for all. I am counting on it!!!
Whatever our political differences may be, we must work to celebrate the next two weeks as a celebration of what is right about America. I found the Obama Campaign allowing the McCain Campaign to be accredited observers as another very gracious gesture. I understood from the McCain representative that the same courtesy will be extended to the Obama Campaign. I also did see a dispatch sent out by the McCain campaign expected a signifcant bounce after the convention ends. There is, of course, the issue of money in politics. The corporate sponsors, the big money donors and the influence they play may undercut some of the talk of change. I leave that for another day. Let's celebrate and embrace the very exercise of Democracy at its' best. Let's be happy for America and be hopeful.
Let's see what the second day has in store for us!!!
