Are You Watching the Democratic Convention?

This week I am watching the Democratic National Convention and next week I will be watching the Republican National Convention. We dutifully watched the Olympics and now it is time to watch the “Political Olympics.” While we have been steeped in the lofty ideals of spreading democracy around the world, we have not practiced it to the extent that we should. We decry the authoritarian and totalitarian governments across the seas and carry Democracy as a badge of honor, independence, sacrifice, commitment and totality of the right of individuals to have a say in their government yet we let Media predilections inform our choice. We must seize the opportunity as responsible citizens to engage in our political process and to witness the essence of each political party through their conventions; the official nomination ceremonies for their presidential candidates. Only then can we learn enough of each party platform to make an informed decision when we enter the voting booths in November.

This is an election for the future of America and anyone in doubt of that is sorely mistaken. We all need to pay attention to what each party has to offer and to decide for ourselves through our freedom to vote who is best equipped to lead our country. We need to set aside race, gender, age and political affiliation to arrive at the best solution. This is a time that requires the best person to win without the usual biases that bog down the political process.

Tonight, if you were watching, Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention was dynamic; the most incredible speech given by a pre-first lady in my cognizance of politics which for me begins with the Presidency of Jimmy Carter. Though the CNN Anchors complained of the lack of energy during prime-time, I was moved by the speeches and/or appearances of Representative Jessie Jackson, Jr, Caroline Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter, Former Republican Representative Jim Leach, and Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill leading into Michelle Obama’s keynote speech. I was disappointed that the Fox News Anchors felt compelled to incorporate a negative thread into the proceedings simply because it is not a pro-Republican event. Finally, I was surprised that CNN, MSNBC and FOX all chose to put their talking heads above the proceedings; the very proceedings that would help to give the American people insight into the quality of the Democratic candidacy. Thankfully, PBS saved the day by broadcasting the lesser known speakers and slide shows that in my estimation were no less important despite the major networks choice not to broadcast.

Michelle Obama's speech was electrifying in that we have never heard a pre-first lady speak with such alacrity, clarity and brilliance. This is a woman who lived the American dream; whose working class parents dreamed of a better life for their children and whose children became successful people who at the pinnacle of their careers chose to give back to the community just like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, JFK, RFK and everyone else out there and the fact that they are black people does not make them different or any less American; not by a long shot. We have to understand that we are all Americans with the same dreams and we make choices for or against education (academic or vocational) that define how successful we become. I await the Republican Convention with the same anticipation because this election depends on our ability to transcend our biases and pick leadership that will reverse the negative trend in government that has come to define our existence. We can be lulled into submission by our usual selves or we can seize the chance to educate ourselves and rise above the tendency toward shallow convictions. Be informed citizens! At the very least you owe that to your country.