Saturday, August 30, 2008

On Being a Democrat

My first foray into non-Convention topics.

I was born into a liberal Democrat family in NYC in 1940. My father was a lifetime Democrat and my uncle had a portrait of Franklyn Roosevelt over the couch in the living room. So, you know how I started my political life.

The first Presidential campaign I remember was Stevenson vs Eisenhower, when I proudly wore a a Stevenson button to school. (I wish I still had it)
But, I was not really emotionally committed to him. I was not really mature enough to follow politics. I was more interested in the Yankees.

The first emotional commitment I remember making was to John Kennedy. I worked on his campaign and was so very happy when he won, albeit, by a very close margin. I remember clearly that my Democrat father expressed some sincere worry about Kennedy's Catholicism. I wonder to this day how he actually voted. I never asked him.
(I mention this because of its relevancy to Obama's color. Will lifetime Dems harbor such similar worries? I surely hope not. But, racism runs deep in this country.) Most historian quote the "Ask not what your country..........." as the centerpiece of his inaugural speech. I connect more to his opening remarks on how "...the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans." I was 20 and part of that new generation. It still sends shivers through my body to repeat those words.

Like the rest of the world, I was crushed by Kennedy's death. I backed Johnson in the next election. But, not enthusiastically. I always respected his abilities on the domestic side. But, doubted his skill in foreign affairs. Those worries, of course, surfaced as the Viet Nam war deepened.

Next came Humphrey. Another quandary. A lifetime liberal (Like me) who was loyal to Johnson and the war (unlike me). Quite a dilemma. So, while I voted for him, I never strongly backed Humphrey. My vote was more against Nixon, than for Humphrey.

Next came Carter. Another worrisome Democrat. Would one term as Ga governor give him the credentials for leading the country? Another case of a man whose philosophy I strongly agreed with. But, about whom I had strong worries. In my opinion, those worries came home to roost. I have always felt that a President must be a strong, decisive leader. Carter kept changing his mind on important things. A weak leader, whose heart was in the right place. But, whose executive skills left much to be desired.

So, that brings me to Reagan. Just the opposite of Carter. An excellent executive, who surrounded himself with trusted advisers and followed their advise. Alas, bad advise. But, the wrong political philosophy. Big tax cuts, big military build up. Many say the tax cuts pulled us out of a economic mess and eventually led to the Prosperity of the Clinton years. I am not a professional Economist. Many say the military buildup led to the eventual collapse of Communist Russia. Again., that is beyond my expertise to tell. So, I cannot say. But, Reagan will go down in history (Has already, in fact) as an historic President. He transformed America into a conservative country. An awful transformation (In my opinion) But, a historic one.

George Bush Sr. A big disappointment to me right from the start of his campaign. At first, I had high hopes for him. Originally, he had been a liberal opponent, in the primaries, to Reagan. So, I hoped that once he could be his own man, his liberal, albeit Republican, tendencies might come out. How wrong I was in that hope.

Finally, we got a charismatic candidate in Bill Clinton. But, who was this obscure guy from Arkansas? Would that give him the experience to lead the country? Thank god for Ross Perot. He allowed Clinton to squeak in as a minority president. But, my fears were vindicated. Talk about inexperience. Clinton had that in spades for his first two years. Remember his first cabinet choices? I have tried to put them out of my mind. And, of course Hillary's ill fated health care initiative. But, Bill Clinton was a quick learner. I believe his mind borders on brilliant. By the end of his first term and into his second, we finally had a centrist liberal president with the right philosophy and the skills to execute them.
But, the conservative right dogged him at every step. And he gave them plenty of ammunition. I was living in London for much of Clinton's second term. So, I was kind of out of the loop for most of that term. I must admit to being somewhat embarrassed by how his sexual shenanigans were joked about in London.

So, next we come to Al Gore. Here we go again. Another man with the right political philosophy and poor executive skills. Thanks to an awful campaign and Ralph Nader, we got George Bush II. What more can I say. A crushing defeat for me .....and for the country.

John Kerry ....... God, can't the Democrats get it right? Right from the start, Kerry was all wrong. Even a lifelong Democrat like me could not really determine where he stood on any issues. Much too intimidated by the still very powerful conservative tenor of the nation. By this time, I was retired and had plenty of time to devote to campaign working. Living in Northern Va, I was ideally located to have an impact with my work. Indeed, I worked hard for Kerry. But, to be honest, it was not in favor of Kerry but, in opposition to Bush. I bought fully into the slogan...."Anybody but Bush" Honestly, that is no basis for a vote. But, it was mine.

Once I got the political bug, I continued working in the off year election. This time for Webb in Va. Another case of not being enthusiastic about our candidate, but being enthusiastic about winning the Senate. Nobody gave Webb much of a chance against George Allen at the start. But, finally, a Republican screwed up. And Webb won. I made the 9th most phone calls for Webb in Va (Or maybe it was Northern Va, I never really found that out). Anyway, I worked by butt off for Webb.....and finally was rewarded with a victory. It was so sweet. Still is.

So, that brings me to Obama. Finally, I have someone who I really love. Someone who I respect. Someone who inspires me. Now at 68, I am not one of his young devotees. But, one of his devout followers never the less. Again, as a lifelong Democrat, I see Roosevelt in him in his plans for the country. I see Kennedy in him in his youthful vigor. I see Clinton (Bill, that is) in him in his charisma. Such a combination cannot fail.... Right?
Well folks, anything is possible with the electorate. Will they succumb to the characterization of inexperience? Will they succumb to their latent racism, even if they will never say so in polls? Will they really think he is a Muslim (In fact, even if he was, not that I believe it for a second, would that invalidate his candidacy? That's a topic for another treatise.) Will seniors worry about his youth? Will women be disappointed in Hillary's defeat, even if they never say so openly? I am not a professional political expert. But, even the experts seem divided. Trust me, friends, it is far from in the bag. Even with his charisma and the country being fed up with Bush. I will work hard on his campaign in Va. And....hope for the best.
I beseech all my friends to work in their back yards.

Oh, while I am at it, we need to win overwhelming majorities in Congress. But, again, a topic for another treatise.

Regards from a lifetime Democrat.
Alan Weinstein

Friday, August 29, 2008

Final Day - A PLE

A PLE, in the words of Barbara, is a Peak Life Experience.
This day , or at least the evening, was surely that for me.
Something I will remember the rest of my life.

But, first the more mundane part of the day.
In the morning, we attended the second half of the Woman's Caucus. More celebs than the first half. But, pretty much the same theme. We need more women in all levels of government. One speaker avocated a goal of 220 in the House and 50 in the Senate. In case yo have not noticed, that is 59%.
Not being of that gender, I cannot speak directly to the need for that. But, as a father of two girls (Women, really) and the husband of, now two, different wives (at different times, just to clear that up), I fully agree with the concept of woman's equality in all aspects of society. I believe in equality across all lines, be they gender, race, religion, sexual inclination, or any other way to identify people. My father often spoke of discrimination against Jewish people. I never found that as a block to my advancement. My wives have often spoken of sexual discrimination in the workplace. Yet, I my girls never speak of it as preventing their advancement. So, I hope society has advanced beyond that. But, maybe not.
Wow, I sure am getting philosophical this morning.

Maybe Barack Obama inspired me.
Believe me when I say....he inspired EVERYBODY in the 80,000+ audience at Invesco Field with his 47 minute, action packed, acceptance speech. 47 minutes never flew by so fast.
Most of you have heard the speech by now, so I will not repeat much of what he said.
It was not so much what he said as how he said it.
Yes, he did set stark differences between himself and John McCain. He represented himself as standing for the future, while McCain is stays locked in the past. Yes, he did set out an agenda that he would follow, when (my word) he is elected. Energy Independence in 10 years was the one that I liked the best.
No, it was not what he said, but how he said it. Truly inspiring. The audience, me included, was on its feet time after time. The man truly knows how to turn a phrase and inspire his audience to their feet. I have only seen him once before, in support of Jim Webb in a Va rally. Webb was the main event and Obama's job was to warm up the audience. So he was muted.
Last night, Obabma was the main event. And what an event it was. As I said earlier, a PLE.
I have long believed that this country needs a charismatic leader as President. Washington, DC is a controversial place. People rarely agree on anything. It takes a charismatic leader to make things happen. A person the people will follow and drag their Congresspeople along.
Washington had that charisma. Lincoln inspired people. Roosevelt, Clinton., yes even Reagon. Such inspirational leaders come along infrequently. In Barack Obama we have another one. Maybe the best of the lot.
Over and over again, I jumped to my feet, along with virtually everybody else among my 80,000 neighbors to cheer. At the end of the speech I vigorously shook hands with the stanger beside me. As did many others all around me.
Tears came to my eyes when Obama spoke of his humble beginnings. While unlike him, I had both parents to guide me. My beginnings were also quite humble. My father never graduated HS and had two jobs before that became commonplace among lower middle class. My mother worked outside the home. Again, before that was commonplace. I shared a single bedroom with both parents and a sister, and one bathroom with all of them and a grandmother. Like Obama, my parents always valued education. I still remember the beam in my parents eyes at my undergraduate graduation. My PhD made them even prouder.
Like him, I have two daughters. So, I empathize with that responsibility.
OK, so I am no Barack Obama. But he kindled that kind of association in me. And he will kindle that in so many others.
By the end of his speech, maybe even by the middle, I was charged up, not only to vote for him (I was already on board for that) but to work hard for him. Yes, I am also already on board there as well. But, I will do it with greater vigor than I have ever done for any other candidate. I beseech all of the readers of this Blog to do likewise.
What more can I say. Like everybody before him this whole convention, I say we NEED Barack Obama in the White House. Lets get him there!!!!!

Besides Obama himself, the whole evening was high theater. Military leaders, retired to be sure, were trotted out to sing the praises of Obama's leadership ability. Republican converts, African American leaders, Labor leaders, women leaders, common folk. You name it, they were there.
And the end was also high theater. Fireworks.
I will watch with interest to see the Republicans try to match this.

Finally, there are more reasons than I wish to bore you with further about why I want to see Obama win in November.
But, the one I want to leave you with is this......I cannot wait to hear his Inaugural address.
From Denver, this is Alan signing off ....on the Convention anyway.
You will hear more from me about the campaign and life in general.
I hope you will stay tuned.
Alan

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Day three - Wednesday

The most active, interesting and stimulating day so far.
The day started with a breakfast with the Montana Delegation. Yes, MONTANA. Their press director is an ex colleague of Barbara's at the Capitol. He invited us. $30 cab fare but well worth it.
I have been in Montana once in my life, Billings, on one of my trips to and from Flagstaff during the years I was doing cloud seeding experiments. They were friendly then and are still very much so.
Their Chairman welcomed us warmly.
Their morning speaker was Bob Casey, Senator from Pa. I am unsure how a Pa Senator gets to address the Montana Delegation. But, it worked. They welcomed him warmly and he praised their two Senators, Max Baucus and Jon Tester.
Unlike the DC breakfast that we thought was 7 and turned out to be 8. This one we thought was 8 and turned out to be 7. But, we still got our steak and potatoes after the briefing. Great meal. Great companionship. Great fun.

Next, we attended an SEIU sponsored Health Forum. Many big names attended and spoke. In order, Ed Rendell (Gov of Pa), Deval Patrick (Gov Ma), Ted Strickland (Gov Ohio), Tom Daschle (Ex Senate Majority Leader), Andy Stern (SEIU Pres), and.....Hillary Clinton. I captured all of them in photos.
Next, on to a Seniors' Caucus. It turns out that Obama is not doing very well with seniors. So, among other things, we got a pep talk to spread the good word among our friends. Seniors seem unsure of Obama and his youth. They feel more comfortable with the compatriot John McCain. Even if McCain wants to privatise Medicare. The star here was the Chair of the DNC, Howard Dean. Not the most inspiring speaker, in fact. But, I got a photo of him as well.
Next to a Jewish "Square" Table discussion of Jewish religious tradition and politics. I would rather have heard a clearer exposition of Obama's positions with respect to the Middle East, in general and Israel, in particular. But, I guess I will have to read about it in the press release they handed out. Maybe with my camera, they thought I was part of the press. Well, with this blog, maybe I am.
Next, I attended a meeting of Hillary Clinton's pledged delegates. Clearly, I crashed that. It was here that she freed her delegates to "vote their conscience", not their obligation. She freed them to go wherever they wanted. Later, at the Pepsi Center during the delegate voting, it was clear that most moved to Obama, as he won the vote overwhelmingly.
That brings us to the final event of the day, the Convention deliberations themselves. Once again, we were shut out of the Pepsi Center.
We watched the Presidential Roll Call in a big auditorium in the Convention Center. The big event here was when Hillary Clinton introduced the motion to select Obama by acclimation.
We moved to the Sheraton Hotel bar to watch the rest of the proceedings. Bill Clinton's reception and address were STUPENDOUS. He continuously brought down the house. Vintage Bill Clinton. In my mind, he was far superior to Hillary in unifying the party behind Obama. She said she was behind Obama. He, directly asked her backers to get behind Obama. I noted yesterday that she fell short of that.
The other speakers, from knowns to unknowns were also quite eloquent in their praise of Barak Obama.
Finally, Joe Biden did a good, but not great job, in my opinion, of spelling out why Obama is far superior to McCain. In my mind, Biden is still a great choice for VP. Even if this might not have been his best moment.

Well, it is now past midnight. So, I have to turn in.
Stay tuned for the last day.
OH....I almost forgot to tell you that we got credentials for the Invesco Field acceptance speech by Obama. It will be a many hour wait in the open stadium before he actually delivers it. But, it will be historic.
That report is for tomorrow.
Alan

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Day Two - Tuesday

A more civil hour to get started. Left the house at 9 AM, with ride to the Light Rail with Bunny's friend Palace.
First stop was the Women's Caucus. Rather disappointing. No real stars. No Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. Donna Brazille and several female CEO's of big companies. All praising, justifiably, the advances of women in both business and politics.
Next, we went to our job, which was slow again. Only excitement was the appearance of Bill Richardson near our hallway. I spoke briefly to him and snapped a picture.
If I ever can figure out how to add pictures, I will post it within this blog message.
I brought my camera today. So in the early afternoon, I snapped some local color pictures. MANY local pictures.
Colorful volunteers in colorful T-shirts, vendors and crusaders. I will make a few collages and post them....eventually.
We watched the evening convention goings on in a hotel bar, with lots of others who did not have credentials to get into the Pepsi Center.
I was a bit disappointed in both Mark Warner's and Hillary Clinton's speeches.

I was disappointed in the fact that, although Clinton said she was fully behind Obama, she did not actually ask her supporters to vote for him.
He will need every one of her voters. 18 million primary voters are a lot.
I liked the speeches by the Ohio and Montana governors much better than the keynote by Mark Warner. Warner had too much of himself in his.

Off to bed. A bit earlier tonight.
Up early tomorrow for a breakfast with the Montana delegation, courtesy of a contact Barbara has at the Capitol.
So far, just about all of our good contacts have been from her.
Thank you Barbara.
Alan

Monday, August 25, 2008

First Convention Day - Monday

What a start to our convention adventure..
Awake at 5AM for a 6AM getaway to a 7AM breakfast, that actually did not start until 8AM. I hope I did not lose you already. You know I must be dedicated to get up at 5AM for anything. The last time I remember doing that was to go skiing. Too long ago to remember.
The breakfast was with the Wash, DC delegates in a downtown hotel.
We were the invited guests of the DC Shadow Senator, Paul Strauss.
Buffet breakfast with french toast and eggs. We were addressed early on by Donna Brazille. She was Gore's campaign director. Not exactly a success.
We were also addressed by Eleanor Holmes Norton, our DC non voting Rep. The whole gist of the speeches were that we were all supposed to campaign for DC voting rights. Norton will be giving a speech to the convention on that topic on Tuesday at 3PM Mountain time (5 PM Eastern time) Before prime time unfortunately. So few viewers will be paying any attention. I think the convention planners planned it that way.
It turns out that the Va delegation hotel was the same one. So, we drifted over there for a second breakfast. A much bigger affair. The speaker there was Mark Warner.
So, not too bad for a start of our day. Three celebs in two hours.
Next it was on to a Women's election event where we saw Nancy Peolsi in person. On the way from the hotel to the CCC, we witnessed the full regalia of people selling things. Both souvenirs and causes. Very colorful.
Would you believe it, I forgot my camera. I guess my mind does not work very well at 5AM.
Finally, we took our posts as volunteer's for the Obama For America (OFA) corridor in the CCC. Very little activity there all afternoon. It is the place in the CCC that all of the Obama campaign bigwigs will assemble for strategy meetings. So, we hope for more action as the week wears on.
Alas, no tickets (They call them "credentials") showed up for us to gain entry into the Pepsi Center for the convention opening.
So, we watched it with the other "ordinaries" in a large auditorium in the CCC. Still nice to be surrounded by so many Democrats.
For those of you who watched it on TV, the high points were the tribute to Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama's speech.
Its now midnight and time for me to turn in for another day tomorrow.
One day down, three to go.
Stay tuned.
Alan

Sunday

I am actually writing this Monday night, as I got home too late on Sunday to do it.
A sleep in day for a change. Did not leave the house until about 2:30 PM.
First stop was for Barbara's training for her volunteer work.
In fact, it turns out that we will be both working this gig.
It got us very valuable credentials for all over the Colorado Convention Center. Next best thing to credentials for the Pepsi Center. Hope springs eternal for that. But, a great long shot.
After Barbara's training, it was off to a party sponsored by SEIU, that a cousin of Barbara's (An SEIU bigwig) got us invited to.
This may turn out to be the only convention party we go to.
But, hope springs eternal for more of these as well.
Upon entry, we immediately encountered two women who know....and love....Mira. They thanked me profusely for ''creating" her. I accepted their thanks proudly and neglected to say that I was only half responsible. But, if I did say that, in my characteristic humble way, I would have claimed credit for the better half. Anyway, it was nice to see her so profusely complimented.
The rest of the party was anticlimactic. I did not meet anybody else who knew Mira.
After the party, we had a nice dinner and desert with several cousins of Barbara. All three were impressively accomplished women. With fully developed careers and nice families.
Finally, one of them drove us home by about midnight.
Thus no time for a report that night.
All in all, a nice warm up to the beginning of the convention itself.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Saturday in Denver

Barbara arrived on Friday night.
We went to eat at a restaurant called "Buckhorn Exchange". A historic...and very expensive...Denver landmark. If you ever get to Denver, you should come here. It is a unique restaurant.
The rooms are filled with every imaginable kind of stuffed animal. And the folk singer upstairs is great. Bunny and I came here two years ago.
All three of us had a great, albeit expensive, dinner.
Well, what the hell, no lodging expense...Right?
Saturday was my volunteer training. I am on the Transportation detail.
My job is to direct the VIP's where to park their cars and how to get to their various caucuses in the Colo Conv. Cen. The CCC is where the action is during the day. The action switches to the Pepsi Center in the late afternoon, evening and night.
I learned from my training that the Pepsi Center access is very tightly controlled and I will not be able to get in.
But, they held out a carrot that I we work faithfully for them over the week, there might be a limited number of tickets to the acceptance speech on Thurs at Invesco Field. Among the 85,000 in attendance. Hope springs eternal. We will likely not see much of him. But would like to be part of history, seeing the first Black Man nomionated by a major party. Makes my skin tingle in excitement. (Do real reporters speak in such graphic terms?)
In the mean time, Barb is busy working her network for tickets to the Pepsi Center.
Tomorrow morning (Monday) at 7AM (Yes there is such an hour), we have an invite to the DC Delegation Breakfast. From our DC Shadow Senator , Paul Strauss. I must be really into this stuff, if I am willing to get up at 6AM to be downtown by 7. It is at these Breakfasts, that you meet people who just might have a ticket or two to the Pepsi Center, to spare. Oh what heights I go to to get in.

After my training, Barb and I roamed around town, having both a great lunch (Belgian/French) and dinner (Russian). I am not a big eater, but both these meals were great.
In the afternoon we did the Presidential Experience near Invesco Field.
A lot of walking and not much excitement. But, it was great being around so many Democrats.
I bought an Obama Convention button. But am holding off on more until I see the Obama/Biden ones.
I am overjoyed with happiness and pleasure at the choice of Biden.
I wish Obama nothing but the best of health for a full 8 years in office.
But, in the event of ill health ... or worse...I am fully confident in the intelligence and skill of Biden to step right in.
In the end, that is the most important qualification of a VP. To be able to step right in. Joe Biden is just that man.
Today, we have three adventures.
1) Barbara gets her training and another shot at credentials to get into Pepsi Center. For both of us, I hope. She is at the "Credentials Desk" So, maybe she can get us a couple. Not optimistic. But, hope springs eternal.
2) An SEIU party that evening. Courtesy of a cousin of Barb's, who is a bigwig in SEIU. SEIU is the union Mira works for. I will be looking for people who might know her.
3) Then dinner with Barb's cousins.
Tomorrow starts the main event. Stay tuned for your trusty reporter on the scene.
In fact, we have been surprised by the lack of crowds so far. But, tomorrow should be different.
Now I must get off this computer to allow Barbara on.
Alan

Friday, August 22, 2008

Pepsi Center

The Pepsi Center is where all the TV action will take place.

Due to my volunteering, I got a "VIP" tour of the gallery and floor. Aren't you impressed? I was......

I am going to try some photos.

First is of the outside of the Pepsi Center.

Next are some interior shots, including one of me on the edge of the floor.
This is as close as I will get to the action, I fear.
Next are some of the PBS News Hour booth. When I told them that I watch this every night, they let me in. Too bad there was no live coverage.
I always wanted ti be interviewed on this program.

OK here goes at trying some photo's

Well, I cannot figure out how to post imagesw. So,that will have to wait until I have more time.
Got to run to pick up Barb at the airport.
Alan

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Ft Collins

My day off from Conventioneering was spent with my good friends from Penn State, Bill and Vollie Cotton.
They were great host and hostess.
Lunch when I arrived.
A sail with Bill and one of his students, Dan. A very nice young man, who I wish best of luck in his career (In case he is reading my blog).
Dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.
But, most of all, just lots of friendly and stimulating conversation.
Renewing old times, talking about old friends, and, yes, talking politics.

Now I am back in Denver with my sister.
Tomorrow back to convention stuff after a breakfast with another old friend, Bill Woodley.
Finally, Barb arrives on Fri eve and we start the Convention stuff in earnest.
Stay tuned.
Alan

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Full Day of Exploring

I sincerely hope I am not boring you by posting twice in one day.
I had quite a full day today. Even if it did not actually start until afternoon. After my earlier Blog entry.
First, I walked a half hour from my sister's house to the Light Rail. Nice sunny, low humidity day.
Half hour ride downtown. $3.00 full fare one way. I realized after I bought my ticket in the machine that I could have gotten it for half fare as Senior.
Well, first lesson learned.
Got off at Colorado Convention Center stop (About half hour ride). Total trip door to door was about 1 hour. Very short walk to the CC from the Light Rail stop.. should come in handy when Barb and I actually have to be there at some appointed time.
The symbol in front of the COLORADO Convention Center is a Bear.
Isn't a bear the state Symbol of CA? Well this one is blue. Ca's is brown, I believe. Does Colo really have blue bears in the wild?
The Center was locked up tight. So, I could not get in. Not surprising as I am sure they do not people wandering around (Planting a bomb, perhaps? Yikes, I hope nobody official is reading this. Never know who is "data mining" these Blogs. Am I getting paranoid?) the week before the place is loaded with political big wigs.
The actual ceremonies for the Convention will be at the Pepsi Center. But, many meetings will take place at the CCC. Barb and I will both be working there. So, we hope there will be many big wigs for us to see, impress, and hit up for tickets to the official stuff. Us and the other 50,000 volunteers.
But, we will be the most impressive....Right?

With it being impossible to get into the CCC, what does a Tour Guide do on his holiday? What else?....Take a tour.
You got it...I took a bus tour of Historic Denver. "Banjo Billy's Bus Tour"
A recovered old school bus, outfitted with.....lounge chair seats, even a couch. My buses in DC are not like this.
One of the more entertaining I have ever taken. Not a site tour, but a history tour. Full of interesting stories of early Denver. Gave me lots of ideas about Washington touring.
The cost was "Pay optional" as he was just starting the business and was interested in my comments. Especially when he heard that I was a Washington, DC Tour Guide myself.
In the end, I learned that he would be charging $20 for the tour. 1 1/2 hrs. So, I gave him the $20 anyway. In fact, later I learned that for Seniors, the rate was only $16. Well, he was worth a $4 tip. I was his only customer.

Dinner at Teds in LoDo....Lower Downtown. Buffalo burger and FF, of course.

Refueled, I was off to see the Pepsi Center and Invesco.
Nothing very impressive about either of them, in fact. I sure hope there will be shuttles between them. As it was quite a hike from one to the other.

Finally a Light Rail ride home from Invesco to the stop near Bunny's house. $1.50 this time (Senior Rate). This will be a convenient way to get home after the acceptance speech....If we get into it, that is.

All in all, a full and successful day.

Tomorrow there will be no report as I am taking the day off from Convention stuff to visit friends in Ft Collins.

Back on Thursday and prepare for Barb's arrival on Friday.
Hope this was not too long.
Alan

First Day in Denver

Well, I arrived unevenfully. The best way to travel.

To anybody who may have commented on my first posting, I have not yet read your comment as I do not yet know how, in fact.

So, surely, I have not replied.

I will learn how to do those things....eventually.

For now, it is a one way street.



Nothing to report so far.

On the local TV last night, there was much news about all the activities surrounding the Convention.

There will be lots to do outside the actual Convention building (Pepsi Center, the home of the hockey and basketball teams). But, of course, the most important activity will be in the building itself.

Barbara and I will do everything we can to get in.....short of getting jailed for crashing.



The local newspaper had an article about how the high rollers will get the box seats at the Invesco Center where Obama will give his acceptance speech on Thursday night. That does not include us....alas.

We will consider ourselves luckey if we even get into the stadium at all, where the football team (Broncos) play.



My goal for today is to go downtown to scout out the area.

Got to go now.



But first, I cannot help sharing a thought I had on the plane.

I was reading the AARP Mag.

Two items of note here.

1) I thought Obama did a much better job than McCain in addressing the issues of importance to AARP age people. He answered the questions on health care and economic issues much more directly than did McCain.

It is clear (To me anyway) that he would be a better choice soley on selfish reasons. That is not why he has my vote, but if I were just selfish, he would also have it.

2) There are over 50% of the electorate who are over 50 uears old. 41% of the total population. So, if people vote their self interest, thats a plus for Obama.

But, do they vote with their brains or their heart?

If with their heart, I fear they will be afraid of a candidate of just 47 years. Of course, McCain is the opposite extreeme at 72.

But, I worry that older people will feel more comfortable with a senior figure than a "kid".

Of course, none of this should be a reason to vote for a person. But, I fear these kinds of things count more than the actual issues with much of the voting population. Not me of course......Right?......Right.....

Enough pontificating.....But, what is a Blog for anyway.......

Alan

Monday, August 18, 2008

First Blog

With inspiration from the children, Bill and Meg Gemmill, of my long time friends Bill and Francine Gemmill, I am taking the plunge to start my own blog.
I am doing it now as I head out to Denver for the Democratic National Convention.
Staying with my sister, and visting with friends before the Convention actually starts next week.
My wife will be joining me on Friday.
We hope to have a chance to actually get into the action on the floor of the Pepsi Center.
But, so far, we only have minor rolls in the Colo Convention Center.
It should be exciting whatever we do.
Wish us luck.