I was excited about Denver hosting the Democratic National Convention. I wanted to be a part of this historical event in any way I could. Of course I applied for tickets to the Thursday night acceptance speech at Invesco Field.
And to my surprise and delight, I did get credentials for both my husband and myself.
During the week we went downtown a few times just to be a part of it all. On Monday we ate lunch at LoDo’s Bar and Grill and happened on to one of The Creative Coalitions’ functions. We got to see lots of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee.
On Wednesday, we went behind Union Station, where MSNBC was broadcasting out in the open. As we got there, we realized they were right in the middle of interviewing President Jimmy Carter. I couldn’t believe we were in the same place as the former president.
As the week went on, I watched all the speeches I could.
Michelle gave a sweet and inspiring speech on Monday.
The big talk on Tuesday was would Hillary really get behind Barack to unite the party? I thought her speech did just that. Wednesday was a double-header. I heard two great speeches from President Clinton and Sen. Joe Biden.
Thursday was the big day. We got to Invesco Field around 2 p.m., but Sen. Obama didn’t give his speech until around 8 p.m.
Well, it was certainly worth the wait. Truly the best political speech I’ve ever heard. He discussed all the issues concerning our country and our future. He let me know he was the person who would get us back on course to being the great nation we once were. I was inspired and comforted.
I felt like this was our time, America’s time.
Friday afternoon, I found myself staring at the TV with my mouth dropped open in disbelief and confusion. Sen. John McCain picked WHO to be his running mate?
After about another hour of watching the news and trying to figure out this choice, I became very, very scared. A heart beat away from being the leader of the free world? Now I’m thinking Sen. McCain does not have the good judgment to lead this country. Certainly he could have picked someone even a little more qualified.
So, I watched the Republican National Convention and listened to as many speeches as I could. I have to say, the RNC was a stark contrast compared to what I saw the week before, when I was inspired and excited to look toward our country’s future.
The RNC only succeeded in making me feel like I was back in high school and the rich kids were picking on and making fun of the poor, nerdy kids. I also did not hear one positive speech on where they were going to take this nation. Nothing about the desperately sinking economy or unattainable health care. Only about how the surge worked and what a loser or “zero” Sen. Obama was for being a community organizer when he was in his 20s.
Was I witnessing what the Republican Party really is at heart? Self-involved and hateful? I was truly disappointed. I had felt until now, whoever won the election, at least we would be better off than we are today.
Well, after the last two weeks, I have to say I no longer feel that way.
Our country is the greatest nation in the world. And because of our position in this world we have many responsibilities. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. We have the responsibility to show the world we are not a country that invades others for uncertain reasons.
We have the responsibility to lead by example and take care of our own no matter if they are in the top 1 percent or the bottom 30 percent. We have the responsibility to prove to our children that we do care about them, their future and their children’s future. We don’t only live in the here and now, we live in the future of our children’s lives.
We must remember that always. What we do now will be the beginning of something great. I feel it deep in my heart.
Americans have always bounced back from adversity and this time will be no different. I’m excited to make history.
I’m excited to get started. I’m excited to show everyone why we are the greatest nation. I’m excited to change the world.
One more thing on the most discussed topic of the last week or so, Sarah Palin’s lack of experience. Well, the Republicans say she’s got more “executive” experience that Obama or Biden. OK.
But don’t forget, that means she also has more “executive” experience than Senator McCain.
So what does that mean? Should Sarah Palin be the next president? That would be ridiculous, right? Well that settles that argument. But one other thing I would like everyone to think about.
No one except an incumbent president has the kind of experience you really need to be president of the United States. Our nation is vast and diverse. To think anyone has the exact kind of experience to be leader of this country is very short sighted.
Let’s not get caught up in semantics and focus on what you really need to be our leader. It’s something that our present one lacks in spades, good judgment.
So, please when you go to vote on Nov. 4, think about that and don’t forget about all our responsibilities. I love my country and am deeply concerned for its future.
But I’m also hopeful and determined to get back on track. We can do it.
Shelly Harris lives in Arvada. EDITOR’S NOTE: This online-only guest commentary has not been edited. Guest commentary submissions of up to 650 words may be sent to openforum@denverpost.com.
