Another Vet for Kerry
Did you watch the DNC convention this week? I did. It was carried on KCET, a PBS affiliate. I wasn't able to watch it in “real time” but with the help of my faithful Tivo, I still got to see it.
I was a little bit hesitant, at first, to watch. I've seen my share of dry, stumbling political speeches. Just because someone is an outstanding public servant doesn't make them a charismatic speaker. Some people are just great at being our representatives, but not someone you would willingly listen to for 45 minutes. And with Tivo, I didn't have to. But there wasn't as much chaff as I expected. And there were some surprising bits of wheat. Specifically, the speeches by Edwards, Kerry and Obama!
I'll have to do more research and write a separate 'thought' for Obama. What a speaker! So eloquent and focused. Usually, listening to anyone (besides myself) speak I come across several “Well, I don't agree with THAT so-much.” moments. But this guy was so sharp and so intelligent. I was really impressed with everything about his speech and presentation. Like I said, I'll keep digging, because I want to know more.
Another incredibly pleasant surprise was the speech by John Kerry on the final night. It's a good thing that KCET keeps that ghost-logo in the bottom-right corner of the screen because I found myself wondering if the channel had been changed to Sci-Fi and I was watching an episode of the “Twilight Zone.” I mean really, the Democratic candiate is a certified war-hero, tested and wounded in combat in a war that he volunteered for while the Republican President is a chicken-shit coward who used political connections to escape service in the war, and instead of defending his country was working in the campaign offices for a Republican governor. It makes your head spin.
But that shouldn't really surprise anyone. Democrats have been defending the Constitution for a long time. Not just the words, but the ideals. That minorities should be able to vote, and have the same rights as white men and that women, too, have rights. That your opportunities shouldn't be limited by who you are born to, but by your own abilities. These are long-held Democratic ideals.
Still, as a veteran myself, from a family of veterans I found it very emotional to have the Democratic candidate be such a man. To see him, with his family and others who have worked so hard and offered up the fullest measure of their lives... Well, it still makes me a bit weapy.
We need people like Kerry. People who would willingly lay down their lives to defend this nation. People of strength, of moral fiber and who aren't afraid of hard work.
Count me another “Veteran for Kerry.!”