The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Day Four: Change We Can Believe In

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August 29, 2008

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Well the Democrats saved the best for last. Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama made his acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium in front of an estimated 84,000 supporters. Those supporters like myself had to wait in lines since the early morning of the last day of the Democratic Convention which was on August 28th. I was able to speak with a member of the DNC's site selection committee which evaluates bids from different cities across the country to host the Democratic National Convention. He said that they had actually planned to have the the convention in Minneapolis at the Metrodome, but the Republicans booked the Twin Cities first. He also said the Obama Campaign truly wanted to make this "America's Convention" by letting regular people witness his acceptance speech. Obama faced fierce opposition from many of the party leaders who felt that the convention credentials should remain exclusive to Members of Congress, State Party Leaders, and big contributors. Allowing everyone from college students to phone banking volunteers to attend the acceptance speech will help the Democrats in November. They have given every American an invitation to have an active role in their government and many people who have never been involved in politics are RSVPing yes. The Democrats also had Middle Class Americans such as Barney Smith speak right before Obama came on the stage. Barney who was a registered Republican most of his life lives in Indiana and lost his job to outsourcing. He stated that he was supporting Barack Obama for president because, "We need a president who puts Barney Smith before Smith Barney," Smith said. Who ever wins this election will need people like Barney Smith to vote for them, they need to have a president who they feel will put them first before their campaign backers. The last night of the convention felt more like a rock concert then a political forum and Barack Obama was defiantly the headlining act. His speech which used quotations from Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech called for Americans to insure that the "American Dream" is handed to the next generation better then they received it. It was the 45th anniversary of that famous speech that changed the Civil Rights Movement in America. Obama praised Senator John McCain's service for his country and said that McCain was a true patriot and a man of great character. Obama went on to say that he is simply out of touch with the everyday struggles of the Middle Class and could not help them because he was never one of them. I truly feel that I have witnessed history this last week and would like to thank everyone for their support.

Please remember that democracy is a verb. The people who become active are the ones who in the end run this country. So next time you want to change something in the government do it yourself. Democracy is not a spectator sport, it is fueled be people who have a passion for their country and wish to see it's people prosper. Both Republicans, Democrats, and Independents have a great love for their country and truly want people to live the "American Dream." So during this important election year find out which candidate represents your values, concerns, and the direction you feel this country should be headed. Then do something about it. The future of your country lies in your hands.