My mother and I took a day trip to Battle Creek yesterday to attend a rally where Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joe Biden spoke to a crowd of over 16,000. Although the speeches were short and it was difficult to see the stage, the energy made the wait completely worthwhile. Unlike the time I saw Obama in Ohio during the primaries (a smaller townhall meeting), this was certainly a big event. My mom and I waited in the line for over an hour, then plopped down on the grass (we filled the field of a baseball stadium) to wait for another few hours with thousands of others... what a delightful group of people willing to give up their Sunday afternoons/evenings to see a man who inspires us all to do more than we have ever done before to fight for change.On the more humorous side, I was hoping someone would scope out the crowd for people to place front and center for the speech-- I tried to look somewhat cute yesterday, but my mom really had the "look"... a battery-powered fan visor! The visor, combined with her spray bottle and electric handheld fan, certainly shouted "pick me" to the staff. Unfortunately, no one came around in search of us. Also on the humorous side-- we spotted some of our family friends the Jennings selling buttons for my old middle school history teacher, Mr. Hosner! I remember his classes, drawing political cartoons and holding the mock election in 7th grade (I "voted" for Ross Perot). And Mr. Jennings told us that they sell buttons at both Democratic and Republican events, and the Republicans are much more *conservative* with their purchases, whereas the Dems will buy them buy the bundle! :) I think we can wear them more proudly!
I almost forgot-- one of the most exciting moments was seeing Obama's bus leave with the entourage of police escorts and secret service... They had megaphones and forced cars to pull off the road, as it was the main exit from the stadium! When the last Secret Service SUV drove past, I gave a knowing smile to one of the men poised to spring out of the opened back... and he smiled knowingly back at me! I was thrilled.
Anyhow, here are some photos from our day-- forgive the out-of-focus stage shot!
9 comments:
I LOVE your moms hat - that is fantastic and they definitely should have brought you front and center :) Go you guys with the rallying - I have to hurry up and register to vote in MA for the election!
Fantastic fan indeed!! I am greatly amused that you intentially tried to "look cute" in order to be chosen for an up front/center position! That's something I wouldn't have considered ... I guess that's what makes you my political mentor!
And her hat worked really well to keep her cool! I was astonished (I held my hand under it-- I refused to try it on). ;)
Yeah, I'm totally convinced that if it had been a smaller event, we would totally have been right next to them! :)
Me - the person who cannot stand heat- willing to stand in the sun in 88 degree temp - tells it all! Obama will bring positive change to this country - something we so desperately need. And he will bring help to the middle class rather than catering to the wealthy and big corporations not to mention catering to one religious group! He cares about the things that affect us ALL and doesn't focus on the religious beliefs and morals
of one separate group of people as he recognizes we all have the right to our own beliefs! Unlike the Republicans! I was PROUD to be a part of Sunday night! AND proud to wear that fan hat! :) You forgot to mention that one woman was impressed at how "prepared" I was for the heat!
"And Mr. Jennings told us that they sell buttons at both Democratic and Republican events, and the Republicans are much more *conservative* with their purchases, whereas the Dems will buy them buy the bundle! :) I think we can wear them more proudly!"
Ha! Well, as a "Republican," I can tell you that the reason why I don't buy buttons is because they will simply add unnecessary clutter to my life. I'm trying to cut down on using resources (the environmentalist side of me - yes, Republicans can be environmentalists). After taking chemistry at Tech, I'm not a big fan of plastic.
I have to say, you must've been VERY excited to see Obama. It is incredible to actually see the very person who could be the next President of the United States.
I saw Bush when he came through my hometown of Durand back 2000 on the train tour across Michigan. If I ever have grandchildren, ;-) I can tell them that I once saw the President of the United States. YOU may be able to do that. It's just so exciting.
When you look back to when we were kids, we looked up to the President as someone very special, remarkable, respectable. Fortunately, kids see the honor in the position rather than the gossip and commercialism.
Whoever wins the election, all I can say is this: I don't want that job.
:-) Happy Trails!
Di
Omigosh - I just blogged on your blog! ;-)
Di- thanks for blogging on my blog! And as you can see, my mom did the same thing. :) I don't mind at all! And I appreciated your comments.
It must be feeling like fall up there, because it's feeling like fall down here already! Are you ready for cold times??
It is crisp up here! Definitely cyclocross season. If all goes the way I want, which it usually never does, I plan to have a fun, brisk fall, and a fast, slippery winter. :-D Wish me luck.
You pretty much have the same weather, don't you? It's that Great Lake thing. :-)
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I got to see Clinton speak back in 1996 when I was a senior in high school... He was on his train tour across the States as well! :)
Hmmm... and I *sort of* saw Bush; at least I saw his motorcade zoom past as we protested the "exclusive" event in Traverse City. Hee hee.
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