Delegate Envy

 

It's late, and I've spent the last 4.5 hours watching the Democratic National Convention on the CSPAN website.  

Did you know I've ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted to be a delegate at one of these things?  I must investigate how to this, Lara.  I want to wear a festooned hat.

I'm skeptical of political theater and actually veer far to the left of Obama--I'm more of a Dennis Kucinich/Bernie Saunders Democrat--but I found myself pretty moved by most of this.

I was annoyed by the benediction, especially a Christian prayer when I spotted orthodox Jews and at least one Sikh in the audience.  Not that I'm anti-religious at all; I just worry about people being uncomfortable/alienated by a prayer on a political stage. 

I posted a photo from the '72 Democratic convention because it's the first election I remember.  My parents were for Nixon, so of course, I was for Nixon and my sister and I did cheers in support of Nixon in our front yard on election day.  I do remember another parent at a parents night at the school with a ginormous McGovern button on her dress.  Big cars/big heels/big political buttons.  

That said, once I could vote in 1984 for the first time, I voted for Mondale, which I'm sure was relatively unusual at BYU.   Speaking of religion, the Dems despite being as war mongering as the Repubs historically, seemed kinder and gentler--yes, for me, more Christ like--at least on social issues.  Plus, the pro-life issue is huge for me.   Plus--although I wish I could be as cool as the anarchists I know--I think government is necessary, and my family, despite voting Repub, depended on government handouts many times over the years.