AMERICA'S COMING BACK!

Yesterday I attended an Obama Rally. I haven't been in a huge crowd since college days, and I knew great crowds and long lines were expected, but I wanted so much to be a part of this 

groundswell of support for Barack Obama. I told myself to not be disappointed if I couldn't get in, but I did get in and got a very good seat. My daughter-in-law went with me and we had a great time together.  Arriving at the baseball stadium two hours before the speech, we were there just in time to get in a long line, snaking for about a mile through the parking lot and over to the temporary entrance. 

The stadium here in  Sarasota holds 10,000 and there were lots of chairs on the ground, so they estimate 15,000 people were there . I know he has drawn larger crowds in larger cities, but for a county  of 360, 000 , most of them republican, it was a great turnout. In this county we have 15,000 blacks, 22,000 Hispanic, 4,000 Asian, and about  15,000 others.

Although we arrived two hours early, many people slept in their cars overnight to be sure to get into this free event. People were amiable, cheerful and courteous. Vendors were everywhere selling buttons, shirts, towels, and signs. You can see my newest wardrobe addition on my head in the photo.

It was so exciting , seeing the thousands of people and the rich diversity . Blacks, whites, old , young, gay, and  straight.  ( I know this because I saw some of my gay friends and know that Obama has welcomed them at almost every rally.) I saw Amish and Muslim standing side by side. Parents brought children because they felt this was such a historic event. We all felt as if we might be part of making history. 

I fully meant to keep politics out of my blog, but I am so excited about the prospect of this man being president, that I am swept up in the excitement of the moment.

I think he is the most charismatic, exciting candidate we have had since JFK.  He has 

character, dignity, elegance and great command of both his emotions and his words. 

I think we are on the cusp of  a new, hopeful era for our country. Our best hope is that he will gain the respect of leaders around the world and restore our universal standing.