Now Is The Time...

Being unconventional by nature, I am choosing to follow form along with a gazillion other bloggers and turn my attention to this week's Democratic National Convention. After all, rarely do we get to witness or contribute to history.

For some, my waxing politically might confuse or offend readers. Therefore, let me take a brief disclaimer moment to remind folks that this blog is really quite personal. I say that because it is not my intention to draw party lines or sway anyone's vote. What party someone chooses to follow and how one votes is very much a personal endeavour. Yet, the very nature of a weblog is to give the writer an opportunity to present his or her views, feelings, ideas and emotions. I would not be who I am as a writer, teacher or citizen if I censored that process for myself.

Thursday had already been pretty awesome ( the triple digit temperature over which I prevailed notwithstanding). Had a lovely lunch getting to know one of my staff ministers and since I was already downtown (and parked in the shade) I decided to take a walking tour for myself. Went onto the Chico State campus--it is beautiful and filled with energy. It's hard to top old brick buildings and youthful exuberance. But I did by going into BMU and into the student store where there is a small Apple Computer corner; in addition lots of eco-friendly products and services and plentiful recycling bins. I have noticed that here in Chico lots of people also drive VW Beetles, use Apple computers, recycle, support sustainability, drink Starbucks and mean it when they say "Have a nice day." I even had a private angel come over to my car to let me know that if I stayed parked there after 5:00 p.m. I might get blocked in there because Thursday nights, the farmer's market takes place and three city blocks are cordoned off. I told her I was new to Chico and did not know that and really appreciated her letting me know.

I managed to find my way around town even without the compass that had fallen off onto the car floor while I was driving. Random happenstance led me to an Obama/Democratic office where I went in to change my address for the upcoming election and to purchase bumper stickers and pins in honor of tonight's big event.

There was a bit of extra pride knowing that "The Love Train" aka the Agape International Choir, was there for the event at the Stadium in Denver. I learned that the Choir was hand-picked to sing for this and joined John Legend tonight. Dr. Michael Beckwith is my minister and knowing that he and Dr. Rickie Byars-Beckwith were there as part of the consciousness being generated there this week and performing on Thursday in particular, just gladdened my heart and soul. Religious Science was there in full voice and Spirit! Oh, and I did notice that Michael McDonald (who was just here in Chico for a concert last week) was also on the musical line-up. Yah, baby!

The evening was full of rich and wonderful speakers and speeches. It was glorious to view the diversity in the faces of the people attending this historic event--every race, every age--all expressing their enthusiasm and glee. Happy to see an ASL Intepreter off to one side of the stage as well.

The connection and hope in regards to governance and politics I have not felt since I was in high school and attended a Robert Kennedy rally on Fairfax Avenue outside of my high school. I cheered and I cried and did the happy dance throughout the event. Was I aware of hype and theatrics? Of course. This was a political event after all. And yet, I felt it was a supremely successful presentation from start to finish. I was proud --I was excited and I was thankful.

Senator McCain's choice to honor Senator Obama for his special night (especially in light of the Dr. King anniversary) to not play politics as usual, I thought was a gracious one. I tip my hat to him. I do have respect for Senator McCain even though I have had issue with the man in regards to his stance on many issues--e.g. equal pay for women doing equal work --but I must also state that I was disappointed by his choice for VP, Governor Sarah Palin.

Earlier this year, I signed a petition and sent a letter to Gov. Palin beseeching her to stop the aerial slaughter of Alaskan wolves. For that alone, I could not consider (and yes, even as passionate as I am about Obama, I am conscientious enough to have considered the platform and positions of the other slate) voting for someone who is so blatantly cruel to an endangered species.

Not only is this an historical election campaign but it is going to be one of the most interesting to follow. I am pleased that because of the history or the heated issues, more people than ever are going to be interested and involved. And that is a good thing. No matter which side of the party line one stands, this election is about being aware and paying attention. Our current political inertia is a thing of the past now. We are being called to a new state of individual and mutual responsibility in our government and in our personal lives. I would wager that many of us are going through a parallel or similar transformation in our own lives--personally or professionally (or in my case, both!) Good for the country. Good for us.

Let's use this high-octane energy campaign fuel us to a greater sense of purpose, clarity and expression. I think Senator Clinton was right---this campaign is not about the candidates it is about each one of us. I accept that charge. Will you?

I have a dream . . .
and now is the time.