1968

I don't usually post -on Fridays but Hillary Clinton's outrageous comment must be addressed. I would like to add my voice.

The 60s were a hopeful and very turbulent time. I remember them well. President John F. Kennedy was shot when I was in second grade. Can you imagine a 7-year old learning what the word "assassination" means?

Unfortunately, by the end of June, 1968 we all knew that word very well. First there was JFK. Then there was El-Hajj Malik Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. Martin Luther King was assassinated in April, 1968. June brought the death of Bobby Kennedy.

I was eleven years old. My classs had just taken a field trip to the offices of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and our tour guide gave us each a copy of the day's paper. On the front was a picture of Bobby Kennedy. I read the article and started learning about him. That was the first time I became interested in a political candidate. We talked about him at home and I watched him on the news.

One morning my mother woke me up and told me that Bobby Kennedy had been shot. For the next forty years I searched for another candidate who would inspire me the way RFK had. I voted for unpopular candidates like Eugene McCarthy, hoping that my vote would make a difference. It didn't, of course. By the time I reached my forties I was sure everyone was right. All politicians are corrupt. We will never have a decent person in the White House.

Barack Obama changed that for me. When I listened to him speak, I felt inspired again. And this gifted leader actually has a chance. Can you imagine that? For the last few months I've felt like I was living a dream, afraid to wake up.

Hillary Clinton today invoked the awful memory of Bobby Kennedy's assassination and she also maliciously gave voice to the fears of many. There was no mistake in her words. Evidently she's waiting for a June surprise.

Those of us who were alive forty years ago still remember. Many of us also hope that this time it will be different.

This time we have found a true leader and this time he will take his place in the White House. This time the dream will not die.

What a Week!

Every day this week I've thought about what I would write about in my blog. In the end, though, I was too tired to write.

On Monday my 18-year old and I went canvassing for Barack here in Lexington. When we went to get our assignment, the organizer told us we were in for a special treat. Michelle Obama was coming to Lexington that evening to speak with campaign volunteers. The event was held at the Lexington campaign office, with 400 invited volunteers and members of the press. It was wonderful to see her speak. She'll make a great first lady. Canvassing the next day was easy because I was fired up and ready to go.

On Tuesday night we watched the results of the Kentucky primary. I cringed as the gap widened. There was one small victory, though. Obama won Lexington. Also Louisville.

On Wednesday I planned to write about sexism. That seemed to be the topic of the day. I disagree with the charges. First, I don't think there was blatant sexism--unless you're talking about the "sweetie" thing and that wasn't malicious. Second, I don't think women should go around moaning and groaning. The world isn't always fair. We do the best we can and keep moving.

I was online much of the day today. It was all about Michigan and Florida. I agree with those who say rules are rules. They may not have been the best rules, but all candidates agreed to them and the states knew what they were doing. If the people of Michigan and Florida feel disenfranchised, they need to fight their state leaders on the issue.

In eight days members of the DNC will meet to discuss Michigan and Florida. A few days after that, all the primaries will be finished.

I hope we have a clearly-recognized nominee on June 4.

Final Stretch

I have waited for this weekend for months. While every other state, nearly, in the union went through the primary process, I dreamed of the time when it would be our turn here in Kentucky.

Our primary is next Tuesday. I'm ready. I'll spend part of the weekend calling or canvassing for Obama, and I'll be busy on Election Day, too. This is it. I'm fired up and ready to go.

I wish Kentucky had a little more of the spotlight, though. The Clintons have come here, and Obama was in Louisville on Monday. I wasn't able to go.

Everyone says the Kentucky primary has already been decided. At times like this, I wish I still lived in Missouri.

I'm Back!

I've been gone for a little while, I know. A busy March led to a busy April and a very intense first two weeks of May. Now I have a breather and I'm very grateful for that.

I haven't blogged since February but I have kept close track of the Democratic presidential primary. I cringed when Obama lost and cheered when he won. Tonight was great. He got the endorsement we've waited for and things are looking very good.

I believe that Obama and Hillary Clinton will be able to work things out. Today they released a plan for joint fundraising, which is a very positive sign. I have my reasons for preferring Obama over Hillary, but the most important thing is to keep party unity.

We're living in very interesting and exciting times. When I listen to Obama speak and see the changes he is already bringing (did you know that fighting in an African country--the name of which has totally escaped me for the moment--has stopped because of Obama's mediation?) I feel that he is the culmination of what we hoped for in the 60s and 70s. They said it couldn't be done but I think we may be doing it.

No candidate is perfect and Obama readily admits that he isn't. But we finally have a real choice this year and that is wonderful.

P.S.--If you live in Kentucky, or Oregon, remember to vote!