Convention Time

Well, the DNC ended their convention last night and I watched most of it.  I have to admit I dozed a bit here and there, not because it was boring, but because I was too comfortable on my couch and it was late.   I’m an early riser, and an ‘early to bed’ person.  Thankfully I can catch what I missed online.

Technology has made the conventions a whole different ballgame compared to how  it used to be.   This year, due  to the pandemic,  people were sad that the delegates and the politicians were not meeting together In a big arena.  But, after watching the Democrats’ four nights I think I can say that I liked this new style and the way it flowed, and how no time was wasted with showing crowd hoopla and silliness.  It was a more serious convention.   Some of the video packages were excellent and quite moving.

We all know I’m a Democrat so I felt allegiance while I watched, and I was uplifted.  I heard hope.  I felt connected and saw some amazing people speak about a better future.   Because, you know, I don’t think this ‘present’ right now, is all that good, especially when it comes to who leads us, and how we are in this horrible pandemic, and we have stubborn and dividing voices in our Congress, making nothing happen.

Lately, as we watch the news, my own hubby interjects comments that makes me stop…   like this one: You know people don’t care about morality.  Most care about money. The economy.  That is what the people who voted for Trump in 2016 care about.  That’s how they will vote again.

I don’t know if he’s trying to calm me down, so I don’t get too excited. Or, maybe as a businessman he sees the lack of empathy in this country.   Profits over people.  Individual success over the greater good.   Thankfully he once worked for a company that knew if people came first, and if the employees were listened to and treated with respect, then great profits and success followed.   He worked in an environment that realized that the company’s ‘man on the street’ was the most important person.  They were the ones that had the direct relationship with stores and customers.   Everyone else was ‘back up’ to them. That philosophy was what created loyalty, dedication, and positive attitudes.  Oh, and financial success!

I think that same philosophy can be found in the Democratic Party.   In fact, I heard it said many times during the convention.   Speeches were about lifting everyone up, and about equality in America, and the need to change the political direction that has got us where we are today.

I have pledged to tune in for the Republican Convention next week because I want to be an informed citizen. I want to watch their video pieces, and hear the speeches of the GOP leadership.   What will be their ‘talking points’?    Will they emphasis the same beliefs in equality?   Will they rise up – and not talk down, or cheaply to their audience?

I’m not sure if I can stick with it all four nights.  And, not just because I’m not a night owl.   But, if the GOP convention turns into a Trump rally my head and HEART will hurt.   I already know who Trump is, and I know how he operates.    But, if I hear talk of coming together, and of acceptance of all…   if I hear ways to better lives, not just financially, but in quality of life through education, fair housing, and more…    it will keep me listening.

Our government is not supposed to make us rich.  Our government should not care about the stock market except for the fact that businesses that do well then employee good people, and pay them.   Most Americans are not invested in it anyway.   Our government, and it’s elected leaders, should be establishing laws that keep us safe, and at peace, and able to live a life above poverty.   They should encourage morality – yes.  They should.  Because moral people CARE and they look to help their neighbors, and want to support each other as we live together in this beautiful country.   We do NOT need leaders who talk about one-up-man-ship, or beating someone else or another country, or being stronger and a bully.    It’s not a contest.

The national conventions each 4 years give a wide eye’s view into each political party. For that reason I am glad we have them.    It can be a bit of a pep rally, and a civics  lesson, but it also shows what kind of future each party envisions.

Did you watch the DNC?   You still can online.    And, will you watch the GOP?

As an American you should.