I hope you are watching the DNC with an open mind and a good supply of Kleenex. It has been emotional, uplifting and frightening. I wrote a friend of mine that I hoped he got to hear the speech of Michelle Obama, he and I share a profound concern for our country, world, and the future of our families. The speech was heart felt and eloquent. “I know that regardless of our race, age, religion, or politics, when we close out the noise and the fear and truly open our hearts, we know that what’s going on in this country is just not right. This is not who we want to be.” Obama recalled the questioned strategy of going high when others are “going so low.” Her comment was that going high “is the only thing that works, because when we go low, when we use the same tactics of degrading and dehumanizing others, we just become a part of the ugly noise that is drowning out everything else. We degrade ourselves. We degrade the very causes for which we fight.” “Going high does not mean putting on a smile and saying nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty. Going high means taking the harder path.” … and “going high means unlocking the shackles of lies and mistrust with the only thing that can truly set us free, the cold hard truth.” Former First Lady Michelle went on to clearly explain why Fearless leader is not capable of leading our nation. I embrace the numerical thought, 8645.
I read with interest the history of the White House rose garden. It is curious indeed, and quite a contrast to the substance demonstrated by Michelle Obama, that the current First Lady finds now a good time to update the historic site. One might think there were higher priorities in our country. In spite of the fact that the improvements are reported to be paid by contributions—it is just so misdirected. After the election of Jack Kennedy to the Presidency in 1961, he was impressed by the formal gardens toured during a state visit to France, England and Australia. Kennedy felt a larger garden surrounding the official residence was an appeal to the sensibilities of all people. He enlisted his friend Rachel Mellon to design and oversee the renovation. The story about the physical layout and the vegetation chosen is interesting and Kennedy signed off on the first draft. The four corners of the rectangle would feature the beautiful magnolia soulangeana. Mellon found these four rare trees growing wild in the tidal area, transplanted them and they flourish there today. One tree was unusually tall, the result of it fighting for sunlight in a very congested area. I found this tree as a symbol of the perseverance required in overcoming adversity in its fight for survival. The tree is safe but our country is not, America needs a leader who is empathetic with those of our citizens fighting to make a living and assure a safe and healthy future for their families.
Joe Biden accepted the nomination of his party last night and his story is not unlike the stately magnolia. Joe has overcome so many challenges in his life and the tributes and testimonials offered by so many clearly define a man of character, integrity, and empathy. Braden’s story of facing and overcoming a stuttering condition with the help and encouragement of Joe was truly heartwarming and brought tears of joy to any emotionally stable human being. Joe committed to representing all Americans, whether they vote for him or not—unheard of in the current administration.
The line from a 1970 hit song by Lynn Anderson and later by Kon Kan “I beg your pardon- I never promised you a rose garden.” Along with the sunshine- there has to be a little rain sometime. Be well and give our country a chance to see the sunshine again as we “build back better.”
Please vote. Mike