Convention: Day 4 - The Finale

by: IrvingForObama

Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 00:23 AM CDT

And then she announced, "The Red Cross is here!", and so, with her speech, the healing of Texas Democrats continued... She reminded us that the task at hand is far larger than our emotions. She reminded us that voter suppression IS a reality. And we MUST persevere for our collective right to vote. We were left with a sense of duty and anticipation for the work ahead.

Next, I was approached by Rep. Rafael Anchia (Dallas)for a quick introduction. Now I know why they call him a rising star.

Before heading to Invesco Stadium, I attended the Faith in Action Caucus organized by the Obama Campaign. The Caucus is symbolic in its effort to cooperate with America's various religious group by having us listen to each other even though we don't agree with each other. Fascinating concept... The panelists of different faiths spoke about humanitarian issues that we can all agree on like: stopping hunger, slave traffiking, and preserving civil liberties.

Inauguration Ceremony:
I found a quick line into the stadium by following a small group of attendees hustling behind a Jewish guy. I heard the other line had a 3 hour wait! I am glad I found that group...

The stadium was full of hustle and bustle, yet traffic was moving smoothly. (The organization at this Convention has been amazing considering how many people came.) I had asked my Latina friend (and fellow Delegate) from El Paso to save me a seat. And she secured awesome seats in the front row of the back half of Texas Delegatation Seating. This allowed for us to get photographed like crazy!

When I got there, she took me with her on the quest to find the Rev. Jesse Jackson! You see, another Delegate, Renee of Dallas, had a sign with a picture of Sen. Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the words "Barack Obama Fulfilling Dr. King's Dream." This sign was getting SO MUCH attention. So my friend Isela took me along as the three of us ladies: an African American, Latina, and me, got pictures taken like we were the Pussycat Dolls or something! (Disclaimer: I am in no way endorsing the Pussycat Dolls - lyrics are too racy.)

I have one pic of us with Jesse Jackson's wife, one with Jesse Jackson in the background, and one with Spike Lee in the background. Later on, Spike Lee came by to take a picture of Renee with her famous sign.

Now, let me tell you something about the Texas Delegation. We rocked! Texas showed amazing spirit and demonstrated our true grit as Democrats living in W'04 country. A young group of Texas Delegates waved a huge "Texans for Obama" banner. Isela's friend Lily draped herself in a huge Texas flag. Many of our Texas delegates were outfitted with outstanding Texas pins, decorated hats, and what-nots 'n doo-hickies. (I had a $2.50 Texas flag bandana from Sam Moon that I held with Isela.)

Texas Democrats should be so proud! Really, we showed a lot of spirit! Some of the other Delegations looked lame compared to us.

The program was awesome - you couldn't help but sing along with all the musicians who performed or the songs they played in the background like: Born in the U.S.A., A Change Would Do You Good by Sherryl Crow, or Only in America by some country singer. (Stopped listening to country after 9-11 and Toby Kieth.)

The crowd was fully cognizant that they were not only witnessing history - they were making it. They did the wave several times around just like we did at the Dallas Obama Rally at Reunion Arena - remember that?!

While all the speeches were great, I couldn't help but focus on crowd reaction. It was great to be able to chant, "Eight is enough!" with thousands of others who feel the same way.

When Sen. Obama left the podium, the final Benediction was prayed. But in a refreshing show of religious diversity, the Rev. asked us to end the prayer in the way that we would normally end our own prayers. So, at his count of three, I cried, "Ameen".

Then, firecrackers flared, and confetti and streamers blasted into the air accompanied by music and lyrics that tugged at every patriotic heartstring in that stadium. Sasha played with the fallen confetti on the stage as we all looked around in awe of the moment knowing it would forever be a part of our life experience. Isela stood on her chair and waved her small American flag high in the air as she just looked up at the sky and cried...

And so, my friends and family from Irving, Dallas, SD 9, the rest of Texas, and from sea to shining sea - just know that we will restore America to its glory. And we will hold our government accountable to its people and to its responsibilty as a just world leader. It's about time, don't you think?

Convention: Day 1

by: IrvingForObama

Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 08:44 AM CDT

Later, we signed in for our credentials for the day as well as our Texas Delegation Care Package. Some notable items include a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with the Dem. Donkey on the cover and a t-shirt that says "Every Child Matters, Education Fund."

After breakfast, I joined my friends from the Texas Muslim Caucus, and we hopped the light rail to the AAIP Caucus (Asian American and Pacific Islander). We saw a lot of diversity and spirit at this Caucus.

Then we walked over to the Sheraton to attend the first-ever American Muslim Caucus held during the Dem. National Convention. The speakers were very impressive including Rep. Keith Ellison, our very own Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Gov. Patrick Duvall.  A troop of young Muslim boy scouts with their dads in den leader uniforms performed the flag ceremony. Keith Ellison took the time to mingle with these young boys - it was great to see!  

Convention blogging from SD 9 Obama Delegate Coming Soon!

by: IrvingForObama

Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 00:45 AM CDT

Teri Pell
Irving for Obama
http://www.irvingforobama.com

Convening a National Conversation about Democracy & America in Denver

by: Mayor John Hickenlooper-Denver Host Committee

Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 02:49 PM CDT

Now that one of the most remarkable primaries in our nation's history has concluded, attention is turning to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.  In less than three months, the Mile High City and the Rocky Mountain West will host this historic event for the first time since 1908.

The Convention also coincides with Denver's 150th birthday - a
century-and-a-half of progress and innovation since its birth at the height of the Colorado gold rush.  A hub of opportunity for people seeking new frontiers, people come to Colorado seeking much more than gold these days.  The spirit of visionary zeal and limitless possibility is as strong as ever in the New West.  So it's fitting that as the Democratic Party marches toward its own new frontier, it will do so through Denver.

A message to all of you in Texas: you don't have to be in Denver - or on the Convention floor - to get in on the action though.  The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has organized two interactive ways for people anywhere in America to get involved.  We're convening a national conversation about democracy and community and invite everyone to participate.

Wanna Go to Denver? Here's a Roadmap!

by: Glen Maxey

Fri Apr 04, 2008 at 01:00 AM CDT

Here's the handy guide to everything you need to know.

YDA Wrap Up

by: Matt Glazer

Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 11:07 AM CDT

It was free flowing and at times spontaneous.

The two largest events were any training on how to become a national delegate to the Democratic Convention in Denver and the massive Democrats Work community service project.

Watching high school and college aged YD’s learning the process was by far one of the more entertaining things to watch.  It was fun to sit there and watch them learn the nuance that surrounded our complex party rules, and see them energized to be a part of the party process.

As the second youngest delegate from Texas in 2004, the presidential convention is one of the most exciting events I have been to in my brief political career. 

As Parag Mehta outlined in his presentation, Denver was selected because of the increasing growth in democratic support in the Mountain West.  With impressive democratic gains in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, and Arizona, the Democratic Convention can serve as a launching pad for further growth in 2008. 

Not only will the convention set up the opportunity for us to organize the 3,300 counties across the country or even the 203,000 precincts, it will also be the catalyst for organizational growth.  The best example we heard was Denver will see a growth of labor unions in the hotel industry go from 1 union to 13 by the end of the convention because of the bargaining chip that is the Democratic Convention.  Of course, every YD there wanted to be a part of that sort of growth.  Of course it is always fun to be there with over 4,382 like-minded, passionate democrats too.

Enthusiasm was not reserved for just the convention.  Both the Mikal Watts and Rick Noriega campaigns were out meeting democrats from across the country.  Emil Reichstadt was even there as a volunteer. 

The incredible thing was the interest the Texas Senate race is generating.