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 3

by: IrvingForObama

Thu Aug 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM CDT

Today's delegation breakfast was accompanied by some awesome speakers: Rick Noriega, Paul Begala, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Kirk Watson, and Chris Bell. All the speakers were excellent, but Paul Begala particularly impressed me with his wit, energy and passion when he spoke about uniting the party.

We picked up our credentials and signed in for the roll call vote at the hotel. Many of us got our pictures taken while signing. (There was a little fuss about making sure the votes were legit, and having an observer there, yada yada... But Boyd Richie handled it pretty well.

I didn't have any plans for the morning, but I met an antique store owner on the light rail to downtown. She had a list of things to do, so I joined her. She had a lot of good conspiracy theories to share! She also had a key chain set of 7 keys - a mock of McCain's ambiguous homes.

We ended up watching an independent film called "Trouble at Water". It was a documentary about a lady from the 9th Ward who not only survived Hurricane Katrina, but she filmed her own documentary before, after, and during the disaster.

Quite frankly, I never really thought about the implications of how FEMA/Bush Administration handled New Orleans. You could say, I gained an important perspective that I did not have before...

Now, how do I begin to describe what it feels like to have been at the Pepsi Center tonight? Should I start with the Roll Call Vote and how Arkansas unanimously gave all their votes to Sen. Obama? How N.J. did the same? Or should I talk about how Sen. Clinton brought grown men to tears when she motioned to end the Roll Call?...

Convention: Day 2

by: IrvingForObama

Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 08:50 AM CDT

Then I headed to the Pepsi Center for an interview with AlHurrah.com, an Arab outreach channel. While I waited in this tiny room directly looking onto the podium of the Convention Floor, filled with video cameras and screens, I couldn't help but feel in awe of the media moment.

I could barely keep up with the interview questions that came at me from a headset. The interviewer would speak in Arabic, and a moment after he finished, the English translation would come to my ears. Most of his questions related to... Wait! Can you guess? That's right - can the party reunite despite disgruntled Clinton supporters?

In fact, everywhere you looked you saw the same thing -  

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!  

Blogging from Denver

by: IrvingForObama

Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:54 PM CDT

Was met by Obama and Clinton Convention attendees on the same flight from DFW.

We were all briefly interviewed by DallasNews.com (blog) mainly being asked about our reaction to Sen. Obama's VP pick of Joe Biden. (I told the journalist that I was ecstatic with the choice.)

Transport to Red Lion Inn (the Texas Delegation's Hotel) was efficient as well as check-in. The hotel is actually pretty decent. (We all had lowered our expectations - maybe because of the name...)

Joined a nice family of 4 from Temple, TX, for lunch. And then the Delegate from Temple and myself ventured onwards to the light rail (about 2 blocks away). About 45 minutes later, we arrived at the Colorado Convention Center. The mood of the public was light and merry!

We made our way to the Interfaith Gathering, where I was asked to recite a Reading from the Holy Qur'an. It was an honor to be a part of this first-time event. The Interfaith Gathering successfully brought together Americans of different faiths and political ideals. We listened to each other: Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, in prayer and political thought. I almost forgot to mention the anti-abortion activists just outside the Convention Center entrance. They held large signs/posters of a weary-looking Sen. Obama juxstaposed to a bloodied fetus.

After the event, we shopped for souvenirs, the best deal on buttons so far - 10 for $20. I am holding out for a better deal... I probably won't get one. My most favorite t-shirt sighting, "McCan't".

Very excited to be here, but must sleep now. Look forward to blogging about tomorrow's events.

yours truly,
fatema biviji
National Delegate, SD 9
www.irvingforobama.com

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