A Day To Remember

Yesterday, I received a call at 8:00 in the morning by the Communications Director for the Obama Campaign in the state of Virginia. He was calling to inform me that he had got me two VIP tickets to watch Barack Obama speak at a town hall meeting in Lynchburg. He asked me if I could make it there by 4:30 that afternoon, I of course told him I would be there. Who would miss an opportunity like that?

As Brittany and I drove into Lynchburg the signs that something big was taking place were very evident. There were numerous uniformed police officers and security guards stationed all throughout the city. We had to park a couple of miles away, and take a bus to E.C. Glass High School. We arrived to a crowd of thousands lined up in the heat anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Democratic nominee Senator Obama.

Brittany and I were lucky to have preferential seating, and were able to move to the front of the line. We were able to enter the gymnasium first along with the other VIP members, and found seats just three rows back. We entered the gym about 4:45, and sat patiently until the meeting started at 7:00. Brittany was able to read her book, but I was to excited to concentrate my attention on anything. I just sat there watching the enthusiastic crowd trying to take everything in.

The energy and excitement in the gym is hard to describe. The people were there to be part of history and see history being made, they were there to feel hope and optimism in a time of real hardship for many. The criticism that Barack Obama is a celebrity is certainly right on point, but why is being adored by so many a criticism. Ronald Reagan was such a popular president because he made people feel good, he gave people hope for the future. Obama does the same thing, he makes people feel proud to be American, and proud to be involved in the Democratic process. He is a celebrity that is popular not only for his charisma, but also for his plan to bring change to America. McCain cannot match up with Obama’s speaking ability, so his response is to blow it off and say, “ while he might be a good speaker, he lacks substance.” This argument might work for some people, but after watching Obama speak it is easy to see he has an immense understanding of the issues facing America, and has real plans to move us in a different direction.

The evening started with an invocation from a local pastor. The preacher stated that he knew God was with us in this building, and he thanked God for Barack Obama. At the mention of Obama’s name the crowd erupted into frenzied applause. At the end of the prayer there was a loud and resounding “amen” that echoed throughout the audience. Next a veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Vietnam lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I smiled to myself as a room full of Democrats ardently showed respect to our country, and to our God.

So many in the far right criticize liberals as being non-religious and un-patriotic. I am a proud Christian, proud veteran of both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a proud Democrat. It was refreshing to pray with a room full of people who believed that religion can be used as a guide for our politicians, but should never be used as a wedge to divide us. It was energizing to pay respect to our flag with an audience who were proud to be Americans, but believed the war in Iraq was a war of choice and not necessity. Most of all it was uplifting to be in a room full of people who wanted the same type of change I did.

After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance a few politicians and activists from the Lynchburg area spoke. Every time a new speaker was announced the crowd would go crazy, only to realize that it wasn’t yet turn for Senator Obama. You could feel the excited anticipation held by the entire crowd. Finally the moment came after a local teacher introduced Senator Webb and Senator Obama. The crowd went crazy with deafening applause and cheers. Obama and Webb walked to the podium together and cheered along with the crowd. While it was obvious we were cheering for Obama, I felt like we were also applauding something that was bigger than Obama. We were cheering for a future full of hope and promise.

Senator Jim Webb spoke for about five minutes, and then Barack Obama took over. He was quick to take off his jacket, roll up his sleeves, and get comfortable with the crowd. He began by thanking many of the people who helped to make the visit a reality. He also acknowledged local politicians. He then thanked the principal of the high school, and shared with the crowd that ninth grade open house was also taking place that evening. He told the crowd that this was not ninth grade open house, and if they were looking for that then they were in the wrong place. The crowd enjoyed the humor, and how comfortable Obama seemed up on stage.

He spoke about the economy, education, foreign policy, energy independence, and other issues that are affecting America today. The crowd was very responsive to his discussion on the economy. He mentioned that McCain is out of touch with the middle class, and reminded that crowd that recently when questioned what his definition of rich was, McCain answered with “around five million dollars.” He then asked how many in the audience made that much, the response was laughter, but no hands. Barack Obama assured voters that unless you were making over $250,000, you weren’t going to see a raise in taxes. He spoke about McCain’s portrayal that an Obama presidency would mean higher taxes and an economic disaster. Obama exclaimed that, “the bottom line is I won’t raise taxes, and the economic disaster is already here!” The crowd showed their agreement by thunderous applause.

After Obama’s speech he then opened up the floor for questions. A gentleman asked a question about energy independence, followed by a question concerning corruption in Washington. The next gentlemen asked a question concerning helping criminals return to society. Barack Obama spoke about legislation he helped pass in Illinois that helped aid prisoners in their return to society. Barack then made the crowd happy by mentioning that his goal was not to put more people in prison, but to find ways to keep people out of prison. Obama believes it is important to prevent individuals from feeling the need to commit crimes. He also spoke about parenting, and the importance it plays in keeping the crime rate down. Once again he called out the African-American community for the staggering statistics of single parent homes. He spoke about the significance of being a dad or a mom, and being involved in your child’s life.

The next question focused on how Obama could possibly win if he continues to take the high road. Obama exclaimed that he is in this to win, and he will continue to battle back with the truth. Obama then stated he only had time for one more question. It was at this point that I decided to raise my hand, I wanted to hear some more specifics about his plan for Afghanistan. Out of the hundreds of people in the crowd raising their hands, Obama turned and called on me. I stood and took the microphone from the volunteer, and faced Senator Obama and asked my question. I began by saying I was familiar with his policy in Iraq, one that I agreed with since I just spent a year there. This comment was meant to inform Obama that I was asking this question from the perspective of a member of the military who had been deployed. The comment did more than just inform Senator Obama who I was, it caused the crowd of two thousand to stand and show their support not only for me, but also for all the troops who are currently serving. I was embarrassed and honored by their response to my statement. After the crowd settled down I continued my question. I asked Senator Obama if he could give some specifics concerning his statement that he would shift the attention back to Afghanistan. I wanted to know what he foresaw for the future of Afghanistan if elected President.

After asking the question and handing over the microphone, Senator Obama continued to speak with me. He asked where I served, and what branch of the service I was with. He then looked at me and said, “We appreciate your service, God bless you, thank you.” I sat down and listened to his answer with the ecstatic knowledge that I had just spoken with whom I believe is the future President of the United States of America.

He spoke about Iraq and the need to turn over control to the Iraqi people. He spoke of a gradual and responsible withdrawal of troops that would take at least sixteen months. He emphasized that a complete draw down of troops would take up to two years. When McCain discusses Obama’s proposal he paints it as “irresponsible” and “brash.” Obama countered that a two-year redeployment after five years already in the country is not a hasty plan. He spoke of how a gradual draw down would allow us to move more combat brigades to Afghanistan, and focus on what he calls “the central front on the war of terror.”

His answer was exactly what I was looking for, and after a year in both countries and five years in the military there is no doubt whom I believe will represent the best interest of the soldiers and of America. He will re-establish our standing within the world, and will bring back responsible foreign policy. Obama knows that while we should never negotiate out of fear, we should never fear to negotiate. He will surround himself with intelligent military advisors who will help lead this nation and our Armed Forces in a different direction, the right direction.

Gas to Lynchburg - $47

Dinner at the Briar Patch in Amherst - $32

Obama T-Shirt - $10

Attending an Obama Town Hall Meeting as a VIP and having Barack Obama personally thank me for my service – PRICELESS!

It was a great night and an amazing experience. If there is an opportunity to see Barack Obama in your area, make sure to take it, you won’t regret your decision.