Democracy, riot gear and $5 Beer

Among the hustle and bustle that goes along with any political convention there are always those few moments that imbed themselves in the memory of those who witnessed them. The second and third days of our experience proved to be extensively packed with new ideas presented and shocking experiences had. Sunday, we attended more college democrat activities, however, these events seemed to possess the intellect and focus that one would originally expect out of such an organization and almost completely made up for the previous non-sense. It was outside of the convention center that the real beauty of democracy shined through like glorious rays of American freedom. Protestors marched down 16^th street yelling slogans and displaying what is truly remarkable about America, the ability to express oneself regardless of what the message is. Yesterday we saw a group of “Jesus freaks” who brazenly were adorned in flags denouncing Muslims, Mormons, women, Jews, Homosexuals and basically anyone other than them. The ignorance of their message was undeniable and really causes me to question what sort of childhood these people had, but the beauty of it all was the fact that they were there. I saw people attempt to reason with these people without violence. Although some were deeply offended by the message, the majority of people understood that the sign bearers had a right to be there. It is this ability of Americans to agreeably disagree that is often missed within the context of American politics. However it is these small glimmers of hope that show me that perhaps this country is not doomed, we are not a nation of monsters and perhaps real change Is finally upon us. Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last.

NH