DNC Declares America Dream is Dying

The opening moments of the Democratic National Convention in Denver are indeed revealing. We had not heard any of the the big speakers yet, and the themes clearly emerged before and during the opening prayer, and amidst the procedural elements. I'll try to be objective, but I must admit that my opinion of the DNC & RNC are both pretty well set.

Howard Dean jumped right into the purpose the convention ... "the tell America why Barack Obama should be the next president of the United States". Dean immediately pointed out "the need for change" from the failed polices of the last four (eight) years. He also made it clear that unity and support from Obama is the goal.

The convention outcome is 90% set before it begins; there are not many variables with National Conventions any more. Sure, we could be surprised, but the plan is well prepared, set in wet concrete, and is being carefully carried out. The rhetoric will be regurgitated before a national audience. The biggest risk is a major rebellion among Clinton supporters, but even that doesn't seem likely. All of the committee reports were adopted with no chance for discussion. All the work is done, let's get on with the show...

The opening prayer (sacred oration) by Polly Baca repeatedly appealed to the need for the DNC to adopt the social welfare commands of Jesus (and the Bible) to be executed by the federal government. There was no mention of Jesus' church; it was largely focused on what Democrats need to do for the least of these, the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick, the immigrant, the elderly, et. al.; not through the church, but through the federal government. Certainly, we all agree with the need to help others. The question is how. Should it be up to the feds to decide who is rich and poor, and then re-distribute the wealth and the opportunities for "we the people"?

Convention Chairwoman, Rev. Leah Daughtery referenced Sunday's interfaith service and the need for unity among Democrats. She sees disappearing jobs, folks struggling to keep their homes, compromised moral authority, sacred responsibility toward the least and the lost. She called Democrats to "step from shadows of comfort and complacency" and accept that sacred responsibility. "Yes, we can! Yes, we can!"

Next a video rolls. Democrats are the new masters of the old west! Governors from various western states speak out on how the Democrat arty has gained new momentum in Western states, and they are the new tough guys for the cause of America. Democrats are championing the tough causes of the environment, alternative energy, health care, education and a host of others.

Alexis Herman declared the hope and determination of the party. She declared that good education, health care, retirement and jobs are rights due to all Americans. The DNC is the party of economic prosperity and a party for the people. Sunita Leeds referenced some upcoming changes in the nominating process, which will be in effect for the 2012 season.

It was very interesting to note the passing of the gavel from Howard Dean to Nancy Pelosi. By "chance" I had been reviewing the By-Laws & Charter of the DNC earlier today. Within this 27 page document the phrase "opposite sex" appears 36 times. These references all relate to gender balance in the leadership of the committees and caucuses. Then I witness Dean hand the gavel over to a four woman leadership team for the convention; no men in sight. I doubt this is technically against current DNC rules, but it sure flies in the face of the gender equality principle.

Patricia Madrid (NM Attorney General) covered part of the Platform Committee report. She heralded 1,600 platform hearings involving 30,000 people. Pictures from churches and other community forums filled the big screens. Certainly some lessons can be taken from that process. Madrid echoed the theme that the American dream is in danger; implying that a vote for Barack Obama is a vote for the America dream. She added that the DNC is continuing the great ideas of FDR's New Deal, and that Democrats reject illegal wire-tapping, spying, torture and "velvet gifts". She lauded that lobbying and campaign reform are long over due. Judith McHale piled on that we cannot continue the with the failed approaches of the last eight years. We cannot stay in Iraq, and we must complete the un-finished work in Afghanistan. And with that the Platform Committee Report was adopted with no discussion.

I'll leave my comments out for this post, aside from this. What you read above is simply a brief report. There are many parts that I dis-agree with and a few that I think need to happen. The clear highlight was the pledge when all the Democrats said, "I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands". Does anyone remember what that word means? Oh, yes, that concept is in the Bible too...