|
On Tuesday, August 10th, I attended my first rally ever at the University of Las Vegas to see none other than John Freakin' Kerry! Coincidentally, I had just arrived in Vegas Monday night with my brother to see our grandparents in Summerlin. Being Democrats, they had no objection to attending.
We waited in line in front of the Thomas and Mack Center in 110+ degree heat for 20 or so minutes outside. For annoyance or entertainment, a man with a megaphone urged us the protest the war and frequently broke out into chants of "Bush and Kerry are the same the only difference is their name!" We were herded into the packed main hall where we waited until they finally got all of us through security.
Once we had found suitable seats in the second sitting row, Las Vegas's Mayor Goodman spoke, along with other Nevada officials whose names I cannot recall. During their energizing speeches, I learned how the audience had signs for everything at the Convention - the volunteers hand them out *smacks forehead*. I got "Help is on the way" and "America can do better" signs. Wearing my Wellstone shirt and "Stand Up, Keep Fighting" button, I felt even more compelled to show my support.
After several rounds of a stadium wide "wave", the man of the hour (now about 6:25) came out along with Teresa, Vanessa, Senator Harry Reid, and Andre and Chris Heinz. Cheering of the 15,000+ people that attended erupted; people both in front of the stage and in the stadium waved their signs and flags like crazy.
The speech was great. Though a lot of it was stuff I had head before, seeing him speak live in front of my eyes was almost like religious experience. And, of course, at every opportunity us in the crowd would "boo" or chant "no more Bush" at a reference to how poorly Bush was doing, or raise our signs and wave the hell out of them, cheering, or chanting "three more months!" and "Kerry! Kerry!".
When, after Kerry spoke and the confetti blasted out from behind the stage and "Beautiful Day" blasted through the speakers (the only drawback I can say in our kick ass seats was that they were right next to the speakers, and now that I think of it,for photos the lights were in the way), we went back to the car and exited the center. On the way out three protesters - three! - stood with their signs saying "Bush/Cheney 2004!" and "Nevada is Bush Country!". I promptly put my newly purchased Kerry/Edwards shirt against the window as we passed by while they chanted "We Love Bush!".
After seeing that speech, I honestly do not know why they could love Bush, or even think he had a snowball's chance in Hell of winning. The stadium had been packed to near capacity, including the "cheap seats" way up top and the floor. It also was packed with hope, optimism, and unity. Filled with people, unlike Bush rallies, that were there voluntarily to see who I am now certain will be the next President of the United States of America!
As for Bush and his "Me Too" tour following John Kerry around the country? All I know is that more than three people, maybe thousands in that crowd were there to protest his visit to Vegas on Thursday. They did give us fliers.
* * * * * * *
Sorry it's so long, but I am still, even a week after the rally, filled with the energy I came out of the rally with. Who knew there could have been a cure as simple as a Kerry rally for pre-freshman year in high school jitters?
Oh yeah and I'll post pictures in a separate thread when they're developed...if they come out well considering the glare I shaded from the camera.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
