Local rally for Democratic candidates in CA, a snapshot.

[pinto]

Great rally this afternoon in a small Democratic city in a small Republican county in an electorally safe state for Democrats, CA.

There was music, picnics, politics and protest.

A few hundred people brought themselves, their kids, their friends, homemade signs and their talents to a rally here today. The local Democratic party wanted to highlight our support for the national ticket and our local candidates in this week before the RNC convention.

There were poster pictures of the local kids lost in Iraq and Afghanistan as memorial.

There were peace songs from the stage - and a rousing "This Land is Your Land"!

The local party reps had a booth with Kerry/Edwards position information, posters and bumper stickers.

Local Democratic candidates had their own booths in the park with position information, flyers, etc.

Kids ran around, as they will....

Frisbees flew.

There was a march up to the courthouse and back.

and,

The "women in black" stood silent chorus.

(They hold vigil periodically at street corners downtown on lunch hour. Black dresses, black hats and veils. And not a word or a sign. One of the most striking public statements I've ever seen.)


My point here is the thread that ties local, state and national politics.

CA may be a "safe" state nationally, but that doesn't mean I'm going to sit home....