History written at Democratic convention

by Carol Henrichs

First there were the Olympic Games, where athletes around the globe showcased their best skills. For so many American athletes, it was their finest hour. The performances, the broken records, and the magnitude of the accomplishments of our athletes made us who watched intently, so proud to be Americans.

The Olympics did another thing. Despite the fierce competition between individuals and countries, as we watch the world’s finest athletes compete,we realize that no matter what country we come from, or how different we may look, there is very little difference among us.

But just a short time after the closing ceremonies in Beijing,China, while we were still barely able to catch our breaths, we were witness to another epic American moment.

History was made in Denver, Colorado, bringing the focus from Beijing back to the homeland. It was the Democratic National Convention where the first African-American candidate – Barack Obama – was nominated by a major political party to run for President of the United States.

Emotions were high for so many who watched the nominating process take place. It was a culmination of years of pain, struggles, war, and death, that has been waged in the name of equality for all, as spelled out in our constitution.

This was not an issue of Republicans versus Democrats. Rather it was a proud moment for all Americans. It was a huge leap forward for this country to validate the hopes envisioned by our founding fathers. It was an event that should make all Americans proud.

And it came after a nail-biting primary battle where Sen. Hillary Clinton made history of her own, earning 18 million votes in the primary,finishing a very close second to Obama. She won 23 primary battles across the country – a feat never before achieved by a woman.

Another first – Obama was formally nominated by a young Republican Air Force medic, Michael Wilson of Florida. And in a conciliatory gesture, Clinton’s name too was placed in nomination.

Though the remainder of the nominating process was well-scripted and well rehearsed, it cannot be denied that Hillary Clinton, much to the surprise of her critics was magnificent, not only with the unifying speech she gave Tuesday, but also how she stepped aside Wednesday placing Obama’snare into nomination by acclamation for the job for which she fought so hard and so long.

Speeches at the convention were exemplary. Former President Bill Clinton’s speech was equally moving and alleviated all the fears of naysayers and predictors that he wasn’t fully supportive of Obama.

The 24-hour news services who tried to predict what would happen could not have prophesized the smooth passing of the torch of Democratic power from the Clintons to Obama and his running mate U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden.

One of the convention’s highlights came Tuesday when a very ill Sen. Ted Kennedy gave a rousing speech, despite his undergoing treatment for brain cancer. 

As an added bonus, both Clinton and Obama can claim Chicago roots. The Illinois delegation figured prominently in the proceedings, evoking another source of pride for Illinoisans.

Obama gave an outstanding speech on the final day of the convention.

Sadly, there will be some who still harbor hate in their hearts at the mere thought of a black man in the White House. Some refuse to look toward healing past racial issues. As I watched the reaction of participants on the floor of the convention center, I couldn’t help but be moved by the emotions I saw.

On a partisan level, this was a coming together of deeply divided supporters of both Obama, and Clinton, which so many said was impossible.The movement that Obama has inspired since he announced his candidacy nineteen months ago in Iowa reminds me of another time, when the entire country came together, united for a common purpose. It was just after Sept. 11 when nearly everywhere you looked, there were American flags being waved, not for decoration, but as the symbol of the country’s common resolve, standing for freedom as our flag was meant to do.

While I was moved by this event, and I understand the significance of having the first African-American to accept the nomination for the highest office in the land on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famed “I have a dream speech.”

The depth of my understanding of what that must mean to African-Americans pales in comparison to those with a personal stake in the history being made. People, like Congressman John Lewis who marched with King that day. He lived during the tumultuous time and still bears the scars, quite literally from his fight for freedom. And there were so many others whose ancestors relayed the stories oft he struggle for Civil Rights. It is no wonder they were so moved they could barely speak.

Trying to relate to what they were feeling reminds me of another group — veterans. I have listened to the stories they tell. I was always so impressed by the camaraderie they feel for one another. After all, their life in many cases depended on the actions of others. They were bonded in a way that I have never experienced as they depended on one another. I was almost envious of the kind of brotherhood they share.

Yet, I couldn’t really experience what they felt. I have never been in a foxhole or relied on someone else for my very survival. But I always tried to try to empathize with the depth of their feelings.

Understanding, to me, is of the utmost importance in anything we do. It is paramount to healing wounds and soothing differences. But just as Americans who once shunned veterans returning from the Viet Nam war, perhaps this new day will serve to bring a kind of understanding too.

We now celebrate the return of our heros from battle. Perhaps the candidacy of a black man for President can facilitate the same kind of empathy that will bring the depth of understanding needed to end the racial divide in this country as well.