Written by Colmon Elridge, President
Hello Young Dems:
Today history begins! Today we begin the Democratic National Convention where we will nominate Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden for the highest offices in the land.
I cannot tell you how humbling it is to see so many Democrats from across our Commonwealth and from across our nation gathered to carry on our long tradition of offering to the American people a choice for progress or regression. If you are watching the news, especially the 24-hour news channels, you would think that there is more drama in Denver than a cheesy soap opera. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Like any gathering, there are people who will take issue with something; this is no different than organizations, governments, or households. However, what is magnificent about this gathering is that everyone here is a Democrat. The news likes to create sensational television and we, to an extent, have been culpable, but do not believe the hype, we are united and we are ready to defeat John McCain and the Republicans in November.
What we as a party must realize is that the choice between Barack Obama and John McCain is a real choice. It means something to vote for one or the other or to simply not vote at all. We can bury our childish actions of “I’m taking my sandbox and going home” and do what is right for America or we can become the reasons millions of Americans do not recieve access to healthcare – the reason the disparity between income, education, and opportunity continues to rise. What we as a delegation are learning is that we in Kentucky can once again be an example for setting America and indeed the world on a new course as we were when Governor Jones became the first Governor to endorse then-Governor Bill Clinton in 1991. We can either choose to accept our responsibilities or let our fellow Kentuckians and Americans suffer because of our selfishness.
I am going to get ready and head over to the Pepsi Center for day one! I should have plenty of stories to share tomorrow!
God Bless,
Colmon
