Politics at Work in the Queen City

With the exception of an additional siren or two, the no parking signs, and the street closures, its an ordinary day in Uptown Charlotte.  Well, it could feel that way if we didn't venture out of our small block here in Uptown.  The preparations have been in motion for months now and the day has finally arrived!  The Democratic National Convention (DNC).  For those of my friends that are not American, the Democratic Party is one of the two political parties here in the United States.  The Democratic Party typically supports the social liberal and progressive platform and currently holds a minority of seats in the House of Representatives, a majority of seats in the Senate, a minority of state governorships, as well as a minority of state legislatures.  The primary goal of the Democratic National Convention is to nominate and confirm a candidate for President and Vice President, adopt a comprehensive party platform and unify the party. (Wikipedia)  Ok, enough of the history lesson.

Initially, we thought that we would have moved into our little blue house by now and had planned on renting our uptown condo for the event.  Well, things don't always go as planned do they.  In the best interests of our family, and the many changes that we have had lately, we decided it was best for us to just stay put, even with the expected chaos of the convention.  And, we are glad that we did!  

There is an air of excitement just being in the vicinity of the DNC and everything that goes with it.  Friday we decided to check things out and venture out to dinner.  Our city looked better than ever!  Clean and beautifully groomed.  You could just feel the squeak of the freshly cleaned streets and sidewalks.  Interestingly, our Friday night out was quiet.  Like the quiet before the storm.  All of the city workers had rushed home and all of the convention goers were probably packing their bags to head south.  It was fun to see the calm city just before it was "transformed" as police were beginning to take their posts on just about every corner.

Saturday, streets began to close and things started to rev up.  By Sunday, the energy was visible.  As the hubby and I headed out to work on our house, the hubby's Mom took E uptown to check out the scene.  The protests had begun just as the heat and humidity began to crank up - Welcome to the South!  (almost felt like Singapore)  It's hard to not feel the excitement, when you are in the midst of Americans from all walks of life, speaking freely for what they believe in.  You don't have to agree with people's views or politics to see the importance of what was happening here.  This was going to be a once in a lifetime experience!

Monday we all ventured out into the political swell.  As we walked along, checking out the preparations for CarolinaFest, we happened upon some great music coming from one of the temporary stages they had set up.  Lucky us, Jeff Bridges and the Abiders were doing a sound check for their show later that afternoon.  What a great start to the day!  So, what does the DNC atmosphere look like?  As you walk the streets you can hear the chants of pretty much any political view, lots of Red, White, and Blue;  and the best people watching around! 

We also checked out "The Presidential Experience" and learned some new facts and tidbits about our country and our former presidents.  What an amazingly educational and patriotic experience.  E enjoyed checking out all of the political buttons, playing in the lincoln log area, and practicing her presidential skills at the podium and we all got to check out the Airforce One replica.  What a great way to feel our American roots after living as an Expat in Singapore.  It made me proud of this amazing country and realize how lucky I was.  

Some interesting facts and trivia:

• Martha Jefferson Randolph (George Washington's daughter) - assumed the duties as First Lady from 1801 - 1809, after her mother passed away.
• At the age of 39, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was diagnosed with Polio and was paralyzed from the waist down.  
• Thomas Jefferson invented the swivel chair.

The beauty of living uptown during the DNC?  Walking home and taking a nap!  

An then the rain came . . .  More DNC adventures and photos to come soon!

"America just works better when more people have a chance to live their dreams."

Bill Clinton

"Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle."

Thomas Jefferson