The setting could not have been more appropriate GÇô a red brick city hall building in one of the oldest cities in the country GÇô Market Square, Alexandria, Virginia. A political rally unfolded on the square at a trying time in our nationGÇÖs history for a race that most likely determines the direction our country, and by default the world, will take.The light fell from the September sky on this, the second to last day of summer, illuminating the stars and stripes that surrounded the square with divine light. A massive flag hung from the side of the colonial-style building, the sacred colors in their proper place for what should be a coveted event. Political rallies GÇô there isnGÇÖt much that is more fundamental to Americana than waving a sign for the guy who youGÇÖll pick to represent you in affairs of the world. Democracy can be beautiful with its red, white, and blue signs, ripples of arms clapping and pumping, and waves of self-determination flowing over a courtyard.
What of that self-determination? There is a sense of loss under the current administration. Discontent rumbles in the belly of the nation, a stirring amidst a sea of apathy. A populace who concerns itself with television and sports is finally getting wind of the chaos its elected officials have inflicted upon the world GÇô all of the destruction and mayhem and senseless slaughter of its sons is awakening the slumbering masses. If only I could find faith in the American people that they will rise up and vote for a change. See, itGÇÖs the apathy that bothers me, the disconnect between the perception of what America is and what actually happens. The fact is that a lot of us who claim to be on the left side of the political spectrum are bothered by this. Apathy is a sign of a nation in decline, and goddamnit, I donGÇÖt want this country to decline!
A few hundred devoted Americans gathered at the square to kick off the final days before the election, Americans who finally see hope where it had not before existed. Children covered themselves with Webb stickers and waved Webb signs; I wanted to salute their parents for involving them in the American political process. Oh, it was exciting to participate, to listen to men who adore this country, who want to correct the wrongs that have been inflicted upon us!
Senator Barak Obama spoke, a man who represents hope to me. You can see the love for this country burning in his eyes, hear it flooding from his strangely blue lips, feel it as he transforms the air into energy, kinetic and alive and gleaming with optimism. Enough! Senator Obama, quoting Newt Gingrich, of all people, agreed with the pesky lizard that the Democrats need only two words in campaigning this autumn: had enough. Oh, he was a sweet speaker, his words ringing out over the square, over the crowd of people thirsty for their country, over the red hills of Georgia, ringing out like victory in Heaven. I love this man and look forward to working on his presidential campaign, whenever that may be. Pride swells within me and a hint of a tear comes to my eye when I think of the victory celebration, when my country finally lives up to its promise that all men are created equal, when we can scream from the mount GÇ£Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!GÇ¥
Ach, it wasnGÇÖt an Obama presidential rally, no, it was for candidate James Webb, decorated veteran, published writer of fiction, father of a Marine. I admit I went to see Senator Obama, our GÇ£rock starGÇ¥ as Representative Jim Moran called him. I wanted Webb to win to give us the Senate, of course, but I had been leery of that D after his name. He was, after all, a former Republican, ReaganGÇÖs Assistant Secretary of Defense and Navy Secretary, and he is using images of Reagan praising him in his television ads. I came away from the rally convinced that he was the right candidate, however. I came away inspired, full of hope, tasting optimism. I came away believing he can defeat George GÇ£MacacaGÇ¥ Allen.
He ended his speech with a statement that sealed the deal. GÇ£When we win, you can believe, and those of you who know me wonGÇÖt be surprised, there will be beer!GÇ¥
Some tibits about Jim Webb:
* He wrote the story for the movie Rules of Engagement.
* He is a big baseball fan and counts Ted Williams as one of his heroes.
* A member of his family has served in every American conflict.
Wish I didn't live so darn far so I could've been there as well.