August 29, 2008
Friends:
These last four days have been just short of amazing. From the big shots to the little squirts, from the big cheese to the small fry I have seen and talked to all kinds of politicians, politicos and just plain folk. The people of Denver have been overwhelmingly gracious and friendly. Their city sparkles at night and the climate is superb. The light-rail runs smoothly, efficiently and there was not a single concern of crime while I was using it and I used it day and night. It feels like a young city, vibrant, impatient, full of energy and anxious to get to it.
There are many, many things I could write about. From the incredible production of the National Convention and that historical night in INVESTCO Field to the many moving moments and inspirational words that touched again and again the overwhelming message of the past four days. This is the same message I have heard for decades. First from pulpits and now from podiums. This campaign is about what we can do together. What we can change about our world when we all put our shoulder to the wheel. Progress on poverty, justice, fairness and peace. This campaign is not about what we can buy, but about we can build. Not about our fears but about our hopes.
It’s easy to be cynical. Maybe Obama’s message is just so many nice words – just so many good intentions. Then why do we listen? Why do we keep coming back and back again to that well of hope? Maybe I’m just not practical enough but I need to believe in the possibilities of tomorrow because today is just not good enough. There is still too much poverty, too much injustice and too much blood and tears.
I’m going home now. Back to Vancouver to help others build progress on the issues of our age.
It’s our job. It’s our time. Let’s get to it.
