DNC – Do Not Come

That was the word on the street in 2012 when Charlotte, NC hosted the Democratic National Convention, and certain groups opposed the event – whether because of politics, crowds, or traffic. I don’t remember it being because of fear of violence; it was more of not wanting the inconvenience. But folks did come. I was one of them.

Hubby wasn’t too excited about my hopping the commuter train, riding the 20 – 30 minutes into uptown Charlotte, and spending the day by myself among thousands of people, but when I woke up Saturday morning I felt this strong nudge to go – so I did. From the moment I found a seat on the train, until I returned to the parking deck several hours later, the day was filled with excitement, music, great food, friends-I’ll-never-see-again, and an energy that was contagious. I had THE best time.

Queen Charlotte and Jester

You can read more about my 2012 experience in my archives.

Of course this year, thanks to COVID, no one was able to come or go to Milwaukee, WI. I never watched the televised conventions in the past. I found them too noisy, too boring, and well, too political. Last week’s Democratic National Convention format changed all that.

After tuning in, just out of curiosity to see how this socially-distanced convention would work, I ended up watching every night – and staying up way too late listening to some of the analysis afterward.  I found that without the placards, the screaming and shouting, the balloons, confetti and hoopla, I actually heard what was being said.

The contrast between the two conventions reminded me of the difference between the emotion and creative energy of a writers’ workshop, and the more solid experience of small critique groups, writing partners, and personal daily writing; or the difference between a spiritual high from a religious retreat and the substance of faith.

This year the speakers’ energy seemed to come from within, not from the frenzy of the crowd, making them and their messages more genuine. Watching the pre-recorded clips from around the United States, especially from the John and Jane Q. Publics, I saw the breadth and beauty of our country. I even watched the roll call. I would have never watched the roll call before! Seeing the diversity of our nation in her people – from our colors, our languages and dialects, what our families look like – and the changes in her landscape ‘from sea to shining sea’, strengthened my love for and pride in the United States of America.

I’m glad I grabbed the opportunity to zip up to Charlotte in 2012. Even for an introvert like me, that occasional infusion of crowd-induced energy is a good thing.

But I’m grateful we have the technology to hold and attend this year’s conventions, despite the pandemic’s appearance. It’s another example of our resiliency that I mentioned in last week’s post.

Now to put on my true colors of red, white, and blue and go vote.