My First Day at the Democratic Convention in Denver
August 25, 2008 by Patricia CamposI must admit that I am thrilled and honored to be part of the NJ delegation as an Obama Delegate. But also, I must admit that as a New American (I became a citizen back in 1994) I am here to renew my commitment to fight for an America that continues to be a beacon of hope for all those who left their country like my parents did, to build a better future for their children.
I just left the opening breakfast of the NJ Delegation. We heard from all our elected officials who spoke about the importance of this election. From Governor Corzine to Mayor Cory Booker, we heard about why we need a change: the war, the economic crisis, the need for healthcare reform. These issues will be debated long and hard during the campaign season, and I hope that once Americans hear from both Obama and McCain, they will make the right choice, and choose Obama as our new president.
Today is the opening day of the convention and we will be hearing from Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi; I can’t wait to hear their vision for a new America. I also heard that there is a chance that Senator Menendez might get to speak; that would be a great honor for all of us Latino delegates. Senator Menendez represents the best of our Latino leadership and he deserves as spot at the convention floor.
Outside of the convention floor, there are many exciting activities. I am planning to attend the march for immigration reform planned by community groups; this is important as we need to remind Democrats that immigration is an issue that needs to be addressed right away by the new president. I am also planning to tour the traveling Guantanamo Prison exhibit put together by Amnesty International — a clear reminder that in the middle of our fear of terrorism, we have let the Bush Administration eat away at our constitutional rights of justice under the law for even those accused of committing horrendous crimes.
There is a lot going on in Denver this week. I plan to let you know my impressions as the week goes by. NJ is well represented with a diverse delegation and a good number of Latino delegates. We are here to represent the issues that matter to us as a community. We hope to serve you well…
August 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
How thrilling it must be for you to be amongst so many political luminaries! It is truly a life enhancing event that will stay with you forever. To be a witness to history in the making must be there on the top of some of life’s most important events. I must congratulate you. You are truly an inspiring American, regardless of its brevity. You are an inspiration to all those that aspire to the true American ideals!!
I do take exception to the idea of marching for immigration reforms, as there really is no problem in that area. Over two million people yearly come to our shores legally and they have no complaints in their new status. It is however, those that choose to violate our laws that choose to demonstrate against us. We can not have those that violate our sovereignity demand that for which they have no rights.
I am pleased that Senator Obama chose as his running mate, Senator Biden. I was somewhat vacillating as for whom to vote, and now that he chose a veteran Senator, I believe now that my choice is clear.
Cojalo suave y muy buenas suerte.