Democratic Convention ‘08: Collegial Chaos
Posted by politicalmessiah , Aug, 2008 @ 10:10 pmDear Friends and Fellow Junkies of the Political Persuasion-
It is the end of my first day of conventioning. I write to you with great anticipation for the November 2008 elections and the introduction of this blog into the large and dynamic abyss of the world wide web.
Much more will be coming this week, as I try my damnedest to insert myself into highly secure environments, conjure some insight and stories and generally post my musings on this nutty one week display of red, white and blue bedazzled cowboy hats.
My initial impression of the convention environment is one of “collegial chaos.” Denver’s Mile High Mentality is warm and friendly: from the cheery Frontier Airlines baggage concierge, to the smiley neon-shirted guides along bus stops. Denver folks are sweethearts–or they are doing a fine job of acting that way while the cameras are on. Yet, contrary to the democratic concept of open participation by the citizenry, much of the convention activities are reserved for the “supercools”–those with the right VIP credentials, those with lots of cash, or those who staff the politicos. This vacuum-sealed Secret Service situation means that rando outcast onlookers, protesters, and frenzied tourist media members such as myself, are shuffling around the convention perimeter in a whirl of confusion, desperately pining for a window of access.
An insightful Denver resident also noted that this closed exclusivity accurately depicted the post 9/11 world, where citizens became dangers to the politicians that serve them, and everyone is a suspect. So much for that spirit of grassroots door-knocking/town-hall citizen outreach. If politics is Hollywood for ugly people, then the Denver Convention is the Oscars.
Less misanthrope, more patriot tomorrow…I promise.
G’night.
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