In the End

It has been a great two weeks. The Democratic and Republican Conventions had dramatic displays of patriotism, flourishes of the trivial and fleeting moments that one might actually be watching history in the making.

These events are more fluff than substance. However, it is unfair to categorize the conventions as drivel or television drama. The enormity of the crowds and the television audiences are a solid reminder to the elected and those running for office that power still comes from the people. Granted we have squandered this power from time to time, but it is there for the taking.

In years past, leaders of the civil rights movement used conventions to draft language for party platforms as a crucial step to shaping national policy. Many women plowed political ground by being delegates to conventions and proving their strength as leaders there. The modern conventions are overly choreographed, but those wishing to lead must stand on those stages and stare into the crowds and TV cameras and ask us for something valuable, a vote.

Voters are given the singular power to elect candidates to office. We can accept the responsibility to exercise this power, or we can shirk it and say that modern politics is nothing more than fluff.

I have poked fun at the ridiculous and been moved by some of the oratory delivered at the conventions over the last two weeks. Somewhere between balloon drops and the carnival atmosphere is democracy. After it all, I can report patriotism is alive and well in our country.