Rather than dwelling on worst possible outcomes, I want to share my fantasy for the convention in August. Then I want to hear YOUR fantasies!
This is what I want to see in the opening minutes of the televised broadcast of the Democratic National Convention:
Over stirring music, individuals of every color, size, height and shape step forward, individually and collaboratively, to recite these words:
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. Thomas Jefferson.”
“America does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. John Quincy Adams.”
“Americans are not a perfect people, but we are called to a perfect mission. Andrew Jackson”
“We are citizens of the world. The tragedy of our times is that we do not know this. Woodrow Wilson”
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”
“We must build a new world, a far better world — one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected. Harry S. Truman.”
“I look forward to a great future for America – a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose. John F. Kennedy.”
And then a very familiar voice is heard reciting:
“I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America. And if you will join me in this improbable quest, if you feel destiny calling, and see as I see, a future of endless possibility stretching before us; if you sense, as I sense, that the time is now to shake off our slumber, and slough off our fear, and make good on the debt we owe past and future generations, then I’m ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you.Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.”
The speakers shout together:
“The Next President of the United States. Barack Obama!”
Dancers flood the stage. HOPE and change signs appear. The speakers become singers as the lights grow bright and colorful. They start singing this song from The Wiz:
Everybody look around
‘Cause there’s a reason to rejoice you see
Everybody come out
And let’s commence to singing joyfully
Everybody look up
And feel the HOPE that we’ve been waiting for
Everybody’s glad
Because our silent fear and dread is goneFreedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it outCan’t you feel a brand new day?
Can’t you feel a brand new day?
Can’t you feel a brand new day?
Can’t you feel a brand new day?Everybody be glad
Because the sun is shining just for us
Everybody wake up
Into the morning into happinessHello world
It’s like a different way of living now
And thank you world
We always knew that we’d be free somehowIn harmony
We’ll show the world that we’ve got libertyIt’s such a change
For us to live so independently
Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully
Just look about
You owe it to yourself to check it outCan’t you feel a brand new day?
Can’t you feel a brand new day?
Suddenly the dancers are replaced by a younger set, even more colorful, even more joyful, dressed like basketball players and cheerleaders. They start singing “We’re all in this together” with one big change:
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on let’s have some fun
Together, we’re there for each other every time
Together together come on let’s do this rightHere and now it’s time for celebration
I finally figured it out
That all our dreams have no limitations
That’s what it’s all aboutEveryone is special in their own way
We make each other strong
Were not the same
Were different in a good way
Together’s where we belongWe’re all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We’re all stars
And we see that
We’re all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true
The kids pour off the stage and up the aisles, grabbing the delegates and dancing with them in the aisles.
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on let’s have some fun
Together, we’re there for each other every time
Together together come on let’s do this rightWe’re all here
And speaking out with one voice
we’re going to rock the house (Barack the house!)
The party’s on now everybody make some noise
Come on scream and shoutWe’ve arrived because we stuck together
Champions one and allWe’re all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We’re all stars
And we see that
We’re all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams comeWe’re all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We’re all in this toghether
Once we see
There’s a chance
That we have
And we take it
The kids return the stage and join a HUGE gospel choir being unveiled by a large drop rising in the back of the stage.
Democrats sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin’ on
Democrats in the house
Everybody say it now
Democrats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That’s the way we do it
Lets get to it
Time to show the world
The choir supplements the kids with rich gospel voices.
We’re all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We’re all stars
And we see that
We’re all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams comeWe’re all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We’re all in this together
Once we see
There’s a chance
That we have
And we take itDemocrats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That’s the way we do it
Let’s get to it
Come on everyone!
Nothing like a musical to bring joy to a crowd. Come on! We’ve got to BARACK the house!!!