Local man learning much as delegate
In preparing for my role as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, I decided to speak with citizens of the ninth Congressional District about the issues which are important to them.
What I learned was that most were not concerned about the issues widely reported on the major news channels or the talking head commentators.
I spoke to classroom teachers who are demoralized by the implementation of “No Child Left Behind” and its testing requirements. I was told “we now teach the test, not the material, and the tax dollars spent on testing and private testing agencies can be better utilized on traditional classroom instruction.” Nearly every teacher I spoke with felt that officials at the state and federal level were out of touch with the problems facing education and failed to consider the views of the classroom teacher.
My conversation with veterans of World War II and Vietnam were very interesting. Nearly every veteran was disappointed with the war in Afghanistan and the reluctance of our leaders to ‘bring our troops home’ despite the loss of life. Many commented on the attacks suffered by American servicemen and women by our own allies and the outrageous spending of tax dollars to fund the Afghan war. Few felt that the war itself was beneficial to the nation and questioned American foreign policy.
A group of college professors questioned our system of foreign aid. None could understand how our government would provide billions of dollars in foreign aid to countries that openly and continually discriminate against there own citizens based on sex, race, religion and social class. Why not require a pledge of nondiscrimination before writing the foreign policy checks?
I spoke to judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys all frustrated by legislation which usurps the traditional judicial process replacing it with mandatory sentences set by legislators and congressmen with no legal training. Nearly everyone associated with the legal profession was of the opinion that reducing the role of judges, prosecutors and lawyers in the sentencing process was a severe impediment to justice.
I was a little surprised when talking to a group of young professionals all of whom complained about our tax system which each believed poses a barrier to financial success. All felt that the tax system needed to be revised and made less complicated.
What I found when talking to our fellow citizens was that very few felt that the major issues that seemed to be on the minds of our leaders and political commentators were far less important then the real problems facing everyday Americans. Most were of the opinion that the problems faced by everyday Americans were not addressed by the leaders of either political party. Perhaps most Americans are too busy working and living everyday lives to complain to their representative leaders about the problems that need to be addressed.
Arriving in Charlotte
Charlotte, “The Queen City,” is a beautiful, vibrant and growing metropolis. Charlotte’s population, currently 750,000, has increased by one third since 2000.
The home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers is the second largest financial center in the United States. Bank of America and Wells Fargo both call Charlotte home. Charlotte is a modern city with an outstanding road and overall transportation system. The cultural district, located in the heart of the city with the Levine Center, is a world class art center.The city is shined and polished and a perfect venue for the Democratic National Convention.
Having visited Charlotte many times I know it to be a great town, no Pittsburgh, but a great place to visit and, I’m sure, live.
Although I’m not certain as to what to expect it appears the city is extremely well prepared. Many downtown offices and businesses are closed until Friday and traffic patterns have been adjusted. Of course security will be heightened, All delegates and members of the media must present credentials to be admitted to the caucuses and convention.
I arrived in Charlotte on Thursday, Aug. 30, for a brief visit with my daughter and son-in-law on my way to Clearwater for a very good friend’s son’s wedding and some business. Returning to the host city Sunday, the excitement was beginning to build. There was a welcome part for delegates Monday and the convention official began Tuesday.
At the conclusion of this experience will I confirm the words of Will Rogers, “I am not a member of any organized political party, I’m a Democrat”?
James T. Davis can be reached by email at jdavis@davisanddavislaw.com