Stories of Democratic Experience

Part of my reason for focusing on Justice Souter's talk has been a deep interest in the notion that experiences with democracy are worth discussing openly, because they shape how we see the opportunities to be engaged democratically.

From a psychological standpoint, open honest talk about one's influences help explain one's philosophical approach to problems. For instance, my personal perspective in how to address social and economic problems stems a great deal from my experiences as a community organizer in 1998 and 1999, including when in 1999 my work focused on community organizing in low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore city. They also likely stem from my experiences in at other times of my life as well.

If one does an oral history of one's political perspective, one is likely to focus on those instances in which one can to a specific realization concerning economic, community, or international affairs. However, the democratic experience is not always about big realizations. When I think about those instances where I might be said to have accomplished something politically useful, such as when I helped stop a private prison from being built in Washington DC and when I helped push for a Loan Repayment Assistence Program in my law school, I did not unilaterally pick a community problem, create infrastructure to address the problem, and manipulate that infrastructure. Instead, I joined an existing campaign, saw some organizational and leadership need I could address, and found ways to succeed by taking advantage of others' talents. In neither campaign have I been recognized for my contribution, and its dubious if my contribution had any unique value.

From the standpoint of democratic engagement, it is not interesting whether or not my contributions to the projects were important or influential in ultimate success. Instead, what is important is what drove me to get involved, and what drove other community members to take time to address less-immediate-impersonal community issues.

One my experiences is life was to attend the 2008 Democrtic Party convention. For a few days, I kept an online journal where I commented on my experience. I reproduce these mini-essays here, as examples of how one might go about documenting their democratic experience. I fully recognize that these essays don't illustrate the exciting experience of being involved in pushing a governing body to take action, preventing certain action, or being involved in the inner circle of a political campaign. However, these essays illustrate one citizen's experience being part of history and excitement in that process, an experience no less worthy of documentation.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Walk Around the Convention
Before I direct your attention to my experiences yesterday, I should notify you that I think Hillary Clinton hit the notes she needed to hit. The bottom line is that if we Democrats are going to advance this country into the type of country we want, namely one that maximizes personal freedoms, engages in a noble and reasonable foreign policy, and consists of a government with economic and educational opportunity for all citizens, we need all of Clinton's supporters on board. Thus, it is my hopes that all internal divisions were laid to rest by Clinton's speech.

Now for some geography. As one comes to the Pepsi center, one quickly realizes how much of the surrounding area is blocked off, and thus no vehicle traffic is permitted. Between the no-traffic area and the secured area are a few protesters, but more sellers of shirts, candy, and buttons. On occasion, one hears: "tickets tickets, I am looking for tickets."

How does security determine who to let in: one must wear their credentials badge on a cord around their neck. One shows their credentials at security walking into the secured area surrounding the convention center, walking into the convention center itself, walking into the convention hall itself, and even going into the "Sky Lounge," namely the lounge set aside for guests of the Finance Committee. Credentials are worn by almost all attendees, including members of the European Parliment, lobbyists, activists, members of the press, DNC staff, and every other attendee to that convention.

The Hall itself has 3 levels. The first level is for the delegates themselves. On the periphery of the delegate entrance are numerous vendors, many of which are the same vendors one would see if one came for a ball game. In addition, many press have tables in this area. Thus, this area is crowded with delegates, powers-that-be walking to their seats, the press, and more importantly, many looking around to find stars. On one occasion, an area surrounding an entrance way was blocked off because security heard that Senator Biden was walking in the direction of that entrance. For those of us wanting to get a glimpse of the Senator, we were out of luck, as he did not show up where we were standing. From my vague un-scientific count, however, there were probably30 people with cameras out ready to take a picture. I wonder how many people now have pictures entitled "anticipating Senator Biden."

The second level is the club level. I am not certain who gets in the club level, as I did not even try. The third level is the "Hoi polloi" level, otherwise the nosebleed section. As you can imagine, that was the section I was in.

As one may imagine, there are far fewer seats than those interested in getting in the hall. Yeseterday, I came early to see Rep. Kucinich. He gave a great speech, and got some great crowd reaction. However, he spoke around the 5:00 hour. No one has a problem finding a seat then. Actually, I had a great seat for Kucinich's speech. However, my interest in eating dinner overcame my interest in preserving my great seat. Thus, when I tried to go back in around 7:15 or so, I ended up 3 rows from the top, which is a very steep view. Lessons learned: if you get a good seat, keep it!

As security was strictly enforcing how many they would let in the hall at once, I realized I was not going to get back in for Clinton's speech, so I headed back to the sky lounge and had an opportunity to sit with some prestigious internationals in which we engaged in an intriguing dialogue about the role of government in managing the market. As I am not the most articulate in economic discussions, and have strong Bush Jr.-like tendencies when economics are the subject of conversation, I was very proud to be able to have an intelligent economic discussion with a member of their home country's parliament. I then learned that this very kind gentleman was in line to become Finance Minister. Upon that revelation, I made clear that I anticipated my knowledge of the economy was minimal compared to his.

As you can see, this blog appears to be taking the diary form rather than the essay form I had hoped. As you can imagine, there is a lot to take in and no so much time for blogging. In any case, I hope you all are enjoying my random thoughts, and will let me know if there are any subjects about which you wish to read that I have failed to discuss.
Posted by Adam W. Marker at 6:08 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Some props to Howard Dean--and other day 1 happening
Today was the first day of the Convention. Thus the opportunity to hear thousands of cheering democrats in the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. It was moving to see the excitement of Ted Kennedy fans while he spoke, and while they presented a film about his life. When Michelle Obama spoke, I was not in the Pepsi Center but in "Blue Sky Grill," a neighboring facility for special guests of the DNC Finance Division. Even there, you could tell the difference between Obama and other speakers. When Obama spoke, everyone listened. When others spoke, like various politicians, some listened and some sat around and drank and shmoozed.

I want to give props to Howard Dean, who spoke at an "after hours party" sponsored by the Finance Division, called "Party with your party." On the bus ride over, it became clear that I was going to a party with some major funders, some of whom were personally wealthy and some of whom had talent for engaging other's generosity. Nevertheless, Howard Dean's remarks at this event was telling about how he sees the Democratic Party. He said something to the effect of, "as you know, we want everyone to be involved in our party. However, not everyone has the ability to give as much, as so we have events like this to reward those of you who give more." Although I am not certain of the exact words, the subtext is very clear: this is a party for all democrats, not just the wealthy few. It is worth honoring those who are fortunate enough to give more, but that does not take away from those who give less, nor does it suggest that those who are able to give more are necessarily more committed. Rather, the ideal would be for all to contribute the same, and it is wise for those of means to donate the monies that those without means cannot.

This is an extreemly powerful statement, and made even more powerful by the location in which Dean gave it.

Another aspect of that party deserves comment, namely, the musical guest: the GooGoo Dolls. They rocked! Unfortunately, Americans are not used to dancing while dressed in suits when they are not at weddings. For me, I was ready for some serious dancing, but that wasn't in the cards for this party.

Earlier in the day I went to a meeting of the National Jewish Democratic Council. At the same time of the NJDC meeting, several other ethnic based groups met as well. After the meetings, I had the opportunity to discuss our respective meetings with someone who is a member of the Native American caucus. Although I did not learn what occurred in that caucus meeting, I learned how frustrated many Native Americans are that the United States has generally failed to live up to the treaties it entered into with the tribes. She further expressed concern that the courts refuse to require compliance. Although I have very little knowledge as to the current status of our compliance with our obligations to Native American tribes, I certainly hope that if she is accurate, attention is quickly directed towards that issue quickly! I will have to look into it.

The NJDC meeting was not a meeting directed towards activism, which is what I had hoped. It was analysis of Jewish voting patterns expected for this election. Knowing that the Obama team had created a special committee directed towards outreach to the Jewish community, I asked one of the NJDC professionals why that outreach was not addressed. The response was that the NJDC was a 501(c)(4), and therefore prohibited from endorsing and identifying specific candidates in their work. Thus, the meeting was relatively academic in nature.

In conclusion, the streets of Denver reflect the democratic engagement I referenced in yesterday's discourse. Sadly, most noticeable were the right wing fanatics, including several posting signs specifically directed towards homosexuality, saying things as direct as "homosexuality is a sin" and something about going to hell. One couple standing near me went up to one of the protesters and said "not everyone believes in hell. For instance, Jews don't believe in hell. Apparently the response was: then they are going to hell. Never a dull moment.

More on Denver itself later in the week. Also, more on the hotel in which I am staying, which is doing a great job trying to become more "green."

I also had an extensive conversation with a Clinton supporter who alleged that the Obama folks committed electoral violations in Iowa. She further alleged that the leaders of the DNC that be have been trying to rescue control from the Clintons are thus got Obama with those goals in mind. Although I don't have enough information to comment further, it will be very interesting to see what happens over the next couple days.
Posted by Adam W. Marker at 12:06 AM 0 comments
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Traveling to Democracy
It's midnight in Denver, many hours since I left the District of Columbia. On the surface, all I did today was travel. However, in my mind, I did something more, namely prepare to participate in and observe the democratic experience.

On the plane to Denver were activists of all stripes, some of whom represented activist organizations and other of which represented constituencies. A good portion of the plane trip was spent discussing various activity options with my friend Lee, who invited me on this adventure. Event options include: attending forums on the intersection of religion and politics, the shaping of American foreign policy, DC Vote, and activities hosted by veteran's organizations.

I feel like I am about to experience democracy in a way I have not previously experienced it. By way of background, let me explain that I see the democratic experience as one where members of a community, state, or country gather to communicate with each other about ways to advance the causes of the community, state, or country. In pure democracies, each member of the community, state, or country actually votes in favor or against legislative initiatives. In democratic republics, such as the United States, citizens vote for representatives to legislate on their behalf. However, the democractic experience is not merely the experience of voting. Instead, the essence of democracy is the constructive interaction of various sects and segments of society in ways that further society as a whole. Thus, my sense is that I will observe members of diverse segments of American society gather to discuss ways to advance society as a whole.

In writing this last paragraph, I don't mean to sound naive. I am well aware that that the grouping at Denver will be a select group. All attendees are either members or associated in some way with the Democratic Party. In addition, given the cost of attending this convention, the diversity present will likely not represent the economic diversity existing throughout this society. Also, I am well aware of the economic segregation I am likely to experience. For instance, I don't anticipate meeting Barack Obama personally--although I expect that if I raised millions of dollars, arrangements for an introduction would have occurred. However, none of this will take away from the fact that I am about to be at an event with community activists from every county in this country. Regardless of whether whether the event is as democratic as possible, it will be an important experience in democracy that is rarely experienced in one's own town--because no matter how diverse one's city or neighborhood is, there are not and cannot be activist citizens from every county in this country. Thus, for whatever its faults, I am so excited to experience democracy in this manner.
Posted by Adam W. Marker at 11:03 PM 1 comments
Friday, August 22, 2008
I'm Going to the Convention
Luck struck! The Democratic Convention starts this coming Monday, namely in three days. Two days ago, Wednesday evening, I was talking to my roomate about how interesting it would be to go to a Democratic convention. He joked, "you should just go." I retorted, I wouldn't even know how to get tickets." Less than three hours later, a buddy of mine mentioned, effectively out of the blue, that he had an extra ticket to the convention, and invited me. I have no idea how I lucked out like that. Through this blog, I intend to keep you abreast of my experiences hobnobing with the leaders of our party. Furthermore, I believe strongly in our candidate, Barack Obama. Unlike prior Democratic Presidential Candidates, he was a community organizer for low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Having been a community organizer in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods, I can tell you that one cannot be a community organizer unless one is seriously committed to the cause of tikkun olam, namely, helping to repair the world. The experience of being a community organizer exposes you to despair, frustration, and a variety of inequities that are experienced in America. Many idealists come to community organizing and leave after a month or two because they feel their goals of "making a difference" cannot compete with their goals of getting ahead in the business community. And as a community organizer, one is often instilled with fear that their activism will cause them to be labeled an opponent of America by those whose financial interests are in competition with the interests of justice and civic virtues. I hope the information I gain over my week in Denver will confirm my beliefs about what Barack Obama is bringing to the Democratic Party and the Country as a whole. Please check into this blog as I try to keep you aprised of these events as they unfold.