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~Democratic Seal of Approval~
| (Adventures of a New Century Democrat at the 2007 California Democratic Convention- recommended viewing: slideshow) by joey racano 'Democrat democrat oh, where do you stand? Must I goose-step along with a gun in my hand? Where-to-fore the environmental ethic that made the party great? Democrat, oh democrat, is it really too late?' ~Democratic Seal of Approval~ intro Back in September '06, I attended the World Oceans Conference in Long Beach , California with ocean-minded people from all over the world. They had all come to California to talk about the state-of-the-seas, which says a lot about our state's role as environmental world leader. The big 'Media Luncheon' was about to begin, but, like Josh Wolf, I lacked 'media credentials'. So I got in early and sat with the video crew until the big doors opened and in rushed the media, like a herd of buffalo. I picked out the best seat at the best table right in the front row, and plopped my covert media butt in a seat. Soon, the entire room was filled with many hundreds of folks, and my table filled up with a group of activists from San Diego who, as it turned out, were trying to save the Harbor Seal Birthing Grounds at Casa Beach in La Jolla . It seemed the noblest of causes; these creatures had chosen to come ashore and give birth in a small beach-cove, right in the middle of a Manhattan-esque metropolis! And of course, there were the obligatory property-rights nuts fighting these seal-moms tooth and nail in the mother of all pissing contests. It has always amazed me that such an ego-driven creature as man lives for only 75 years, but believes it can 'own' a 4.5 Billion-year-old planet. "And who are you with?” asked Seal activist Cindy Benner, looking at my name badge. "The Ocean Outfall Group", I answered. "I can help you". San Diego, California , April 27th, 8:00 am Singing the praises of MAPQUEST, I slowed down for a look at the huge San Diego Convention Center before swinging the rental RV around for a big, wide 'U' turn. This was a beautiful work of architecture, and the folks who manage it will proudly tell you that it is an example of 'green' building. I later found this out during an elevator ride over the top of the roof. The floor up there is lined with sky-lights, allowing sunlight to illuminate the floors below, saving on electricity. We had arrived early to find parking, and our karma didn't fail us. I drove behind to where all the news crews were already positioned, their antennae aloft. As we ambled on with the convention center on one side and San Diego Harbor on the other, we spotted the big, colorful 'Veterans for Peace' bus parked behind a construction fence, and I knew we had hit paydirt! Within 5 minutes, we were parked for free, our dogs had a great spot near the water, and we met the wonderful activists inside, who were even more colorful than their bus. Fred, the leader, gave us some history; this was the bus that took Cindy Sheehan to Crawford , Texas . Then he pointed to the bus roof, where a giant satellite dish was slowly craning into position for internet access. "Deploy!” he ordered. Registration, 2:30 pm Inside the Convention Center, a line of soon-to-be observers and delegates snaked 'round and 'round the hallways, twisting all the way around the entire mezzanine level. The air was abuzz with anticipation, and a thousand idealists awaited their chance to change a troubled world. Socio-political butterflies stood chatting in line, broken into small groups, each with a different agenda. I approached one group after another, clipboard in hand, gathering Email addresses of those willing to share them. This was a rare opportunity! After registering as an 'observer', I headed out into the crowded hallways, where numbered rooms lined the walls, and signs outside listed the various activities and seminars to be held in each. I saw one that was holding a 'networking' class, touting the importance of networking and use of media. It struck me as odd that a class was 'teaching' networking, even as it kept people from doing so! Why weren't these people out in the hallways, with others of their kind, having short discussions and collecting Email addresses for all they were worth?! Like I said, a rare opportunity! By this time, I was on my second clipboard, and having rapid-fire conversations with one interesting character after another! Networking indeed. I wondered if it had all been Karl Rove's idea! The Caucuses, 3:30 pm We were pretty tired by now, having driven 350 miles from Morro Bay to San Diego , then meeting with a dozen or so seal activists for a dinner and brainstorming session in Chula Vista . And tonight would be the big night for us, where our La Jolla Seals Resolution was on the Environmental Caucus agenda. So, though I really did want to attend the Internet Caucus (being a fan of Eric C. Bauman), I was running on auto pilot and wound up out in the main lobby, taking photos and joining in the hoopla. At one point, I was photographing a lovely activist with a colorful KUCINICH sign, when up walked Dennis Kucinich! He carried himself in a very presidential manner and was dressed very sharply. I said to him, "Hi Mr. Kucinich! I spoke with you once at the Santa Ana Courthouse back in-..." "I know who you are, Joey Racano" he interrupted. I was very proud. After he left, we all looked at each other with grins and said, 'That's synchronicity!' The Vendors With the Environmental Caucus coming up in just a few hours, I knew I didn't have much time to make trouble, so I hurried down to nosey around where all the vendors were setting up their wares. The first booth was for the Pechanga Indians, and a striking woman sat fielding inquiries. "You're pretty!" I said to her. The next booth was an OFF ROADER organization, touting all the benefits of creating dust clouds and noise, while running over creatures. "Can I help you?" asked the friendly woman there, who said her husband Ed was President of an Off Roaders Club. "Yes, I replied. Can you tell me how many miles of paved road there are in California ?" "Oh, thousands, I would imagine!" she answered. "And you can't stay on them?!!" I said, walking away. "I'm an environmentalist!" she declared. "Impossible", said I. Then came the Planned Parenthood booth, who passed out condoms and had interesting books and things. And there were the PDA, Progressive Democrats of America, who were my favorite group of all (pdamerica.org). They watched as I got into it with the next booth, the CYD, 'California Young Democrats'. "Hi" I said to the clean cut and immaculately dressed young man. He was obviously not happy. Me: "Excuse me sir, can you tell me what the Young Democrats are going to do differently from the old democrats?" He: "We don't appreciate being treated bad just because we're young", he said, implying that I was picking on them. I guess he missed my previous conversation with the off-roaders. Me: "What do you stand for is all I'm asking. I know you're from California . I know you're young. And I know you're a democrat. What is your goal?" He: "To get more democrats elected". Me: "And what if a democrat wants to wage war, or cut down the forest? What is it you stand for?" He: "Democratic values!", he shouted. Me: "Can you be more specific please?" At this time, a rotund older man came and bumped me away, like a linebacker. Me: "Democratic values? You sound like Newt Gingrich. What the heck does that mean?" I took their literature and left the area, followed by another 'California Young Democrat', who didn't know I was on to him. I led him around in big circles, explaining to Sandra we were being followed, and this is what I do when I'm being followed- just go around and around in ever-tightening circles until the idiot realizes what an idiot he is. As it turned out, their literature showed a well dressed man holding a piggy bank, and told the reader how to get money from the California Young Democrats. The Press Room At this point, we went back to the RV to freshen up, and then returned to the Convention Center. In an attempt to avoid once again climbing the more-than-75 steps leading upstairs, we asked the security guard to lead us in the back way. "She can't climb those stairs, she has a heart condition", I told him. "Take the elevator", said he. "Can't" said I. "Why not" he inquired impatiently. "She's got a pacemaker" I told him, and he bought it. We were escorted through the loading dock, and wound up entering the press room through a back entrance. I sat down at a table with several media-mogul types, and listened in to what I hoped would be cutting edge conversation. "OK, which candidate is the most photogenic?" said a lady reporter to a male counterpart. As he pondered the gravity of this profound query, I spoke, "Miss, the glaciers are melting". They both got up and left the table. Perhaps it was something I said, and then, perhaps not. I drank the coffee and ate the fruit, and went next door to where Dennis Kucinich was holding a closed press conference, maybe about impeaching Cheney. Outside the door stood a guy with one of those twirly-wires in his ear, like in Matrix. I mentioned to him that Cheney and Bush should be jailed for lying about 'WMD's'. He asked me if I knew what and 'RPG' was. "A rocket-propelled grenade", I said. "Do you know what happens when one of those hit you?" he asked, implying that a grenade was a WMD. "Oh, I said, so when Condolisa Rice warned us about 'mushroom clouds', she was talking about grenades? That's absolutely ridiculous". The LaRouchies No convention, election or mental-hospital grand opening would be complete without those loveable LaRouchies, the fanatical followers of one Lyndon LaRouche. Lyndon LaRouche is a brilliant madman, and has a lot of knowledge to offer, if taken with a grain of salt. Like when his writings taught me about the infamous Reichstag fire, and its eerie similarity to the events of Sept. 11th, 2001. But he also thinks we can solve America 's problems with a line of Nuclear-powered desalination Plants, so go figure! But this time, those lovin' LaRouchies went too far. Out in the main convention hallway, a large choir stood assembled, led by a Jim Jones type character. They sang in beautiful barber-shop harmonies, but carried ghastly signs showing Adolph Hitler and Al Gore! The were implying the C02 was good, that plant's love it, that global warming is a hoax, and that Gore is a nazi for trying to do something about it! I asked them how Gore had faked the glaciers melting, but got no answer, only song. The words went like this: 'Not C, not C, not C02...." "Not C, Not C, Not C02..." They were saying Nazi, Nazi, Nazi, when they were the only nazi's in the house, in my opinion. The Environmental Caucus, 7:30 pm Finally, it was showtime for the Harbor Seals of Casa Beach. I was completely amazed at the huge turnout of the Environmental Caucus! The place was standing room only, filled with Senators and enviros and it was exciting to be involved. Caucus Chair Luke Breit called for our resolution, saying, "Is Bobbi Weaver in the room?". Bobbi is a San Diego activist who we had chosen to read our resolution, and she stood at the podium under heavy pressure and came through for us -and the seals- like a champion! The resolution (see it soon at www.environmentalcaucus.org) passed unanimously, and we cheered. In the few days since, our Marine Sanctuary idea for the Harbor Seals of Casa Beach has garnered the additional endorsements of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the San Diego League of Conservation Voters. We are proud of the Caucus and proud of ourselves, too! Democratic Seal of Approval, epilogue The following evening, we dined in suits and gowns as we listened to 'Madame Speaker' Nancy Pelosi speak at an event held in her honor. She told her story of having been thrust into public service, pledging an oath to a dying friend. She spoke in colloquialisms that were fun, but short on specifics- and still, we fund an illegal war, even as the grass-roots screams for a change. As we headed back to the RV for our long ride back to the Central Coast , I looked over at the colorful Veterans for Peace bus that once carried Gold-Star Mom Cindy Sheehan, and couldn't help dreaming of a world where it was Cindy Sheehan who was 'Madam Speaker'. Long live the Seals of San Diego! Joey Racano NEWCENTURYDEMOCRATS- 'the most environmental Democrats' |
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