On May 16, 2008, at 1:21 PM, Charley Underwood wrote:
> Whoever thought it would be a good idea to host the political party
> convention for the folks behind the Iraq war, the Katrina mess, the
> current recession and the assault on the middle class, the deficit
> boondoogle and the massive underfunding of our national
> infrastructure? In retrospect, what were they thinking and how in
> the world did they expect hosting such a convention could possibly
> be a benefit to St Paul?
If hosting this event is really such a disruptive and damaging thing
to a community, I'm curious about why one would think that Tampa is
better suited to hosting it? I'm also curious about the values behind
the idea, that its better to pass this burden (to whatever extent it
is a burden) off on someone else, because we aren't willing to host it
ourselves.
Political conventions are a part of the democratic process in this
country - and I can't imagine anything more damaging to our community
than to turn our collective backs at this late date, not that it would
be possible, on an privilege/obligation that we voluntarily took upon
ourselves well over a year ago.
I still think that its a small (but vocal) minority in our community
that actually oppose our hosting of this convention. I think that a
majority either don't care, or are excited to see St. Paul at the very
heart of the democratic process that will play an very important role
in shaping the future of our country.
Hosting a political convention will be disruptive and controversial in
any community in this country. BUT, its a part of the process that
makes our country work - and I think that St. Paul is better equipped
to handle this responsibility than many communities in our country and
stands to benefit a great deal from having been through the process.
I support the convention, not because I agree with the ideas or
policies of the political party in question, but because I strongly
respect the need for political debate and disagreement as part of
building a strong democracy. I'm proud that St. Paul has taken on the
burdens, of which there are many, of hosting this convention and I'm
grateful for the opportunities that this convention will give us to
grow as a community, to further develop our democratic ideals, and to
be recognized around the nation.
Like many, I look forward to having the convention in town.
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson
Hamline Midway, St. Paul
(Expressing My Personal Opinion)