This past weekend I took a trip with my family to our state capital, Springfield Il. I expected to find some interesting Abraham Lincoln sites and some fun Route 66 nostalgia, but what I did not expect was to be so moved by all of the people that I encountered.
It may seem strange that being immersed in the life of a great republican president could reinforce and strengthen my commitment to being a democrat, but we all know that Lincoln was a very progressive president in a brand new party that bears little resemblance to today's selfish and backward thinking republican party.
As I walked through his former law offices, his home, and the old state capitol and heard stories of how he took the first steps in transforming this nation, the pride in the voices of the volunteers and tour guides was unmistakable. As I walked through the new state capitol, and viewed the beautiful artwork and heard stories of great (and a few not so great) lawmakers, of course Barack Obama came up, and the pride in the voice of our tour guide was unmistakable.
The thing that struck me was the lack of cynicism at politics and the political process. Of course I know that there is plenty to be cynical about, and I am sure that Springfield has it's share of cynics, but to see and hear pride in what our government was capable of and is still capable of is very energizing.
I know that parallels between these 2 great men have been both made and disputed; they both had humble beginnings, both moving speakers, both got their political start in Illinois after being lawyers, and most importantly they both focused on helping people. Obama's presidency could not have happened without Lincoln, which of course makes it all the more fascinating.
I want to be part of a party that I am proud of, and while I know that it won't be the case 100% of the time ( I am aware of where our last couple of governors are), there is a lot happening now that is promising and that I can use to convince people to vote for Democrats as election time nears. It really is a great feeling.
Unfortunately I forgot my camera, which I am still kicking myself about, but I did get some photos using my phone and my daughter's ipod, so please enjoy, and if you ever get a chance I strongly recommend visiting Springfield, Illinos!
Read More