Road to the Rocky Mountains

Today we heard from speakers Ricky Kirshner, the Executive Producer of the DNC, and Reverend Leah D. Daughtry, CEO and DNC Faith Outreach Leader.  Kirshner discussed the intricacies of planning the set, lighting, and sound that are rehearsed in front of media spectators.  The details that have gone into planning and executing the convention are unbelievable.  Miles of wires and cords are in place at the Pepsi Center ready for next week’s show.  “The Wall” is made up of 3 high definition television screens that are coordinated to act as one behind the featured speakers.  The most amazing part of all of the set up for the convention is that all of the products being used in the Pepsi Center are ‘green.’  Aside from rented platforms, all of the hardware products are made in the United States and decorations are recyclable.  Kirshner, though not interested in politics, has been an integral part of piecing together the message of the Democratic Party that will be visible live next week.

Reverend Daughtry spoke to us about the role of the ‘faithful’ Democrat in the Democratic Party.  She believes that while there are many people who are religious in the Democratic Party, they are reluctant to express their association with liberal views.  She proposed a point of view that those of faith were a voting people who have needs that candidates need to address.  Issues of poverty, healthcare, and unemployment are a few of those specifically recognized as important topics for those who have faith.  Reverend Daughtry challenged us as rising political leaders to engage more closely with our communities to have a more representative view of the reality of the lives of those in the community.  By doing this, we will be more attune to legislative language that allows for appropriate and inclusive implementation of policies that will benefit their intended audience. 

Shortly after the presentations, we left for the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  I absorbed the words of the presenters as well as the discussion from my peers, staring off into the valley surrounded by the red rocks of the mountain range and realized that this is only the beginning of an experience of a lifetime.

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