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On Monday, October 13, 2008, I attended an event at The Firehouse Restaurant in Red Oak for Obama campaign volunteers, at which singer/songwriter Carole King shared her campaign experiences and stories.
I was amazed to learn King’s experiences, as a 30-year resident of Idaho have been similar to those of us supporting Senator Obama here in Iowa. And as a former Hillary supporter, King shared her thoughts about moving to support the Democratic nominee. She was motivated, she says, by Senator Obama’s ability to inspire her own four children and two voting-age grandchildren.
King also noted fear is a powerful force in these uncertain times of war and economic instability, but she said, “We are not powerless to fear. We can act.” She encouraged us to talk and listen to each other, with respect and to acknowledge each others’ concerns, ideas and opinions, regardless of our political affiliation because, “We are all neighbors across the country. We’re all in this together, and this is what America is about.”
And that’s what this campaign is about. It’s about standing together and working to rebuild this nation. It’s about electing a president who will lead us in that shared effort so we have government of the people, by the people, for the people. So we the people have a friend in the White House.
King ended her short time with us in song, but not as a solo. Together we sang, “You've got a friend.”
Yes We Can.
5 comments:
Kumbaya!
Ok, I take exception with the comments when they are not signed for by the writer. Fess up!
So was Carol King stumping strictly in the Midwest? Did you ask for her autograph on some Obama literature? Can she still carry a tune? Is she shy in person? I always liked her music, although I don't own any albums or CD's.
I really meant to sign my name. Looks lame after by introductory comment.
LJM
Oh! The times, they are a changin'!
According to Carole, she's been all over. I remember her mentioning Ohio, but it sounded like she's travelling everywhere. Yes, she can still carry a tune, and I got her autograph in my sketchbook on the page where I was taking notes. I didn't have any albums or CDs for her to sign.
What surprised Jan and I was that she's been living in Idaho, has raised 4 kids and has grandkids old enough to vote. She's not shy, but was very down to earth and likeable. In fact, when one of the attendees thanked her for coming to speak to our forgotten corner of Iowa, she was moved to tears. This, after she spent her hour not only talking, but listening to us. This type of mutual respect has been a hallmark of the Obama campaign.
It comes from the top.
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