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After reading the letters already posted here I am compelled to add my own opinions. I am a disabled vet and chose to take the risk to my health so I could be a part of this historic moment in American history. A bright blue sky speckled with the puffy forebearers of the midwests trade mark thunderstorms coupled with the oppressive humidity of the tropics gave lie to the incredibly huge crowd waiting in lines that were snaked through block after block of Springfield like some mega E-ticket ride at Disneyland. One of the first things I noted was that the crowd was much bigger that the expected 2000 or so that had RSVP'd. The second was the cross section of society that was represented. I want to note for those who were not in attendance that the mix was actually very even, whites, blacks, hispanics, Arabs, Jews, Native Americans, Indians, obviously wealthy, obviously poor, young, middle aged, elderly, ad infinitum. That such a large and diverse crowd would expose themselves to the ordeal that this rally became for many was incredible in itself.
We were all fed through a security apparatus to rival any major airport on a peak travel day to be admitted to a tiny area surrounding the old state capitol building that appeared to be completely without any way to cool down or even get a drink of water. As the sweaty throng of humanity milled about trying to keep from passing out from heat exhaustion, the inevitible began to happen. The weaker people began to go down. I too began to weaken and we, (my wife and I) found a source for water. We joined the throng of sweating people that were waiting for our chance to buy a 16 oz. bottle of uncooled water for 2 dollars a pop. As we moved through the undiscernable line there were several casualties. Men, women, and children who ween't able to last until they reached the water. We moved aside and let them pass. No conflicts, no anger, just an amazing display of concern for those who were in danger.
I don't think that the organizers were prepared for the number of people who came or the level of heat and humidity. When word finally got to the event staff, an amazing thing came to pass. The poeple who had been selling water on the grounds were shut down and voulenteers from Obama's staff started roaming throug the crowd passing out water to anyone who wanted or needed it. It saved me from a trip to a hospital so if any of them are reading I want to say thank you. Still determined to remain and witness the event we found a place I could sit and watch the speeches on a provided Jumbo-Tron, not what I had hoped for but at least I could see the candidates as they spoke. What I heard was a message that seemed to please this sweating mass of humanity. I felt that it was worth it just to be a part of what I, and I believe, the rest of that crowd was the first step taken to restore the United States to it's rightful position as the guiding light of freedom and fairness to the world.
For those who support the failed policies of Bush, Cheney, Rove, and McCain I say your time is up. Good riddance to you and the liars you have sent to ruin this country in the name of money. I truly hope that it isn't too late to save us. Not just for people who agree with me but for all of us.
