Posted by
Dave on Thursday, November 06, 2008 9:53:55 PM
I know that this will come as a surprise to some of you but I did go to Black Tie Affair for Obama on election night. You see this dear friend of mine Roz Battle in Rocky Mount North Carolina had an Obama for President Party on Nov. 4th and asked if I would be her escort. When I told her yes I would be happy to be her escort I could see the excitement her eyes. I figured it would be no problem going since I would know most of the people there anyway and besides, that is what friends do. They support each other. Besides that she is a great cook and we have been friends for a long time
So, Saturday November 1st, I arrived about 9:00Am to help her rearranging her living room and set up the decorations for the party. Through out the whole day I kept on asking myself are you sure about this? But then I would see the excitement in her eyes and knowing how important this was to her all my doubts would disappear. At lest for a little while; after all I was still going to be a Republican at what could be a Demarcated victory party. Finally about 10:30 Pm we finished. Now all that was left was the cooking and that would happen on Tuesday.
Finally Tuesday arrived and I showed up early about noon to help her with the final perorations. The Rocky Mount News paper was to be there taking pictures for their paper, plus a production crew from Vlabar Productions was going to be there filming the whole thing. As the start time for the event neared I started to get cold feet again you know the usual doubts came back, what was I a Republican doing at a Demarcated calibration? You know this is not supposed to happen if you listen to the main street news media. But then again I would see the excitement in Roz’s eyes and that big beautiful smile of hers and I knew I was doing the right thing. Besides, I would be escorting the most beautiful lady in Rocky Mount. After all, regardless if he won or lost this was a history making moment and a big deal for my African American friends and besides they always treated me like family, so why would I not join them in their joy and calibrating this special moment. That’s what friends do. Right! Anyway the night went off with out a hitch and we all had a great time and yes I did get a little ribbing. Her daughter told me that I could not park my pick-up in their driveway because I had it loaded with McCain and Palin stickers and someone asked if I was now going to become a Democrat and I said no way I can’t go left I must stay with the Right side.
The main point here I think is that normal people like us (well some people say I am not normal) can get along even when they disagree. Even though I was disappointed that my candidate lost, I was happy for my friends and was happy that I was able to be part of their history making calibration. And yes, I plan to be joining her at his inauguration. Willingness to be open minded and respect for each others opinions breaks down all barriers. To bad others can’t figure this one out.