Another historic event with Barack

I hope I'm not getting too braggy about this stuff.

Once again, living in Denver pays off. Yesterday Dave convinced me we should volunteer for the Obama rally today. I didn't want to. I wanted to camp out and end up right behind him and on tv (and mouth the words "I am so right, MOM!")

But Dave and I went to the volunteer training and as soon as we got out of the car, I was swept up in something bigger than myself. People poured into Manuel High School from all directions. We entered the gymnasium to see 1,200 volunteers. All sitting quietly, waiting for instructions. We immediately saw several friends from different groups.

The assembly started with a story told by one of Colorado's lead volunteer organizers. Very early on in his candidacy, he got to spend the day with Barack Obama. He spent the entire day before trying to think of questions he wanted to ask the Senator. But as soon as he introduced himself, and for the entire day, Mr. Obama asked all the questions ("Where are you from?" "What do your parents do?" "What are your issues?" etc.) He said that the character of this campaign comes from the boss himself--a genuine interest in serving one's community. Indeed, the motto posted in all of the campaign offices is "Respect. Empower. Include."

So, as if they didn't have me THEN, they made a more direct appeal: Barack Obama NEEDS our help.

Our training: Smile. A lot. Be friendly. Be helpful. Don't yell. Don't run.

And then some details, but those are the instructions that stuck with me.

As you have probably heard, the number of people who came to the rally in my hometown broke not only all local records, but national records for attendance at a political rally. As Dave pointed out, this is not about politics: this is about a movement for change.

As a side note, Dave and I being the hams we chatted with the people waiting in line, encouraging them to vote early and to volunteer. Dave told them, "You are the change we've been waiting for!" Loudest laughter: mine.