Presidential Debate on Tuesday

Last Tuesday I was fortunate enough to attend a presidential debate at Soldier Field. It was for union members and their families only. The focus was "Working Families" and each of the Democratic candidates were present: Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, and Richardson. I was looking forward to going, but I wasn't overly excited. Once I got there though I realized how awesome it was that I was there. I've seen debates on TV but never in person. It was great to be right there where the action was. Unfortunately it was 8000 degrees out, but we survived! There were 17,000 people in attendance - imagine that energy! Some pics from my cell phone:

This is one from before it started with all the candidates up front. I haven't been a huge Hilary fan, but I must admit it was pretty fabulous to see a woman up there! Maybe that will be me someday?!


Here's a pic of Barack Obama on the big screen...a beautiful beautiful man with lots of good things to say :)


And Kucinich, by far the best candidate at the debate that night - at least if you're talking about someone who will support the rights of workers everywhere. I'm not saying I'm in the Kucinich camp at this moment, but I definitely need to do some more research before the primaries!



If you'd like to watch the debate online or read an article about it, click here....

Picketing

Today at the Congress Hotel Picket line Senator (and presidential candidate) John Edwards stopped by. Granted, he only stayed about 10 minutes and only walked around a few times, but it's still good for these candidates to stop by. It gives the strike more publicity, and it's important for these influential people to show their support. We had a great time making some noise and there were probably about 100 people there. Barack Obama came a couple weeks ago (unfortunately I missed it) and I heard he stayed a bit longer than Edwards. Here's a picture of Edwards during his mini-speech (taken on my cell so not the greatest quality)....and don't forget to tell all your friends if they come to Chicago to NOT stay at the Congress!!! http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

Is it seriously August???

Where has the summer gone??? I honestly don't think it has EVER gone this fast! After only 3 weeks at the union I left for the lovely town of Gettysburg, PA for what I think might be the best 2 week trip I've ever taken. Hard to believe considering I didn't want to go in the first place! I was there for the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event - ask me if you have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyway, I really learned a lot about myself and about what I want to do with my life, plus I met some amazing friends that I know I'll be friends with forever. Yeah, they were all guys, most of them married, and all of them wonderful :) Who ever woulda thunk I'd be the girl bonding with all the guys?! But we had great times playing lots of Ping-Pong and....shoot, I can't remember the name of the card game - it was this game with tons of rules to try and follow all at the same time. Anyway....

On a way different note, I can't stop thinking about Minneapolis - my home. I think I have heard from most of my loved ones up there, but I'm still pretty traumatized that something like that happened, and that that's actually the way people had to die. Freaky.

Much love to all...