DNC 2012: Waltham Delegate Excited For Convention
Waltham resident Rhonda Bourne is heading to the Democratic National Convention this week.
Waltham resident Rhonda Bourne will be attending the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 4 - 6 in Charlotte, N.C. as a Massachusetts delegate. Waltham Patch spoke with her recently about her plans and thoughts about the event.
How did you become a delegate?: Bourne said she was elected at a Congressional caucus meeting along with others. State committees can also elect delegates, according to Bourne.
What will your role be as a delegate?: Bourne said she will caucus with different groups to discuss various Democratic issues and will likely review the party’s official platform. She said support for gay marriage will likely be added into the platform. In addition, Bourne will officially cast her delegate vote to nominate President Obama as the party’s candidate. Bourne also plans to watch the various scheduled speakers, including Massachusetts senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, former President Bill Clinton as well as Obama.
What are you most looking forward to at the convention?: Bourne said she is excited about being with like-minded people who share her passion for politics. "I'm really invested in politics," Bourne said.
What will you take away from the convention experience? "More energized, there is going to be alot of work."
Don Michael Donahue
3:05 pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2012
What an inspiring story! GO
Rhonda,
DNC, Obama USA!
Ryan Grannan-Doll
9:08 am on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The following was submitted by Waltham delegate Rhonda Bourne on her convention experience: "The police presence here has been intense. There are police from as far away as DC. It feels like a sad commentary that we require so much police presence to insure the safe practice of democracy. The convention has not actually begun. We had our delegation breakfast and another get together. Keith Ellison spoke at our breakfast this morning, then Jessie Jackson stopped by unexpectedly and spoke to the delegation, Suzanne Bump, our auditor spoke as well. The speeches are mostly intended to motivate and inspire the delegates. MSNBC has set up shop accross from our hotel. Chris Mathews is there, but sadly, no Rachel Maddow. This morning there was a conversation about racism in politics, but they would not address the issue of voter suppression. Why do we worry about voter fraud, which is almost non-existent and not concern ourselves with the reality that so many people don't vote."
Ryan Grannan-Doll
7:14 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
The following was submitted by Waltham delegate Rhonda Bourne (Part 2)
Just returned from Charlotte North Carolina this afternoon. What an exciting 4 days it was. Speeches excitement, a chance to talk with very serious politically minded people for all hours in to the night. We were all disappointed that Obama's acceptance speech had to be moved inside. So many people from volunteers, family members who flew in just to see him in the stadium missed out on seeing him speak. His acceptance speech was not the best speech I have ever heard him give. Deval Patrick, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, and even John Kerry and Joe Biden gave better speeches.
Ryan Grannan-Doll
7:15 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
The following was submitted by Waltham delegate Rhonda Bourne (Part 3):
....But I was inspired by his efforts to make his case for re-election. Have there been X number of jobs created since the collapse of the financial market. I am not sure. It reminds me of what my dad always said figures don't lie, but liars figure. So, who is the liar; Romney or Obama? I don't know that either and I think the media does not do a good job spelling out the facts and then the experts they have come on, only confuse the situation more. What I do feel confident about is that the Republicans made a deep hole economically and now want to dig the hole deeper by tax cuts for the most wealthy citizens. That does defy arithmetic. I don't believe that the Republicans will improve the economy with their ideas. Who are the job creators? How much power does the President actually have to create jobs or policies that create jobs. I heard that demand creates jobs, so job creation would be spurred by giving consumers more disposable income.
Ryan Grannan-Doll
7:15 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2012
The following was submitted by Waltham delegate Rhonda Bourne (Part 4):
I care about my neighbor and my community and it is important to me that government does invest in the general good. Becuase there are those that cheat on welfare or other social programs does not mean we should stop those programs. The Republican idea is that each of us has to pull ourselves up by the boot straps, but what happens to those who have no boots or no hands? In the movie, It's A Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart does all he can to prevent having to lay off his workers. Recently Jay Leno took a 50% cut in pay to prevent staff from being fored. We need more people like that.