This past weekend,
I had the unique privilege of once again experiencing
the true democracy of a democratic society during the
Georgia
Fulton County
5th congressional district caucus. Over seventy people
offered themselves for service, vying for one of the four
seats as delegates to the democratic national convention
in Charlotte,
North Carolina. In my opinion, what
I saw and experienced was a true microcosm of the nation
in which we live. It was a productive democratic gathering
of people from diverse backgrounds, varying political
opinions but one sincere philosophical desire, wanting
the best for our united
states. The entire process was a
tangible representation of the adage, �we all came on
different ships, but we are all now in the same boat.�
The election procedure of candidates lasted throughout
the day and was indeed organized chaos at its best.
As
I listened to the speeches of each candidate and the reasons
for their desire to serve, I was amazed with the uniqueness
and personalization of each presentation. Each address
to the body assembled represented and spoke for some citizen
who perhaps lacks a voice in society. Looking over the
crowd, each person�s physical presence further represented
someone that could not be there to participate in the
democratic process. At the end of the day I submit our
democracy may not be a perfect situation, but it is the
best means by which the people and the person have meaningful
input in determining and affecting public policy.
In
a euphoric moment, I thought of the late Fannie Lou Hamer
going to the democratic national convention in New
Jersey during the summer of 1964. A woman of little means,
who was even referenced as �illiterate,� by convention
officials, Hamer had a fighting determined spirit and
zest that represents a larger than life cause. Her manifesto
still speaks for and advocates for society�s most vulnerable
of citizens. Her words are forever etched in history as
a reminder and moral compass, urging us always to make
political decisions and sound choices for that which is
morally and socially right for humanity.
Voter
empowerment is inclusive always of registration, education
and participation all working in concert. In this election
year, public officials will be elected from the most local
of levels to highest post in government, commander�in-chief.
I submit that there is a unique difference between a politician
and a public servant as well as a statesman and an elected
official. As parties and candidates begin to make their
seasonal rounds courting the public, it is my incessant
optimism that they be examined with intentional scrutiny
with an abundance of hope that we, the people will be
heard!
BlackCommentator.com Guest Commentator, The Reverend D. D. Prather, is a noted
Civil/Social Justice Activist and a native
of Atlanta, GA. Click here
to contact the Reverend Prather.
