Today, Beantown was Deantown
Posted on September 23, 2003 at 3:26 pm | No Comments
Presidential candidate Howard Dean, the guy who’s got my support, a little bit of my money, and eventually my vote, made a stop in Boston today for a rally that drew an estimated 4000-5000 people to Copley Square. It was one hell of a crowd, despite gray skies, a building wind, and a threatening storm …
Dean arrived a few minutes late (ah, Boston traffic), and was introduced by a woman named Kelly Fitzsimmons, who described herself as “a mom, a citizen, and a Red Sox fan”. She wasn’t a politician, wasn’t even a practiced public speaker, just someone who believes in Howard Dean. She says she spent the first 37 years of her life uninvolved in politics, and that Dean was the man who finally prompted her to become politically active. She was “no one special”, and at the same time, she was just as special as any of us. That’s the kind of campaign Dean is running… ordinary people are extraordinary, and they can become involved in our democracy at every level, whether it’s by donating time, money, or just their well-informed vote.
Dean came on to raucous applause, a sea of waving signs, and overwhelming cheers. His speech was a much-improved variation on his now-familiar stump speech; historical references and present-day relevance, upping the criticism of our currently appointed president. Head on over to the Dean blog and read some for yourself. There’s some seriously inspiring words in there, and they sounded great coming from a man fired-up enough to take the White House …
Y’know, I’m not a crowd person… generally, can’t stand being in ’em. I’m usually good for about 15 minutes unless there’s a really good band about to hit the stage. I have to say, though, being in this mass of people was different. Those around me were respectful of each other’s space, conversational, curious, enthusiastic, and, well, just damn nice. It was a great vibe, a hopeful one. Made me feel even better about the campaign than I already do.
More of my photos from the rally are here. Enjoy.
Check out this article at Boston.com while you’re at it. Oh, and Go Dean!
Next Tuesday : Back Behind the Kit
Posted on September 23, 2003 at 9:43 am | No Comments
I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I’ve played drums in a rock club. The last Also-Rans show was in August ’02, and I’ve understandably been feelin’ a little rusty.
Well, I’ve finally got a chance to rock out again, and it’s just a week away. Kind gentleman that he is, my friend Adam (who plays in Lockgroove) asked me to work on some songs with him and Valerie (from Mistle Thrush) for a one-time gig at O’Briens in Allston. We’re callin’ ourselves Broken River Prophet. I was feeling pretty nervous about it up until practice last Sunday when things really started to come together. Now I’m a little more psyched than I am scared. Always a good thing.
the facts …
Tuesday, September 30th,
at O’Briens, 3 Harvard Ave, Allston, Mass.Shark Mountain
Mexico 1910 (from New Orleans)
My Education (from Austin, TX)
Broken River Prophet (that would be us)
Yeah, we’re playin’ last. Call it headlining, call it the sucker spot, but make sure you take a nap, and pray for an easy time at work for me the next day.