It was pretty amazing, particularly the speeches, people from all walks of life, people from all parts of town giving voice. I stood about 15 feet from the stage surrounded by others like me: clapping, hollering, crying, shaking our heads. Hugging and holding hands with strangers, that felt most meaningful to me. How do we measure success? The communal feeling, the power of that expressed emotion, the power of the grief and anger, the power of the articulation, and the reenergized feeling of connection = success.
Watching Mayor Ray Nagin just take it was very intense, in a very strange way. It gave my heart pangs. Also Nagin's press conference post the rally (he wasn't invited to speak but stood behind the stage the entire time) was very moving. He admitted wrongs, he did not make denials or demonize the people or anything that felt negative. I remain curious about what's going to happen next, I remain engaged - and I think that in and of itself is a victory.
Plus we're working to get neighborhood watch & self defense Uptown. Action action action! Now -
My dear, I wish I could have been there! But I will be there soon! And I am all about action!!!
Posted by: Sandy Parker | 18/01/2007 at 22:58
Ms. Elizabeth,
Sometimes the most noble -- and the most difficult -- thing is to simply and humbly listen. Kudos for your trenchant observations of the Major; his is not an easy position. Viewing him
with the grace that you do, while loving the city with a savage lyric sagacity, is the fruit of your own wild wisdom. There is warmth and kindness in your report of the Ray-man and Nawleans, and I have a feeling that both can use (and appreciate) the benefit of the doubt and the faith.
Cheers, Marci "Merci" Davis
Posted by: Marci "Merci" Davis | 22/01/2007 at 23:47