Breaking my self imposed silence

There has been a great deal of talk about the Super Delegate issue in grassroots circles and blogs of late. The Super Delegate system of the Democratic "Party of the People" feels totally out of whack to many of us, but I have to say that I feel a little better about things today.

I'll be honest, I don't know if posting this is ok. I don't know if I'm breaking rules or betraying a confidence. I'm not going to post all of the original email I got, but recently a NC Super Delegate emailed me (and many others) asking for feedback and advice on how to vote in Denver.
==========================================
From: XXXX
Sent: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 9:35 pm
Subject: Please advise this NC Superdelegate!

XXXX
Member, Democratic National Committee
XXXX

Dear Fellow North Carolina Democratic Party State Executive Committee Member –

As one of your elected DNC Members, I am an “Unpledged Party Leader” under the DNC Rules – a “Super Delegate” in common parlance. I want your thoughts and advice. I am uncommitted, but in my conversations with my neighbors, the folks at church, other Democrats, DNC Members from around the nation and particularly in the South, I feel as though it may be important to choose soon.

With one of the most momentous elections of our times at hand, we know that we have to get this right – if we miss the opportunity to save this country from the ravages of Bush, Cheney and their legions of cronies, we should never forgive ourselves – our children certainly won’t.

This political process is not new to me. I have worked in elections since 1964 when I handed out bumper stickers for Richardson Preyer for Governor at age 10.

...

Can they both serve? Yes. Can they both win? Yes. Will they both be life altering Presidents? Yes. Can they help us in North Carolina to win our US Senate seat and Congressional seats? That is what I need to hear from you. You are in the field – you will be knocking on the doors. Who moves you to go that extra hour? Put up those last 10 yard signs? Haul those last 2 voters?

Let me know. Email me (it’s cheaper!) or call me – my cell is xxx-xxx-xxxx. Don’t be shy – we have a President to elect and a nation to save!

===========================================
I'm pretty sure this is real. So ... I decided to respond and here is my email back to this pretty smart savvy NC Super Delegate....

Dear Mxx. XXX:

This question is a difficult one for me. I was a big Edwards supporter and I was not sure who I would vote for in the primary, but I will tell you that my son will be voting for Obama. In fact, not only will he vote for him, he is uncharacteristically, unexplainably JAZZED about this young Senator from Chicago.

When my boy registered to vote at 18, I tried to encourage him to join the Young Democrats. His response was gentle but firm -- that he intended to vote, but that was it. He wasn't "into" politics.

Today, at 21, he's figured out how to get his absentee ballot and decided when to vote and how to make sure his vote counts in NC's primary. He is a Junior at UNC-Chapel Hill but he got on a plane last September and left this land to do his Junior year abroad in Tubingen, Germany. I recently learned that he researched our primary system to figure out when the best time to vote would be. He could have voted early with ex-pats in his region of Germany or hold out for the NC primary. In the midst of all that, he joined a service group in Tubingen called "Rent an American." He goes to schools and youth groups to talk/answer questions about our history and our system of government. This is not what I would have expected. It is all a very wonderful surprise. This kid who actively disliked all things political before 2007 went to the trouble of educating himself about our primary system and figuring out when he could have the most influence ... 1) voting with a group of ex-pats in his region in Germany, or 2) waiting for the May NC primary. He decided to wait for May. He wants to help Obama in any way he can.

And now, as a continuation of his enthusiasm, he's talking about going into the Foreign Service after school ... not because he loves the idea of the Foreign Service, but because he loves the idea of representing America for the Obama Administration in other parts of the world. My boy is scary smart, funny, organized and astute, but he has always been a quiet bespeckled bookworm/video game geek of the highest order. I am truly amazed at his transformation. He is so excited about the hope of Barack Obama becoming our next President that it spills over on me and I can't help but hope and smile and dream with him.

So ... that is just one story of how NC goes Blue in 2008 -- Democratic for President, a solid Democratic Senator added to the ranks of the 100 on the Hill, Kissell in the 8th, Johnson in the 10th, and a whole lot of trouble for several other R Congresspersons (3rd, 9th, 5th, 6th) here in the Old North State.

I am leaning heavily Obama myself these days, if only because I love seeing the hope and promise and optimism and desire to serve growing in my boy and his friends. Their collective civic conscience is awakening. They are looking forward to working to restore this nation and our place in the world. I am convinced that these young people - these kids of all shades and ancestry like my average white boy from common German/English/Moravian/Irish stock will lift this country and our cynical old spirits up and carry us over Dr. King's mountain to the authentic promise of America. There is no question they are strong enough and ready for the challenge. I say, let us pass it to them. This is their time to lead. America's best days are ahead of us.

Thanks for asking, and I hope this finds you and yours well and happy.

Truly,

Leslie H xxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"In my life, I have learned two great lessons ... One is that there will always be heartache and struggle; the other is that people of strong will can make a difference. One is a sad lesson; the other is inspiring. I choose to be inspired." -- JRE

=======================================

I believe that. I do, with all my heart. With these kids jumping in and lending a hand and grabbing a corner and pulling and working ... America's best days are ahead of us.