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essay
Witnessing History At The DNC
I
’m not sure what first
change.
propelled me to go to
A lot of the art was done by
the Democratic National
Russell Craig, a man who taught
Convention in Philadelphia. Aside
himself to read, write and draw
from knowing my daughter,
while in prison. Celebrities
Amanda, was volunteering there
(Ashley Judd and Shailene
for the week, I had planned to
Woodley) and folks from all walks
watch from my couch.
of life were there. Powerful and
After securing a ticket through Diane Kaplan
thought-provoking images.
Orley
a friend in Texas and knowing
From there, we headed to the
I had a place to stay (with my
convention center to get a seat
daughter in a private home), it hit me that before it filled up. The 21,000 seats were
I was going to experience history being
not enough to go around so it’s a good
made with the first female nominee and
thing we did.
share the experience with my daughter.
While walking around, the people-
Upon arrival and walking in to pick up
watching was fantastic. Kids, parents,
my credentials, I found the buzz and feel-
grandparents, Bernie supporters.
ing overwhelming. So many people, so
Recognizable faces such as Ralph Nader,
much movement, security, organization of Cecile Richards and Joy Behar, to name a
events. It was a real thrill.
few. The energy in the room was electrify-
Our first stop was an art event put on by ing, and so many were moved with emo-
Truth to Power, an exhibition run to draw
tion, with tears flowing from men, women
attention to issues like gun violence, police and children.
brutality, women’s rights, student and
We sat next to a political consultant who
national debt, LGBTQ rights and climate
answered our many questions. What was a
Amanda and Diane Orley at the Democratic National Convention
delegate? How are they chosen? Who did
she feel was going to win the election and
why?
Besides some of the amazing speeches,
hearing “What the world needs now is
love, sweet love …” sung by 40 Broadway
stars was incredibly powerful and prob-
ably my most memorable moment.
To witness such an event with my
25-year-old daughter was beyond exciting.
The quote from Hillary — “With no glass
ceilings the sky’s the limit” — was really
empowering, especially being with my
daughter. Hillary speaking of her mother’s
influence on her life and Michelle speak-
ing about raising her daughters during
their formative years in the White House
was quite moving. Michelle’s quote about
living in a house built by slaves was a great
perspective of this moment in history.
No matter who wins this election, it is
still a momentous time to see a woman
accepting the nomination. My daughter
and I feel very lucky we could share this
together.
*
Diane Kaplan Orley lives in Bloomfield Hills.
Michigan GOP Facebook page
essay
What Makes America Great
I
have enjoyed so many opportunities
Conservative and Reform — who reach out
and experiences in my life. Nothing
to each other and make you feel like you have
quite hit me like this past month at the
friends all over the country. Never since I
Republican National Convention. I have
have been involved in the Republican Party
attended Super Bowls, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup
have I run into any anti-Semitism. In fact, I
Championships, Rose Bowls and the like. As
see and work with people who truly are pas-
the co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party,
sionate about Israel. It is an experience that I
I got to see firsthand the process of picking a
can’t describe — like-minded people gathering
nominee for president of the United States, and Jeff Sakwa
together and celebrating our cause, our goals,
it was an incomparable experience.
our country.
Each state party enacted its own rules for
America is the greatest country in the world.
its primary and decided how delegates are chosen to
Yes, there will always be disagreements, protests, con-
the convention. This process started almost two years
troversies and the like within the ranks of both parties,
ago and culminated this past month in Cleveland,
but isn’t that what makes our country so great?
Ohio. Our Michigan delegation met every morning at
Whether you agree or disagree with me, I can tell
our hotel with different dignitaries, including Ohio
each of you this … get involved in any way possible.
Gov. John Kasich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and
Get educated on the issues. Care!
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch. We had events each day held
This world is very different than the one we grew up
by our leadership, Attorney General Bill Schuette, Sen.
in. All of us have a responsibility to try to leave it bet-
Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, Speaker of the House
ter for the next generation. I take that responsibility
Kevin Cotter, Gov. Rick Snyder and Secretary of State
seriously, and I have opted to get involved to fight for
Ruth Johnson. It was an amazing experience, and our
the causes that I believe in. I encourage you to do the
delegation loved hearing from these great leaders.
same. Your voice matters. You can be an example to
Cleveland looked beautiful, and I never felt more
others. You can show your children and grandchildren
safe. In fact, all of the law enforcement officers were
how this process works.
cheered on a daily basis.
We are just people put here on Earth and are imper-
While in Cleveland, I met many Jews — Orthodox,
fect. Be patient. Listen to others who disagree with
8 August 11 • 2016
The 2016 Republican National Convention
you. If they care, mission accomplished. You partici-
pated. You might even learn something.
*
Jeff Sakwa is co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party.