viewpoints » S end letters to: letters@thejewishnews.com 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.