Organizing for America | marisela urbina's Blog: The Rally; my thoughts

The Rally; my thoughts

By Marisela Urbina - Feb 13th, 2007 at 1:15 am EST

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Yesterday, Sunday February 11th I had the opportunity to see Barack speak, and rally for his campaign. His relatively short time on stage was spent reviewing some of the issues that are most rellevant as it were to the election and his campaign. It was great to be in the his presence and to hear his words through something other than a pair of computer speakers. While Obama seemingly re-capped his stances on many hot topics I was able to identify exactly all the reasons for which my vote truly belongs to him. Being a college student my focus is primarily on the education system. It is so corrupt and bias I am overwhelmed with concern for it's wellbeing, that being said Barack left no doubt in my mind that his presidency would address this issue head-on. Secondly I feel that social security is an issue that must be addressed, Barack has never spoken about social security in depth but he has successfully mentioned healthcare which can closely tie in to a general theme of taking care of America's citizens. And obviously, pulling out of war is a top priority.

However, to be perfectly honest... being around such a political enviroment was not as much of a pleasure, and not very reassuring at all. I was upset about the level of trickery, I felt as though I was just an extra in a movie. People were made to sit behind Obama for the best photo-op, despite the fact that clearly the people in those seats would be confronted by Barack's backside throughout the whole addressing, suggesting that although these audience members might not get a clear view of the event, 'hey maybe their faces will be plastered on CNN.com tomorrow!' I'm sorry but I'd rather focus on Baracks ideas and articulation, not the cameras. I was not there to meet the press, or be a poster child for political activism, I was genuine. I was there to create a better foundation of understanding for Baracks presidential campaign. I'm starting to think the political world has no room for geunine intentions, this doesnt' mean I don't believe in Barack. I understand that he has to play the game in order to get to the oval office... because hardly anyone in this world is aware enough to acknowledge its existance anyway, they are too far consumed by the commotion of it all. I just hope that Barack plays the game, and never gets played.

Call me hypersensitive or overtly analytical but I interpreted the "backs-to-Barack-faces-to-cameras" movement as a silent hierarchy of the issues at hand. It was as though my support for Barack did not matter simply because it was not being acknowledged by the media, and since the media is virtually the only communication tool for the outter world (including this very website, CNN, ABC, you name it...) about the event, i quickly became invisible. Out of (camera) sight? Out of mind. My section did not recieve posters, but guess what? Barack faced my way. I was not in the background of a picture of Barack at the event, but guess what? I was able to actively listen and tune into what was being said. But none of these positive notions were respected whatsoever. Politics are a scheme, we are pawns in some elaborate game of chess, but if I am going to play this game I'm going to study it, and work on my skills. I'm going to make this vote count.
Overall, I felt lucky to be there and sometimes a certain buzz of excitment would hit me and suddenly it'd feel as though being there made me part of a greater change, something I could only hope to see develope in its entireity. Some sort of history.

Also, I took some pictures so let me know if you are interested in seeing those!Thanks for reading,Marisela

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