Civics Lesson

Today Len, the homeschoolers, and I attended our FIRST EVER political rally. We went to Fairfax (along with 10,000-20,000 others, depending on which estimate you believe!) to see John McCain and Sarah Palin.

We were on a hill (in the shade--yes!) far from the podium but with a clear view.Here's a better photo showing the size of the rally.

I don't think I've ever found a candidate with whom I agree on every issue. Certainly no major party platform matches my beliefs. I vote every year, but sometimes with discouragement about my "choices". This year I feel hopeful.

It was more exciting/interesting than I expected to be at the rally. There was lots of enthusiasm and not too much trash-talking (certainly not from McCain or Palin).

As we were walking back to the car, the motorcade went right by us. Actually it almost went by, then stopped, then almost went by, then stopped again before finally driving past. Apparently John McCain got off his bus TWICE to mingle with the crowd--I could hear the walkie-talkies of the motorcycle escort. He didn't stop to shake our hands, but Joseph did get a shield decal from one of the police officers (who beckoned him into the street to give it to him).

The children are following this election more closely than I ever did at their age. They saw commercials for both candidates during the Olympics (we don't watch much tv) and have heard us discuss issues. Today we talked about Virginia as a battleground state and how the electoral college makes each state "all or nothing" for the candidates. They saw and heard politicians, protesters, and supporters. Some of the protesters were rude. Len told Joe that,"He who shouts loses the argument," only to hear someone on our side of the street yell something about "socialists and communists" and "voting for Muslims". Sigh. (Most people on both sides were adamant but civil.)

Altogether a day they're not likely to forget.