CHARLOTTE--Fresh from a successful debate in Cleveland, Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Senator John Edwards, brought her energy home to North Carolina and shared it with eager and exuberant Charlotteans. Among the eager and exuberant supporters was the blogger, Anonymoses Hyperlincoln, or he whom some call "Dave". More on that later.
Looking around Google News, you'd think Mrs. Edwards only said one thing, as they all seemed to pick up on that one thing and share it amongst themselves. She did not say just one thing. She said everything. And were I her counselor, I might tell her to save her breath, since the media are apparently too lazy or cheap to expend more ink on the future First Lady. Prescience is not one of their strong suits. But, then again, she was talking to the people, the Charlottean and veterans...not the soundbite hunters and gatherers...good people, all.
Most of the reporters I saw there must have been committing it to memory, since I only saw them pull out their pads once or twice, and then only briefly. And they get paid for this. Drink more coffee, gents!But then again, I had a pad, and didn't use it. I suspect I was just as mesmerized by Mrs. Edwards and her guests as anyone else.
Her guests, whose names I sadly do not have, were two women whose lives have been direly impacted by Bush's poor judgement and decisions.
One young woman was in the Pentagon at the time of 9/11. She told us how she, and many others like her, were ushered out of the system in order to remove their own responsibility toward these unfortunates. Future unfortunates, I should say, as it was due to Bush and his policies that all she has was taken away.
The other guest had the room in tears, as she spoke of just how poorly the families of soldiers in Iraq are treated by the current misAdministration, and to a crowd largely made up of Veterans of Foreign Wars...who know this should not be happening, and feel, in their hearts, and identity with this young wife who is struggling, emotionally and financially, with the situation afforded her by George W. Bush, Man of the(rich)People.
During the visit, Mrs Edwards spoke on a broad range of topics, and showed that she has a grasp of the problems they will be facing, as well as the problems Americans are facing. But I really think people already know this about her. Most probably just want to meet her and exchange a few niceties, tips, and web addresses. So, again, I want to suggest that she relax, take it easy, have nice conversations with people...and not worry about making sure all the points are covered. There are too many to digest. This current administration has broken pottery in every way possible or imaginable. They are the anti-Tao, if you will...acting in direct antagonism to Nature and Spirit. Just seeing that you are genuine, authentic, honest, a champion of the people and truth...and yes, friendly, charming and graceful -- all of which come naturally -- is all she really need do. The rest is gravy. And I'm thankful for the gravy I sopped today. Hard to beat a good Southern gravy.
After wrapping up (which entails having operatives walk down the aisle with microphones in their hands, thus signalling Mrs Edwards that it was time for questions...and upon answering said questions...Mrs Edwards began greeting the crowd of well-wishers.
Being the gentleman that he is, Anonymoses Hyperlincoln, allowed elderly women to step in front of him, and have the first shake, all the while reminded of the saying about "the Baker serves his favorite last", and almost believing that, for some unknown reason, surely wrong, that he was, somehow, her favorite. Mrs' Edwards' reaction alerted him that this was indeed not the case, although she did spent a minute of two, and Mr. Hyperlincoln was able to congratulate her on her victory, and on her blogging. He said he wrote for Daily Kos and he was able to extend a greeting from the blogosphere. And he was able to invite her to come to his "Joycean blog, Anonymoses"...which she probably forgot just as quickly as she heard it.
A great visit. Try it.
