Night and day

PHILADELPHIA — If political conventions tell us anything beyond the predictable, the one held last week in Cleveland and the other going on this week in Philadelphia pose contrasts so stark that one wonders if the two groups hail from the same country. Hint: One of them didn’t present a diverse cross-section of America.

Whereas Cleveland’s arena was a relatively sparsely populated panorama of predominantly pale faces animated by anger, Philadelphia’s is a teeming, multicolored mass of (mostly) joyous celebration. In starkest contrast, Bernie Sanders, unlike Republican runner-up Ted Cruz, handed the baton and a passionate endorsement to his party’s nominee.

The Democratic convention managed to wrestle unity from the Sanders crowd while Republicans left their gathering as divided as ever. Not even the storied email scandal — the hacked Democratic National Committee files released on convention eve, not Clinton’s private server — muted the enthusiasm of delegates.

On opening night, a series of speakers carefully culled from the trove of democratic demographics related personal stories that were lovely and touching, if at times it felt like a group therapy session. Then along came comedian Sarah Silverman, who broke the spell with a little reality therapy, telling the “Sanders or Bust” crowd, “You’re being ridiculous.”

This is what passes for scandal when banal DNC emails make one yearn for the days of gloved burglars with flashlights. Even speculation about Russian intelligence being behind the hack and trying to influence the outcome of the presidential election (really?) pales next to the flesh-and-blood drama of Watergate.

The Russian conspiracy theories, loosely posited by the Clinton campaign and others, go something like this:

Donald Trump has expressed admiration of Vladimir Putin. Trump has recently turned more pro-Russia, suggesting he wouldn’t interfere with Russian aggression if NATO members don’t pay a fair share for their defense. Oh, and Trump has refused to release tax returns. Might they reveal business associations with certain Russian parties?

Then, too, the hackers, who did not breach the Republican National Committee, according to the FBI, could just be messing around.

Either the Russians have no interest in what Republicans chat about or they don’t need to spy because (cue “Bourne Identity” soundtrack) Trump and Putin are already in constant contact. Actually, rumor has it that Trump’s hairdo conceals a chip that feeds his thoughts directly into a computer located in an underground silo in remotest Kamchatka, where analysts celebrate the coming New Russian Empire with shots of Trump Vodka. But I digress. After Silverman, who was paired with the formerly funny Sen. Al Franken, came a series of heavy hitters, including fellow Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Sanders with affirming and unifying messages. First lady Michelle Obama, who stole the show, was gracious as she serially insulted Trump without once mentioning his name — the ultimate putdown.

Contrast this to the direct, full-frontal, name-calling insult-athon that has been the Trump campaign. Even winning the nomination failed to improve his mood or personality. Winning has always been Trump’s endgame, so why wasn’t he happy?

By contrast, there’s no reason to imagine that the first woman ever to be nominated to the presidency will maintain a grim expression as Trump did following his nomination. He obviously made a decision to forgo the victor’s grin and instead bear the countenance of a general about to enter war. Happy warrior isn’t in his repertoire.

Whatever one’s political persuasion, objectively, the future belongs to the party that reflects the nation it aspires to lead. This would not be the party whose platform, though not binding, seeks to undo many of the rights — reproductive choice and same-sex marriage — that most Americans find acceptable.

The math simply doesn’t support a viable Republican Party without a long period of reconstruction following the Trump demolition. This is true if Trump wins or loses.

In the meantime, sentient Americans aren’t the only ones worried about what comes next. On Tuesday, I moderated a panel before an international audience hosted by National Democratic Institute. A woman from Africa summarized the sentiments of the larger group with her question. Noting that people around the world depend on the United States to be the shining light for all, she asked: Who is the best to provide the moral leadership of America?

The world awaits our answer.

Turkey’s President Erdogan has apparently rounded up the culprits for the failed coup d’tat. The media has publicized that he said, “They will pay dearly for this.” Oh, how I wish John F. Kennedy could have had the opportunity to say the same. None of his killers were brought to justice. If any of you out there still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was a lone shooter, you are quite naive. Wake up, America!

In the 1960s, a movie called “Twelve Angry Men” was produced. The movie clearly outlined the issues that trouble our judicial system. Here it is — nearly 60 years later — and our courts are worse off than ever. Even though we have advanced forensics, we still rely on the same ill conduits for prosecution. What has changed in the last 60 years? Not much. Big money still gets the best defense and one race cannot identify anyone from a different race. Wake up, America!

I find it ironic that the five officers killed in Dallas were murdered not too far from where JFK was gunned down. What has changed in these last 50-plus years? Not much! Innocent people are getting killed and the hate, prejudice and the self-centered up, America!

Recently I was seeking employment. Here I am, born and raised in the United States and I have to be bilingual to even be considered for some jobs? If you go to Germany, learn German. If you travel to Russia, learn Russian. Seems to me if you come to America, you should learn English! Keep your proud and important heritage in the privacy of your own homes. I should have to listen to several languages on the phone where the English button is number 2. The English language is what binds us together! Wake up, America!

I am sick to death of big shot politicians getting away with lies, murder and deceit because their big money keeps them above the law. I am sick to death of the Pentagon’s warmongers and upper echelon’s lies sending our young boys and girls into military chess games that have not been declared war by our congressional authorities. I am sick to death of lobbyists wheeling-and-dealing with our elected officials as to how our tax dollars should be spent! I am sick to death of corporate fat cats using and abusing young, struggling moms and dads who are simply trying to provide for their families. President Eisenhower warned us about egotists remain. Wake domestic enemies. Wake up, America!

Michelle’s address to the Democratic convention was electrifying, as some pundits said, and I agree. America is the greatest country in the world. She made me proud to be an American and a black woman, as well.

Having Hillary Clinton elected president will be good for Arkansas. What other state has produced a man and woman as president?

Michelle’s message also stressed the privilege it was for her, as a mother, to have raised two daughters in the White House, as Bill and Hillary did with Chelsea.

She also stressed the fact that the White House was built by slaves, but the country has moved on and elected the first African-American president. What a great first lady she has been, inspiring to young people to strive for excellence by working hard to educate themselves and become productive citizens.

Blessings to all.