Winds of Change

Connecticut voted for change Aug. 8, and it was as refreshing as the change in the weather.

With change comes hope, something people need. It also sent a shot across the bow of George Bush, Karl Rove, and other conservatives. While some were afraid of change, the majority wished for it, welcomed it, and reveled in it till the wee hours of the morning.
Being involved in the Ned Lamont campaign was as exciting a thing as I've ever been involved with. I'll never forget the feeling when Lamont addressed us in Meriden. I remember seeing Jesse Jackson on the podium and thinking of his "Keep Hope Alive" speech. Today in Connecticut, hope is alive and well.
I was a bit disappointed East Hartford went for Sen. Joseph Lieberman. Do I live in a red town surrounded by blue towns? Are my neighbors content with the war? Do they understand the ruinous effects of corporate-written free trade agreements supported by Lieberman? At Pratt and Whitney, East Hartford's jewel, the Machinists endorsed Lamont. They've seen the result of Lieberman's free-trade deals. They've seen manufacturing jobs disappear by the thousands. While Sen. Christopher Dodd and Rep. Rosa DeLauro fight these deals, Lieberman supports them.
So what do you think, East Hartford? Suppose Pratt packed and moved to Oman? Would you still support Joe?
I saw young people voting; many were minorities. Use your cell and call your friends, I'd tell them. You need to vote, young people, because there are people much older than you who are controlling your destiny.
Many younger and older voters were turned away because they were unaffiliated, but thanks for the effort, folks. They won't turn you away in November and we're going to need you. In part 2 of Lamont vs. Lieberman let's turn East Hartford blue and "keep hope alive." Then we can paint the town red.