September 2, 2008

Of course I went to bed way too late. I do that. I got on a roll and the laptop just kept calling me. Sleeping on a fast-moving train is interesting, but I liked it and slept hard until 9:00 am.

Grabbing the paper at my door, I skimmed through it. The speculation about Palin and McCain’s potentially disastrous judgement is rife. It is hard to imagine the intensity of the feeding frenzy that the media is enduring at this moment. Ever since Palin was selected I have wondered who will ask her the simple question regarding her loyalty to and opinion of the U.S. Senate’s most prominent abuser of privilege and dollars – Ted Stevens. In fact, what has John McCain had to say about Stevens? Palin had to have benefited from Stevens' activities over time. How can she be the corruption buster if she has been dancing the Stevens Two-Step?

What grabs me most, however, is the article discussing the DECLINE since 2004 in the number Black delegates expected at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. While the Democrats had just over 24% of their delegates considered African American, the Republicans have only 13% of their delegates covering ALL “minorities” – or non-whites. Well, I know one thing. There were definitely some Republican Blacks in Denver! They may be capitalists, but they’re not stupid!

There is something very relaxing about a long train ride – provided the accommodations are comfortable. Never having traveled so long or so far on a train, this has been a valuable opportunity to get some perspective on life and politics from a point outside of New York City.

Even if you don’t simply sit and stare out of the window, the conversations overheard and joined are enjoyable and thought-provoking. At lunch, I sat with two young English men on holiday. Our conversation ranged from sightseeing in New York City (their destination) to international affairs, particularly the recent Russia-Georgia crisis. We concurred that parallels to the political environment prior to World War I were not unreasonable observations. But we also concurred that, unlike 1914, 2008 does not bear witness to nations willing to wage massive wars – but wars by proxy through economic policies and possible state-sponsored terrorism (including the proliferation of nuclear weapons through North Korea and others.)

Later in the afternoon, I spoke with Lamont Jones – who is charged with providing customer service to me and fellow passengers in the sleeper section. Lamont is the working class hero the media overlooks when they express their concern as to whether or not Barack Obama can win blue-collar Democrats. Let's be real -- it's all about WHITE Democrats. (Check out our discussion on the audio blog.)

A beautiful sunset is now taking place as we race south alongside the Hudson River. It’s great to watch as I listen again to my recording of the Sons of Brazil from our evening in Kansas City’s Blue Room. Somehow I feel both cleansed and rejuvenated by this trip. And, frankly, I’m not even thinking about the Republican National Convention.

The closer we get to New York City, the more I want to be home. The family will be reunited tomorrow.