Tag Archives: Democrats

Here comes the Commander-in-Chief!

19 Monday Jan 2015

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I arrived at 10 am, after a reconnaissance pedal-by verified that a line was already forming for tickets to President Obama’s surprise visit to Boise. The tickets were free, limited to one per person, and wouldn’t be distributed till 4 pm. There were probably 50 – 75 people in line in front of me. Many had been there since 6 am.

Idaho is, if not the, certainly one of the most conservative states in the country. A sample of Idaho policy:

  • Taxes the poor while doling out tax exemptions to the wealthy and the corporate
  • Welcomes spent nuclear fuel with open arms but without any viable, safe measures of storing it
  • Sanctions wolf shooting and bunny clubbing derbies as a form of wildlife management
  • Withholds basic human rights protections from the LGBT community, while
  • Protecting the rights of concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns to school in their backpacks and briefcases

And yet there are enough Democrats in Boise to queue up on short notice, on a cold, foggy day to wait for the opportunity to see our President.

I have never waited longer than 30 minutes in line for a meal, movie, concert, or celebrity. But it’s never too late for a new experience, right? During the first three hours, we huddled under coats, blankets, and sleeping bags. 2015/01/img_0529-0.jpg

DSC_0716 DSC_0707 DSC_0730Ad hoc friendships ignited as strangers saved places in line for one another’s potty breaks and food runs. Around noon, the sun finally burned through the stubborn fog layer. These Indian families, in town to visit their BSU student daughters, came prepared for the long wait. They generously shared snacks and REAL home-brewed Chai.

These Indian families, in town to visit their BSU-student daughters, came prepared for the long wait. They generously shared snacks and REAL hot, home-brewed Chai.

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The press showed up. These days journalists are masters of it all, shooting, interviewing, and schlepping their own gear.

The press showed up. These days journalists are masters of it all, shooting, interviewing, and schlepping their own gear.

IMG_3173IMG_3175The line continued to expand, wrapping around the south end of the the Albertsons famous (blue-turf) football stadium, all the way to the east entrance and beyond. DSC_0714

DSC_0721At 3:43, six ticket windows opened and an emotional jubilee rang through the parking lot. By 3:48, I had ticket in hand and by 4 pm, I was home delivering the message! IMG_3181 IMG_3182Reportedly, 5,000 tickets were handed out within an hour. Unfortunate late-comers were turned away. Wednesday, the 21, will find me in line again for an unassigned, standing room only, patch of ground inside the Caven-Williams Sports Complex. #ThanksObama!