Barack Obama at Concord High School: My Experience

We arrived at Concord High School at approximately 7:30 p.m. The parking lots were packed. People parked on the street and wherever they could find a spot. We waited in a line that wound around the main entrance of the school, the equivalent of several blocks long to a back entrance.This was a completely new experience for me so it was really exciting. All local radio and television stations were present. Police and secret service people were hyper-vigilant standing guard.

We were allowed to take our cell phones and cameras in. I had my purse locked in the car because my friend said we weren't allowed to take purses in. She had her cell phone and camera so I was satisfied with using hers. We were sent through security and metal detectors and were finally allowed in.

My husband was on his way to work at 5:00 in the morning and saw people already waiting at the school. He was amazed that people were there that early. He was disappointed that he couldn't go but glad that I got to go.

I was surprised at how many people were there and how many were for Obama. I said that I was not convinced either way. I was trying to keep an open mind. I saw many of my friends there that are closet Democrats. It appears that most Hoosiers are Republicans.

When we were allowed in the building a young lady approached Nancy and me. She asked if we would like to sit behind Barack Obama as representatives of Elkhart County. We said that we would love to, why not? She told us that when it was time she would lead us in. I have to admit I was quite taken in by the atmosphere. Said young lady along with maybe 50 other representatives escorted us in. I have to admit I was a little disappointed that we were not very visible on the news. My husband spotted me for a brief second. Then again Obama haters may stone me if they witnessed me behind him on television.

The opening prayer was said by Rob Stahly, a past Concord High School Principal. I was caught up in the frenzy as Evan Bayh made his entrance. I was able to shake his hand along with several others who were nearby. He made a very supportive speech in favor of Barack Obama. (I can't imagine he wouldn't considering he was introducing him.) Interestingly enough several of those who sat near us said that they didn't think that Rob Stahly was as positive. I overheard some say that they felt he gave a sermon instead of a prayer. I didn't perceive it in a negative way but it was obvious that some did. He is a staunch Christian and with a lot of those who believe Barack Obama is questionable in his religiosity it is possible that Rob is not a supporter.

I am a little country bumpkin who is not into politics at all. I was very caught up in the excitement. When Barack Obama made his entrance within feet of us I was right in line to shake his hand. I was one who got to shake hands with Barack. He made a dramatic appearance and took the stage in front of us. I noticed that those sitting in the front row, directly in front of him didn't seem to be Barack supporters. There was very little cheering and few smiles. The cameras were rolling and photographers were literally crawling on the floor in front of him trying to get different angles. I don't see how anyone can speak with all of that interference.

He is charismatic and enthusiastic. He is also a very handsome man. I don't think that he deserves the jeers about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.He made a couple of comments about the slurs that McCain made in reference to his star appeal. America should be talking about important issues not Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

Obama promised a $1,000 energy rebate to middle class families and also promised to invest some $150 billion over 10 years in alternative energy. (This sounds good but can a president promise this without the approval of Congress?)

He took questions from women and men, alternating between them. Most of the questions were not confrontational. One young man asked about his objection to oil companies making profits from their businesses. Barack said that that was a good question. I could have misunderstood him, but the gist was that they were making way over honest profits when the American people were struggling to survive.

He talked about repairing our country and pulling troops out of Iraq. He said that we are funding their rebuilding with our tax dollars and they have made over $70 billion on oil that we have bought. Barack believes they should pay for their own reparation and we should focus on fixing our own country.

Barack wants college education that is affordable to all people. Kids could do community service or go into the Peace Corp to help fund their education.

Healthcare should be affordable to everyone. He believes that anyone who is on social security that makes less than $50,000 a year shouldn't have to pay income tax.

He believes that we should focus on alternative energy. He said that we should build energy efficient cars in our country, not in Japan or other countries. There are endless opportunities for new companies and factories when it comes to working on solutions for alternative energy and rebuilding what is broken in America.

He doesn't believe that drilling for more oil on the coasts is the answer to our problem. We are way too dependent on oil. He did say that we have 68 million acres of land on which we can drill for oil but it is not a quick fix.

"We are going to double the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources by the end of my first term and that means investing in solar and wind and biodiesel," Barack said.

Obama also believes that we need to focus on high speed rails as a viable form of transportation. He made some snide remarks about air travel and all the hassles involved in flying.

A little girl named Natalia asked why he started running for president. Obama quipped, "I got hit in the head with a rock." He then seriously addressed her question and said that he wanted his little girls and all other children to have a safer, happier future. He told her that his little girl's name was Natasha.

Barack ended with "I need your help Elkhart, I need your help Indiana, let's go grab that better future for America, you and us together."

If he can do all that he says he is going to do, I am all for it. I don't believe there is any easy way to fix all that ails our country. I can only say that I was impressed, smitten, and had a great experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If McCain comes to Elkhart I would be just as eager to hear what he has to say. I doubt very seriously that he would sway me though.

You can watch Barack Obama's entire appearance at Concord HIgh School here.

http:// www.fox28.com