Is It Over Yet?

This week I went to the Texas Democratic convention in the Live Music Capital of the World.  Despite this moniker I heard exactly zero music in the day I spent at the convention center.  I did, however, manage to get handed a LaRouche flyer literally as I walked in the door.  This one detailed his theory about how McCain is in cahoots with the British government to defeat Obama.  Getting this flyer was probably the most exciting thing that happened to me all day.  I spent an awful lot of time pushing through crowds of people carrying their blue C-SPAN gimme tote bags.  Fortunately, the internet at the Austin Convention Center is free, fast, and available throughout the building.  I commend them on their fine network skills--because of them I was able to do some work while sitting in a healthcare caucus, a technology caucus, and my Senate District caucus.

After all that, I figured my participation in the democratic process was over.  It was not to be because Thursday word went out that Ron Paul was going to end his presidential run with an ice cream social at the Texas Republican Convention in Houston.  Well, I had to go to that.  I mean: free ice cream.  

Throughout this whole process I've been fairly disappointed by how disorganized Democrats seem to be.  They would call meetings and then not show up on time to start them.  They would shout over each other and not listen.  They would extend what should be simple voting meetings into the middle of the night.  And yet they want you to have faith that they can run your government.  This stuff would never happen at Republican events, I thought to myself.  In my mind, Republicans are like Germans, always running things efficiently and on time.

Well, I have to say that going to this event confirmed my suspicions.  I walked into the hotel ballroom and people were lined up waiting very politely for their ice cream.  And while it wasn't exactly premium ice cream, it wasn't exactly school cafeteria quality either.  It was middle-of-the road and vanilla.  Really it's like a metaphor for the Republican party.  

While we waited, were entertained by a singer-songwriter type at the other end of the room.  And what was this guy playing?  "Masters of War," "I Shall Be Released," and "Redemption Song."  Really.  

Everybody got their ice cream and as if on cue, a video cataloging inspirational moments from Ron Paul's campaign started, set to "I Won't Back Down," which is apparently the campaign song of choice.  There was also a spoof song with the lyrics of "New York, New York" replaced with "Ron Paul, Ron Paul."  Really.  At one point in the video a black woman says that she likes Ron Paul because he brings together people from all races and political backgrounds.  I looked around the room to confirm this, but the only black face I saw was carrying out the empty ice cream bowls on a tray.  I wish that were a joke, but sadly it is not.  Republicans are as white as their stereotype would lead you to believe they are--even the crazy, rebellious ones.

That said, the audience cheered loudest for the parts of Paul's speech that might have come out of the mouth of the most liberal Democrat: anti-torture, bring the troops home (not just the ones in Iraq, but the ones stationed in all foreign countries), eliminating the income tax.  Okay, two out of three are Democratic positions.  Nevertheless, it does seem that most Democrats and Republicans--even the ones in the heart of Bush Country--want the same things.  Which made it all the more disappointing to notice that the C-SPAN tote bags at the Republican convention were red.  You know, like red state red?  Et tu C-SPAN?  I never figured you for the divisive sort.

Finally, I point out that McCain is still desperately looking for some campaign music.  He can't catch a break.  It seems that he went with the odd choice of "Take a Chance on Me," only to be rebuked by ABBA.  Really.