RNC: A World Watches On

The great build and even greater divide along Cleveland’s north shores has come and gone, but not in the fundamental principles of so many that impassionately involved themselves in events throughout the week, as around every corner there were all walks of life hustling and bustling their stance on where we currently sit as a not so united “state” of America.

What would seem like opening ceremonies of ancient Roman proportions ushering in trumpeting elephants and party chariots swiftly drawing lines in the sand, was met by a collective cultural opposition facing off the party’s descending pedigree of silver spoons, common folk, perfect cigars, and a perceived perfect dream, parading a well-rehearsed beacon of groomed pomp and unwavering party allegiance throughout the downtown city streets.

With a palpable backdrop of recent police and community tensions both in Cleveland and across the nation, there was a heightened sense of pain and uncertainly that enveloped the city in a thick and grimy film of fear that left most Clevelanders deciding not to venture downtown to participate in any fashion, regardless of their party affiliation, and seeking to convince all others to do the same.

For those that did venture out in quiet activism for their voices to be heard, and to listen, they unanimously looked at the opportunity as one being a unique chance to share and show great love - that Cleveland, as a city, may help heal the hearts of all, regardless of where they are in life, or the circumstances that led them to their personal politics of today, as the entire media world engaged.

While there were certainly loud vocal protests against the incoming party guests and their platform, the real story behind the front line stories of the big media houses were ones such as: “Circle The City With Love”, where several thousand participants lined the Lorain Carnegie Bridge on both sides end to end, and held hands in total silence, and the Free Hugs Project, a growing multi-racial group that simply seeks to embrace the world, one hug at a time, without any thought of color, gender, religion, political affiliation, or uniform.  

This is the Cleveland that is the story behind the looking glass; a story of hope, not fear, of bold compassion, of growth, of understanding, and helping those to understand, that there is no greater agent of change, than love.