Coming together to make a difference that was the idea and concept I took with me for the month long political campaign in Florida. I wanted to get involved and do my part as a American citizen. The Presidential election was a month away and in spite of what was going on in the country instead of complaining about it, I wanted to do something about. After doing my research, I stumbled about a nonprofit org that was working for progress that would address many issues to the American public. There was the economy, medicare, gun control, woman's rights, gay and lesbian rights and civil rights. We had a month to address these issues to the Floridian public, but it wasn't going to be easy. I got a position as a campaign volunteer going door to door canvassing in the Orlando. It was a challenging position, as I had to go to different neighborhoods and speak to different classes of people from the poor to the middle class and the rich. I wanted to take my curiosity to explore and find out the truth. The first week was a bit of a challenge, as we not only had to learn about the Democratic candidates, but we also had to familiarize ourselves with the Republican candidates we were going up against. Outside the lines of providing the information and literature I had the opportunity to witness some disturbing things. Walking around neighborhoods shed some light on issues that I thought was in our past times. In poor white neighborhoods, there were some who wanted to relive the glory days of the south, where the confederate flag was flying high. It creep me quit a bit to tell you the truth, because some of the looks I received weren't welcoming at all. Doors slammed in my face threats of leaving the property or else I would be attacked by their dog, or the occasional blank look of what the f... are you even doing at my door step, but as time I knew it came with the job description so I had to man up. Issues that surfaced during the second week were gun control and civil right. I asked several sources who want their identity to remain anonymous that the issue of gun control needed to be dealt with quickly and more aggressively. Having the opportunity to drive through Orlando I can see why many people where concerned as gun and pawn shops where easy to spot on local roads. That was disturbing to many, because guns can now be controlled by criminals or those with mentally disorders. Which takes me into my next issue of civil rights and stand your ground law. Talking with a couple relatives from Florida, they filled me in to why the law was implemented and problems it posses to the African- American community. In Florida if you feel you threaten you have every right to defend yourself. It many cases this hurts African-Americans and other minor groups. Many nights when I would be driving with my cousin after a long day of canvassing, I would see police officers in numbers of two to three squad cars on the side of the road searching for either guns or drugs. Many times I would see an African-American or a Hispanic person on the side of the road. Having spoken to my cousins whom are firm believers in having the rights to bare arms, because protecting their families were their first priorities. In their argument they said, law enforcers want to disarm the Africa-Americans community because they want the white supremacy to remain in power. By the third week I was getting feedback when it came to woman's rights and medicare. The women I spoke to while I was canvassing stated that the role of woman have grown significantly within the last fifty years, but they would like to see more woman in more cooperate positions receiving the same pay as men.When it came to medicare, many elderly persons I spoke with said, Obama care was the right step in the right direction, but it needs to be past through quickly, so they can start receiving medicare insurance quickly. They are some who opposed the idea, saying the country needs other incentives, because Obama care is going to cause the country an arm and a leg in the long run. The last issue was the gay, lesbian and transgender rights. Since its been a state by state issue there are many who wanted it to be dealt with on the federal level. They added it's only fair that the government should intrude and past laws given gays and lesbian the right to marry whomever they choose, because the principals of America gives them the right to do. By the fourth week canvassing I had the chance to know an incredible group of passionate and dedicated people. First there was Aaron Carr, who was a New York native. He was in charge of finding out the areas where we needed to go and canvass. He was a very passionate person and great leader who took the time to fill us in on all the news and briefings. He kept us motivated and prompt and I learnt a great deal from him. Keith Hubbard was the director of the campaign, he kept us informed on all the issues and he kept us motivated to why we joined that campaign in the first place. I learned from him by seeing. Then there was Jane Gilmartin, she was in charge of keeping the office running in a orderly fashion. She was in charge of hiring new recruits as well as making sure we were on top of our game every time we step out to canvass. I learned from her how to be organized. Then there was Kelly Sanders, she was the assistant director, she was in charge of debriefing us at nights end. She would coordinate with the directors to make sure sure we were on top of our game. She taught me how to handle negative criticism and turn into a positive. Then there were the other canvassers whom I had a great time and pleasure getting to know. Andrew Bryan was one of the most carefree and outgoing persons I've ever met. I called him my brother from another mother. Britt Ham was one of the coolest chicks I've ever met. Her personality was very carefree and very fun loving. Mary Claire was very sweet, she would be down for anything, which made me fall in love with her personality. Ramon De Moya was a clown and every opportunity he got he would joke and laugh. He was a very cool and interesting person, once you got to know him. Lizi Bourassa was such a cool person, her openness to life made her such an interesting person to know and talk to. Gina Jo Gesting was a very sweet girl, and a great dancer might I add. Paul Goldstein was loads of fun, he was the ring leader of the group when it came to partying. I enjoyed watching him drum on the last night during our victory campaign. Michael Soldati was a great guy. I enjoyed hearing his travel stories. He was a very worldly person with a very open mind. Steven Ospina was a very down to earth, and I enjoyed sharing my stories with him. All and all it was an amazing experience and I couldn't think of a better group of people to have shared this experience with. We made history that night, not only turning Florida into a blue state,but we can tell our kids we were apart of something that truly reflected what it meant to be an American. It was the right to excerise our rights. It was a pleasure and honor being apart of something so momentous. Best of luck to everyone and hopefully we can cross paths again in the future.
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