Small Town to Big City

I’ve read of violence and rallies and possible terrorist attacks. Every single officer in this town is on duty tonight, with the help of Secret Service. 

During my lunch break this afternoon, I saw two officers in black vests standing and watching people on the sidewalks. It only took those two for me to really grasp the concept of what will be happening this evening. I have never been in a big city during such an important event, and to be honest, I’m not a big fan. Aside from all of the craziness, the fact that every officer and Secret Service is needed tonight does not encourage me to dive into the madness. 

Every time I leave work, I am walking with the crowd away from the downtown area. Tonight I tried to make my way through the crowd, as large groups of people headed toward me for the night’s event. People sold t-shirts on the street corners and walked with signs. One man wore a pig mask with a McCain poster, and another got in his face. People screamed Obama’s name, and the amount of beggars I usually see on my path home doubled in the downtown area; I saw two people with no legs, one man who broke my heart and so many others hoping to get some money from the thousands who will be making their way through the city this evening.

Up to a half of a million people are expected to be downtown at Grant Park, where Barack Obama will be at 10 p.m. I should go witness history, but for the first time, the big city is too much for me.

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