Just back from John Edwards 54th birthday party in Chapel Hill this afternoon

[mnhtnbb]

Featured: Brad Miller, Democratic Congressman NC--being touted
as possible Dem candidate to run against Sen Elizabeth Dole

Elizabeth Edwards

Dean Smith--venerable Basketball Coach of Tar Heels and longtime
supporter of John Edwards

John himself in shirt sleeves

There were several hundred people present on a hot Sunday afternoon
seeking shade under the blooming magnolias of the Best Western motel grounds
on Hwy 54-- soon to be converted to condos. Hot dogs, barbecued pork
and coleslaw were served up to bluegrass music.

When John took the stage he talked about Bush--called him
a bully who will have to be forced to end the Iraq War--and a guy who will
never admit a mistake. He talked about the responsibility of Congress to stand up to Bush. Edwards promised--to loud cheers--on his first day as president to close Gitmo.

He talked about spending money on primary education for children
around the world, instead of spending money on war.

He talked about the US becoming a leader again--a moral and just
leader--and leading on issues of global warming. Reducing greenhouse gases,
building the most fuel efficient vehicles in the world in union plants in the U.S.

He talked about universal health care. He talked about living
wages.

He talked about Americans being asked by their president to be patriotic about something other than war. He talked about the need for ALL of
us to participate in bringing back the moral and just leadership of the U.S.
He invoked JFK "Ask not what your country can do for you" and Gandhi.

He asked for the help of all of us.


It was a good speech, a responsive crowd. All ages, but
very white. Entry fee was $15/person.

My husband and I came away agreeing with what he had to say.

:party: