Postmortem. 22 Items from 21 Days on the Road.

F. LoBuono

Here are some observations from my three weeks on the road covering the National Conventions, most of them are empirical in nature, some trivial, all of them are mine. They are not in any particular order.

1. Cleveland is a much more "manageable" city than Philadelphia. It's more accessible and a lot cleaner. The roads are better and the drivers certainly more civil. I noticed the difference as soon as I hit the road from the airport in Philly. I've never seen more heavy trucks in the left land and more people cut 3 or 4 lanes of traffic at the last minute to get to their exit. They are cannibals.

2. It took us almost as long to get our bags at the Philadelphia International Airport as it did to fly there from Cleveland in the first place.

3. Including trips back and forth from our hotels to the work sites, we traveled over 1500 miles. And, one of the producers calculated that between our multiple broadcasting locations, we walked the equivalent of about 5 miles/day.

4. The enormous influence that the United States has on the world was readily apparent in the hundreds of reporters from every corner of the globe that attended both Conventions. However, I heard German more than any other foreign language, followed by, perhaps, Japanese.

5. The Germans always sound like they're yelling.

6. Every foreign reporter that I spoke with is confused and frightened by the prospect of a Trump presidency.

7. Every host of a Faux News (aka Fox News) traveled with a security detail. I did not notice this with any other news entity. I wonder why that was?

8. Geraldo Rivera looked old and feeble. So did Dan Rather. But, Rather IS old and feeble.

9. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is about 5' tall.

10. Greta Van Susstern is also about 5' tall and wears "mannish" suits.

11. The security in Philadelphia was MUCH more benign than it was in Cleveland. In Cleveland I had to pass my vehicle through 2 levels of security, one only a block from the other. Then it took as long as another half-hour to clear personal security. AND, they wanted to confiscate simple tools that I use, like a flashlight! I wouldn't have it and went right to the top to get clearance for it. In Philly, I never had my vehicle checked and it took only minutes to clear personal security. The City of Brotherly Love??

12. The food at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly was MUCH better than that at "The Q" in Cleveland.

13. NJ Senator, Cory Booker, is a stud. Definitely Presidential material.

14. Ann Coulter is an ass hat. She pulled a temper tantrum with one of technicians. She came into one of our broadcast booths demanding attention or she would leave in :30 seconds. We just looked at our watches until the 30 had past and she left. ;). We told her to "tell her story walking".

15. Stephen Colbert travels with an entourage of about 30 people. Producing LIVE shots for him was a pain-in-the-ass!

16. Sean Hannity is pudgy.

17. Preliminary speakers of both parties were boring as hell.

18. The Conventions should be limited to 3 days instead of 4. And, there should be at least a week's hiatus between the two.

19. The entertainment at the DNC  blew away that of the RNC.

20. The nomination of Hillary Clinton as President was as exciting a moment as I have experienced.

21. The Acela train from Philadelphia was clean and very efficient.

22. There's no place like home.

And, one last thought:

The World is Watching!

Today's MOZEN: HOME

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It was an amazing, infuriating, challenging, ball breaking, fascinating, lucrative, frustrating, rewarding, taxing, historic, and, ultimately ENORMOUSLY successful mission. In reference more to my co-workers than to myself, I say this: not everyone can do what we do. Be proud my brothers and sisters. We did our jobs. And, we did them well.

My crew and I engineered and executed thousands of LIVE reports from both Conventions, WiTHOUT prejudice, to countries ALL OVER THE WORLD - from Japan to Portugal to Germany to Italy to Australia and too many others to mention. We also went from Coast to Coast in this Country - 24 hours/day.

More details to follow - as time allows.

In meantime, I have always maintained that the best part of traveling is coming home. The importance of being in ones own space, to shower in ones own bathroom, and too sleep in ones own bed cannot be overestimated. And, to be greeted with the warmth and generosity from family and friends to truly welcome me home is almost overwhelming.

Peace and Love, all.

Notes from the DNC: Day 6/Finale

Words and photos by F LoBuono

There are so many things in life that have to be experienced first hand, i.e. personally, to appreciate in their totality. Television, even using the latest ultra-real High Definition cameras and TV's, can only do so much. A good production can give you a sense of what the actual event might be like but, it is nearly impossible to capture the real feel of it.

Last night at the DNC was exactly what I am talking about.

There were about a million cameras there last night garnering the action from every conceivable angle. There were cameras above the stage, on it, near it, around it, and, yes, in it. There were even Steady Cams to give you the best feel for what it's like to be on the Convention floor. However, NONE of them could capture the emotion of certain moments. Especially ones like Hillary Clinton accepting her Party's nomination for President of the United States. It was Transforming.

And, if done well, that's EXACTLY why they have these darned Conventions!

Let's be real for a moment (although I always am). These events, both RNC and DNC, are staged affairs. They are highly choreographed. Speakers and entertainment are chosen for effect. And, like a good Broadway show, they build to a climax. So-called less important figures (meaning less famous) speak early in the evening followed by increasingly powerful ones. Both Parties approach this in the same manner. Still, there is a message not only in WHAT they say, but in whom is saying it. And, in the case of the RNC and DNC the differences are as illuminating as their core messages.

As their so-called celebrity speakers, the Republicans choose actor Scott Baio, TV personality Willie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame (I had to look him up) and football great Fran Tarkington, among others. As for the entertainment, I must honestly say I don't remember it at all (this may be just a failing memory, but I don't think so)! The Democrats countered with the likes of actors Meryl Streep, Lena Dunham and America Ferrara, basketball legend turned author Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and a host of others. The entertainers who performed included Paul Simon, Lenny Kravitz, Carol King, Alicia Keyes, and Katy Perry among many more appearing on tape. So, even in terms of Pop Culture, the difference in the two Political Parties was striking.

In the end (literally) it all leads to the moment everyone is waiting for: the formal of acceptance of their parties nomination for President of the United States of America. If done well, it is as awesome a moment as anyone could experience.

The GOP did a respectable job of leading into their Main Man, Donald Trump, although some would debate that. I believe that they did a creditable job of hammering home their message: God, Guns, Country. After 4 grueling days, Trump entered the arena to accept the GOP nomination to a wildly enthusiastic base. They chanted in unison TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! USA! USA! And, in his bombastic, imperial manner, he did not disappoint. He relished in the moment. As it has always been for me with BOTH parties, it was a spectacular moment. It's just so GRAND!

However, and, perhaps, it has at least partially to do with the fact that I so dislike the man, but Trump's acceptance moment could not compare in any way, shape, or form, to Hillary Clinton's at the DNC.

It couldn't.

It could not because it lacked the historic significance of nominating the first woman in the history of this Nation to the Office of President! And, the moment, and she herself, did NOT disappoint.

As I too often mention, I have been fortunate because my work allows me to witness many spectacular moments like a launch of the Space Shuttle or being in the eye of a hurricane. I have also been privy to many historic moments like the election of the first black man as President and a Pope. This, my friends, was every bit as awe inspiring.

When she strode with great confidence to the podium, the delegates erupted into a deafening roar that shook the arena. The energy level, which had ebbed and flowed through a long evening, ratcheted WAY up. As she spoke and laid out her plans for her vision of America, the crowd would interrupt with chants of Hill-a-ry! Hill-a-ry! Hill-a-ry! Any acrimony that may have still simmered from past divisions were drowned out by the chorus.

Ms. Clinton spoke well - in every sense of the word. Unlike her opponent, Mr. Trump, she avoided the use of pejoratives, even while at the same time being very critical of him and his policies. Or, should we say the LACK of such policies. Her vision was clearly within the progressive movement of the Party as she spoke of creating a society that is MORE inclusive, MORE intelligent, MORE compassionate. She made a point of mentioning her chief Democratic rival, Bernie Sanders, and even promised to implemented many of his platforms like free college education and addressing income inequality. Ms. Clinton spoke of her belief in science and directly chided Mr. Trump for his use of Fear and Loathing as a tactic. She was proud, strong, and, yet, still humble. She was obviously moved by the moment. In the end, Ms. Clinton is a woman with a plan. I believe that she won the crowd - and the day.

Once again, it was a privilege to be present in that moment.

And, it is only just beginning . . .

A little more - later - I need some sleep.

Ciao for now.

Notes from the DNC: Day 5

Words and Photos by F LoBuono

Last night, the Democrats took names and kicked ass!

Like a professional boxing card, the preliminary performers were little known and did their best to entertain the crowd with mixed results (Gaby Gifford's appearance being a notable exception). However, when the marquee names showed up the knockouts came fast and furious! Pow! Boom! Bash! One after the other delivered devastating blows to their opponent - the GOP.

Starting with Vice President Joe Biden and continuing through the late evening and into the night, they all spoke with honesty and passion. Biden, like a former champion fighting his last bout before retirement, gave his all and did not disappoint. Entering to a thunderous chorus of Joe! Joe! Joe!, he, as he always does, spoke from the heart - with deep feeling and integrity. He began the dismantling of the myth that the GOP nominee, Donald Trump, has created for himself. He called out Mr. Trump using the term malarkey to describe Trump's platform and policies. And, the crowd roared!

Former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg continued the assault saying, "I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one" while referring to Mr. Trump. He then preceded to further dismantle Trump by explaining that as a self-made billionaire businessman, in his expert opinion, if Trump ran the Country the way he ran his businesses, we would be in for SERIOUS trouble. Mr. Bloomberg further claimed that, as an Independent, he had no political ax to grind. His only concern was that the Country be run by the right person - and, that person ain't Mr. Trump. Again, also speaking with tremendous confidence and conviction, his words resonated with the huge crowd.

VP nominee, Tim Kaine, spoke to the Convention for the first time. Although not as passionate or intriguing as Messrs. Biden and Bloomberg, he presented himself as warm and compassionate - traits he pointed out that seem to be lacking in his GOP rivals. Highlighting the Democrats drive for diversity, he even delivered some of his speech in fluent Spanish.

The evenings final and featured performer, President Barack Obama, finished off the night by delivering the last and, perhaps, most ravaging blows. With the grace and self-confidence that have become his trademarks, President Obama used those traits to win the crowd immediately. Any division that might have existed in his party previously soon disappeared. He spoke of his own experiences as a candidate and then as President to explain why Donald Trump is so wrong for America and how Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, is so right.  While acknowledging his own mistakes, he admitted that Ms. Clinton has made her share, too. But, he went on to explain that hers were made in the crucible of the political arena for ALL the world to see. And, despite the sometimes bitter criticism, she has soldiered on with the tenacity of a REAL leader. He said that it is easy to criticize far away from the glare of the political spotlight. But, those with the guts to take it are worthy of our respect, as is Ms. Clinton. He also laid out the Democratic vision for America, which lies in strong contrast to that of the GOP. Where Democrats approach things with compassion and look to create a more inclusive society, the GOP under Mr. Trump sells it version of Fear and Loathing.

The night was completed when the President brought out Ms. Clinton to greet the crowd - and, the reaction was as enthusiastic as I have ever seen at any of the four Conventions I have covered. In a word, they went BALLASTIC! They cheered wildly for what was a few minutes but felt much longer. I thought that the rafters of the arena just might fall. As I mentioned, what had been a somewhat contentious affair, it was now all about love and togetherness. The Democrats had been united. And, it was most impressive to witness firsthand.

On a personal note, despite being exhausted from working too many hours to count and having been there, done that, I must say how energizing the whole affair was. Of course, like the GOP, the Democrats have been long on rhetoric and short on actual solutions. Still, in contrast to the GOP, this convention has been one of positive energy. One could not help but feel the difference. I know that all the reporters, from all over the world, that I have been working with felt it, too. Once again, it was a privilege to witness history.

I am a fortunate man.

More later.

Ciao for now.

Notes from the DNC: Day 4

Words and photos by F LoBuono

The difference in tenor between the two Conventions is readily apparent and STRIKING. The GOP Convention was all about FEAR and LOATHING. Speaker after speaker drove home their message of God, Guns, and Country using fear of crime, xenophobia, and paranoia as their central themes. Of course, their candidate, Donald Trump, was the puppet master playing on these fears. Certainly, there IS cause for concern. Not everything is right with the world or our Country. However, the GOP path to the solutions plays to the darker side of human emotion.

This is not so at the Democratic Convention. The mood, as reflected by the speakers AND delegates is much lighter in tone. And, more positive, too. It is not Make America Great Again, The Trump campaign's catch phrase. It's more America IS Great - Let's Make Her Better. It's not that the Democrats don't use self-serving rhetoric. They do. But, the tone of the Convention is much lighter and more positive. Yes, there has been acrimony between the supporters of the nominee, Hillary Clinton, and her closest challenger, Bernie Sanders. However, by and large, from what I have observed, it has been mostly a healthy debate. And, with every new speaker, the divide has been whittled down. The Party is gradually coming together in a powerful way to support Ms. Clinton. You can FEEL it. Plus, the energy level here in comparison to the GOP is MUCH higher. The crowds are larger and more enthusiastic in their appreciation of what is going on around them. Despite obvious differences in the delegates, the overall sentiment of the Convention is positive. Even the foreign correspondents that I have worked with at both Conventions have echoed these sentiments.

On a personal level, once again, as has been the case on a number of occasions in the past, I had the privilege of a front row seat to a history making event. By the end of the night, the Democrats had nominated the first woman for President in the 240 year history of this Nation. If you take a moment to think about it, that is just extraordinary: The 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave African-Americans the right to vote in 1869. It wasn't until the 19th Amendment in 1920, that women were granted the same rights!! So, in other words, former slaves were given that unaliable right a full 51 years before it was granted to women. I was also there for history when the first African-American, Barrack Obama, was nominated 8 years ago. The irony has not been lost on me that, in apparent "order", the nomination of a black man was followed by that of a woman. I am a fortunate man, indeed.

Former President Bill Clinton speaks immediately after his wife was nominated

So, again, you have clear evidence of the differences in our two main political parties. The GOP nominated another white billionaire as the person to represent and lead them. The Democrats have in successive cycles nominated a black man and, now, a woman.

The choice is as clear as the blue skies that dawned outside of my hotel room window this morning - and, it is yours to make.

Vote your conscience.

More later.

Ciao for now.

Notes from the DNC: Day 3

Words and photos by F LoBuono

The first observable difference between the delegates at the DNC and the RNC that becomes immediately apparent is in their age and ethnic backgrounds . As I have written previously, the people at the RNC tend to be older and "white". True diversity is hard to find. The DNC, in my opinion, looks much more like "my" America. There are folk from a variety of ages and ethnicities. Even the music played reflects that. The RNC had its "rockin'" moments but it's nothing like the "party" the DNC indulges in. The delineation is clearly marked.

Still, the start of the DNC was FAR from auspicious! In fact, it bored me to tears. Speaker after speaker, most of them unknown except to DNC insiders, droned on with the company line (as did those at the RNC) - "we are the party of love, fairness, and diversity" and blah, blah, blah. Also, if they hauled out one more Latino speaker, I thought that would hurl! I understand the importance of their voting block, but there ARE other ethnicities in this Country.

And, the strong divisions within the Party were also readily apparent. Those delegates still supporting Bernie Sanders certainly made their feelings known! Boos and hisses were heard at the mention of the presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton. Occasional choruses of "Bernie, Bernie" could be heard over the speakers. It had to be disconcerting to the Party faithful.

However, as the evening wore on, the speakers become more passionate and the HUGE (much larger than the one at the RNC) crowd responded in kind. As soon as Paul Simon sang his seminal tune, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" the entire mood inside the Wells Fargo Center changed. It was as if the music lifted them to another level of consciousness. As the song suggests, it was a healing moment. You could feel them start to come together.

Democratic heavyweights like Cory Booker simply wowed the crowd! He spoke with courage, conviction, and vitality. In fact, he was downright Presidential. The buzz among the crowd was that he will be next in line to run for that exalted office. I agree. Elizabeth Warren was more subdued but also effective. But, perhaps, the person who created the most buzz was First Lady, Michelle Obama. She was beautiful in every sense of the word. Speaking with ENORMOUS self-confidence, she spoke from the heart. At one point, talking about her daughters and the fact that they had a true roll model in Hillary Clinton, she was near tears. She explained that, finally, young girls can truly believe that they, too, can be President! She was electrifying!

The keynote speaker was Bernie Sanders and he entered to thunderous applause. Chants of Bernie, Bernie, Bernie filled the arena! Looking rumpled, as he has from the beginning, he continued his progressive message of balancing income inequality, free education for ALL, ending racism and sexism, and creating a kinder, more gentle society. He also asked his followers to support Ms. Clinton as candidate, promising that she will do her best to implement his progressive agenda. That was greeted with a mixed reaction. However, I think that once his supporters let that sink in, they will gravitate to her. His strongest point was made by stating that the GOP nominee, Donald Trump, would be a disaster for this Country and, therefore, must be defeated at all costs.

The line has been drawn in the sand. Indeed.

The "party" continues today with more heavyweights like former President Bill Clinton scheduled to speak this evening.

More later.

Ciao for now.

Notes from the DNC: Day 2

Work at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention precedes at astonishing pace. What was a virtually empty arena a few days ago has been transformed into a platform for the Democrats' version of The Greatest Show on Earth.

Unfortunately for the them, the same cannot be said of their Party. Often, in the last few years, they just can't seem to get out of their own way. The latest debacle involves leaked emails from Democratic Chairperson, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. She had long been accused by Senator Bernie Sanders', camp of deliberate attempts to derail his campaign in favor of the presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton. And, apparently, from the content of those emails, it's all true. Of course, with the official opening of the Convention today, the timing couldn't be worse. Clinton has been suffering with credibility issues and this simply makes matters worse. Sanders' most ardent supporters have been SCREAMING this all along and it remains to be seen if they will shift their allegiance to Ms. Clinton. Many have said that, in good conscience, they simply cannot, or will not. She faces an uphill battle without them.

On a personal level, I'm functioning on almost pure adrenalin. Last week I worked a total of 89.5 hours and it will be more of the same this week. There has bee no time to complete a laundry cycle so I have hand-washed my undergarments and dried them in my car. The nearly 100 degree temperatures we have experienced this week makes it most effective. But, I'm not a kid anymore and this will, eventually, take an enormous toll on my body. However, the fact that I work with a wonderful, talented crew that works and plays hard makes it more palatable. And, of course, the $ will be great. Still, I miss my family, my friends, and my dog.

Being in the arena during setup has its advantages and challenges. The advantages include listening to reporters from around the world give their perspective as to what, according to their sources, they believe will transpire. And, we hear the sound checks for the various performers who will entertain the crowd during the official sessions. Yesterday we were treated to a wonderful rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Waters by the legendary Paul Simon. Knowing the Democrats, I'm sure that we can expect more celebrity performances and sightings.

Speaking of celebrities, I have been working with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Many of you saw his hilarious routine at the RNC and you can expect the same here at the DNC. There IS humor in both. Still, at the same time, they've been a pain in the ass to deal with. Although we have been treated well by most of his production people, his staff is another story. His minions, most of whom are young women in their early 30's (at most), give orders with a serious 'tude. Considering that me, and my co-workers have been doing this for more years than they have been on this planet, that simply will not wash. It's amazing how, in subtle ways, a technician can slow the production process. They will, hopefully, learn that - quickly. ;)

Today is the official opening of the Convention and both Bernie Sanders and First Lady Michelle Obama are scheduled to meet. That means that if we thought traffic and security around the Wells Fargo Center was bad before (and, it was) it will be much worse from now on. Despite being in a hotel nearly 30 miles away (no room for us in the city proper), we need to leave 2 hours for commuting time.

Hey, it's a living!

And, as I tell my peeps, one day at a time and before you know it, we'll all be home.

More coming.

Ciao for now.

Notes from the DNC: Day 1

Words and Photo by F LoBuono

The plane ride from Cleveland to Philadelphia was short and uneventful. The real effort came at the Philadelphia Airport. It seemed as long to walk to get my luggage and rent the car as it was to fly here in the first place. Once I was able to hit the road, the differences in the two cities became immediately apparent. First, the general conditions of the cities were in stark contrast. Where Cleveland appeared refreshed, Philadelphia seemed gritty. The road conditions and traffic here are MUCH worse. And, the drivers are MUCH more aggressive. Welcome to the Northeast.

We arrived at the Wells Fargo Center where the Convention will be held a full three days before the beginning and the security was already draconian. Despite the fact that the arena is located in a sports complex that is self-contained, road closures around the entire area were already beginning. Hordes of police marching to and fro made there presence will known. In other words, security is going to be a bear. Getting to and from the site will add to the challenge of covering the DNC.

Once inside, the baby blue motive of the Democratic party was in stark contrast to the fiery red of the Republicans'. I believe that each was calculated to create a mood. The GOP's Convention was a fierce affair with a lot of bombastic rhetoric. The Democrats appear to want to present a kinder, gentler platform. But, just in case you thought it might be TOTALLY peaceful, riot gear has been issued once again to our street crews. Time will tell.

Once again, a virtually army of workers have descended on the City of Brotherly Love to provide you with the coverage you will need to decide the race of who will be the most powerful person in the world. I am just one of them.

More to come.

Ciao for now.

Final Thoughts from the RNC

Words and photos by F LoBuono

As insane as my job can be with its impossible hours, intense pressure, lack of food, sleep, and, often, bathroom facilities or breaks, it can also fill me with a sense of wonderment. I have seen things in ways that most people never will. In fact, most can’t even conceive of what I have seen. Some are spectacular in nature like the launch of the Space Shuttle or being in the eye of a hurricane. Others are much more subtle in nature.

Take my last assignment, for example. To have a front row seat at any of the National Conventions, RNC or DNC, is an experience to feel, not only see. When a strong speaker, like Candidate Barack Obama was, one can see the passion that they can elicit from a crowd, it is an awesome thing to behold. But, you don’t have to be a spellbinding speaker to whip the crowd into a frenzy. These things are about “energizing their base”. And, they do. “LIVE” music, slick videos, and celebrity speakers are all calculated to have maximum effect. By the last day of this barrage, the crowd, either crowd, would cheer wildly for Winnie the Poo!

There are also things to be seen behind the scenes that may not seem as spectacular but are just as awesome in nature. The setup for one of these conventions is a seamless blend of a virtual army of electricians, technicians, lighting designers, set designers, riggers, teamsters, producers, reporters, and too many others to list. It can take weeks to build and, miraculously, it disappears in about 8 to 10 hours. When you load out from the bowels of the stadium it must look like in the inside of beehive! Hundreds of men (well, mostly men) scurry about, seemingly randomly, but with a great sense of purpose. And, you’d better watch your step if you don’t want to flattened by a forklift!

But, there are those rare, quiet moments, too, when I can reflect of what I have done and where I am. It happened on my way to the airport this afternoon. I had never been to Cleveland before and, despite my initial apprehension about going, I found it to be a lovely little city (at least before it was “invaded” by delegates and the corresponding security forces). I had also never been to this part of Ohio and, although most of it at this point was being witnessed within a speeding car, I did my best to soak up the moment. It was a blazing hot, summer day and I rolled down the window to feel the heat and smell the air. I knew that I had to imprint that memory on my brain as I might never be this way again.

Well, it’s off to Philadelphia for more fun, games, and ADVENTURE.

DNC- here we come!!

Notes from the RNC: Day 11/Aftermath

Words and photo by F LoBuono

This one will be brief as I am exhausted beyond words and still have to get to the airport to make my flight to Philadelphia. My schedule in Cleveland was brutal - yesterday I worked from noon until nearly 6 am - and, it won't change for the DNC. Hey, it's a living!

The Donald accepted his party's nomination and bloviated for over an hour. He made vague references as to how he would "Make America Great Again". His theme was as consistent as it had been since the beginning of the convention - FEAR and LOATHING! Let me explain how.

One of his biggest proposals was not only the need to control immigration (which I concede needs addressing) but, to BAN it from certain designated areas (i.e. Syria). And, the GOP crowd loved it!

How quickly we forget.

As a Sicilian American, I am VERY aware that at the time my family came to the States, because of the Mafia's deeply rooted connection to Sicilian life, we were labeled as thieves, beggars, and terrorists. There was a move to BAN ALL SICILIANS for the vile acts of a VERY FEW. Yet, my family and millions of others which had absolutely NO connection to La Cosa Nostra were viewed with suspicion, if not worse. In fact, my family, like so many others, FLED Sicily to get away from that terror and make it with hard work in a new land. And, look at us now!!! Some of our greatest leaders have been of Sicilian descent.

Does THIS sound familiar to you when listening to Mr. Donald Trump??? Just change the nationality!!

Please people, THINK. Any one of you whose family emigrated to this Country and, despite the odds, made it here, should be embarrassed to support such a position. WE made it because we were given the CHANCE to. THAT is the American way and we owe it to others who dream the same dream.

Thinking like Trump's can never be allowed to prevail.

Guys, I'm pretty exhausted. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. Off to the DNC and Philly!!

Ciao for now.

And, this, too -

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/10/opinion/falco-italian-immigrants/