A few days ago while I was driving home I was contacted by a member of the Maine Democratic Party. As I was about to get on an on-ramp I asked if she could call me back in ten minutes, and she cheerily agreed. When she called me back I was pleasantly surprised; she asked if I would contribute to the party in return for a ticket for a boat cruse where I'd have the opportunity to meet congressman Barney Frank. Naturally, I RSVP'd immediately.
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Barney Frank, but meeting him and getting to shake his hand was an awe-inspiring experience. Not because he's a "celebrity" or a well known politician, but because of who he is and what he does. He's one of the most genuine people, politicians or otherwise, I've ever met. It was a little intimidating, to be perfectly honest.
Once the ship got underway, he gave a short speech regarding the recent victory for the GLBT movement and a brief overview of history. He explained that if you look at any sort of rights legislation, be it civil rights, gay rights, etc., you'll find that the opposing side has always argued that the fabric of society would collapse, that it would hurt the average American, and it would create irrevocable discord. Congressman Frank concluded that in case after case, that hasn't happened. Every year we're making more progress on this important value issue, and that our brightest times are ahead of us. The recent victory in CT came out, this close to an election, and the country "didn't bark." I'm paraphrasing of course, but that's the gist.
I wanted to take tons of photographs, but I also didn't want to shove a camera in his face, or use a flash. He appeared tired and was flanked by a throng of admirers. As much as I wanted to break in there and talk his ear off for the duration of the cruise, I didn't want to be a pain in the ass, was simply honored to be at this event in the first place, and gratified that Barney Frank would travel to a small state like Maine to help the party (though I did get a chance to tell him how pleased I was with his commentary on the bailout package after the republicans killed the initial deal. Those silly repubs with their hurt feelings!).
During his speech I managed to get off a photo with a high ISO setting and no flash, so it's not the best, but it'll always have a place in a frame on my desk.
Again, I apologize for the blurriness of this photo, but it was taken without a flash, at night, on a boat in semi-choppy water:
Sometimes it's easy to get lost in cynicism and a feeling of powerlessness, but it's moments like these, meeting people who have dedicated themselves to doing the right thing for society, that make you take a look at yourself, and inspire you to do better.
Today was a good day.