Philly’s Moment In The Spotlight

Last week, the political machine convened in Philadelphia as the Democratic National Convention made its mark on the city of brotherly love. The city was markedly more vibrant; the energy was palpable. In stark contrast to its GOP counterpart in Cleveland the week prior, the DNC was billed as an event to engender unity, not division.

The week got off to a rocky start from the gate, however, mere hours before the first gavel was struck in the Wells Fargo Center, when the 2016 Presidential Election added yet another tabloid to its Wikipedia page: Wikileaks released thousands of emails (yes, more nonsense about emails) allegedly between DNC officials implicating the entire party for foul play against Bernie Sanders and his campaign. The Philadelphia streets were littered with indignant Sanders supporters the day before the convention was to start, claiming the party had conspired to keep Bernie off of the Democratic ticket from the get-go. Not to be outdone by the Republican horror show days earlier, the DNC quickly got into formation and chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her resignation in the wake of the scandal. An ugly start to what would eventually be a momentous few days.

The first female candidate nominated by a major party in the United States is historical. Though Hillary (once again) in the White House doesn’t quite engender the same excitement as Obama’s maiden voyage, the first female president of the United States carries similar weight to another first that began in 2008. The occasion was grand, and Philly was on hand to be a good host.

Philadelphia is where the constitution was written, so the city has a special place in U.S. political folklore. However, compared to some of the other populous cities in the country (New York, Boston, LA), Philly does lag behind in star power — being a Philadelphian, I can say this. Income inequality has hardened and gentrification is increasing insidiously. The school system is in tatters, and Philadelphia is one of five major American cities to retain the distinction “hypersegregated,” with the majority of Philly’s black and hispanic residents densely populated into the same neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs, with crime being majorly owned by these communities. Though as diverse a place you’ll find amongst the major urban cities in the country, there is very much a tale of two Philadelphia’s here — not unlike many other towns. It’s a simply a reality, a reality that made it perfect to host this prodigious gathering: the Democratic National Convention.

Very few cities and states in the country can say that they accurately reflect the racial, socio-economic and religious diversity that America touts so proudly, and that the Democratic Party in particular supports so vehemently. There is always an underlying and understated disenfranchisement behind pictures of diversity. Nonetheless, there aren’t too many cities more tolerant and accepting of all types of people than Philadelphia. Yes, the city still has its challenges, but if anything, that is more reflective of the greater United States — a place of a immense opportunity with it’s own set of serious problems just like anywhere else in the world. The key is how we address those issues, or better yet, if we even try to.

One image from the past week that is symbolic of the current discordance between harmony and division in the country took place right in front of city hall, the political nucleus of Philadelphia and as good a place as any in the city to stage a protest. A small group of Trump supporters took to the street to voice their opinions. With large, colorful signs detailing their intolerance towards homosexuals, labeling them as animals; their scathing critique of the black lives matter movement, calling its supporters thugs and cop killers; and their all around hate towards Islam, describing the faith’s prophet in a manner too disrespectful to repeat, the group quickly attracted a crowd. What was special wasn’t the message that they were espousing. What was telling, rather, was the people who voluntarily chose to protect them: Philadelphia PD.

A group of officers, from different races and backgrounds, formed a silent barrier around these protesters who were giving them every reason not to protect them, essentially for the sake of freedom. These individuals, who some might label as racists and bigots, had every right to assemble and be heard, despite their damning message. Moreover, they had every right to be safe. Who knows what might have happened had the police not been there. Maybe nothing. And perhaps these officers were simply doing their jobs — keeping the peace — like many other police outfits in the country. Maybe it was nothing special. Maybe these guys should have been left on their own to deal with the masses. But the moment did seem a bit tailor-made for the atmosphere that took over Philly with the arrival of the DNC. Whether the acrimony was coming from disenfranchised Trump supporters or cheated Sanders devotees, the city was on hand to receive them both, to receive everyone. Every grievance isn’t going to be tended to, lest there be any doubt. Still, the least we can do is acknowledge them and provide a platform for them to be addressed. Democracy at work.