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And beneath the obvious message was a more subtle theme. This was the convention in which Democrats would redefine the meaning of the 1960s. The Vietnam War, which nearly destroyed the party in 1968, became the unifying event of 2004. After 36 years, Democrats finally made their peace with Vietnam and with the decade that tore their party apart.
Until now political conservatives have successfully imposed their own understanding of what "the '60s" were about -- a time of drugs, sexual license, rebellion in the streets and American self-hatred. In one of the boldest but least-noticed passages in his acceptance speech, Kerry flatly rejected that definition. "My parents inspired me to serve," Kerry declared, "and when I was a junior in high school, John Kennedy called my generation to service. It was the beginning of a great journey -- a time to march for civil rights, for voting rights, for the environment, for women and for peace. We believed we could change the world. And you know what? We did. But we're not finished." |
I'll say it again. For over 20 years the conservative definitions of faith, values, patriotism, and service have gone largely unchallenged by those on the left. I don't think you can underestimate the importance their willingness to finally offer their own definitions means for our political process.
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