Conventional Wisdom

Mary Sullivan is one of 22 Vermont delegates to the Democratic National Convention, and one of nine state delegates originally pledged to former Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean. She was a 10-year member of the Vermont House of Representatives and chair of its natural resources committee. In the 1980s, she wrote for The Washington Post. Currently, she is communications coordinator at the Burlington Electric Department, part of the Alliance for Climate Action.

As the Bush administration continues to treat the environment as Public Enemy No. 1 -- as it weakens environmental standards that once protected our air, water, and health; endangers our wildlands and wildlife; and even threatens the future of the world through criminal neglect of climate change -- I've often wondered if I am crazy to hold onto even an ounce of optimism. And I have shuddered at what four more such years might bring.

That's why, as I traveled home by bus from the Democratic convention -- rolling across our beautiful state with its glorious mountains, forests, and rivers -- I took a solemn vow to do everything within my power to see that John Kerry is elected president.

I am determined to see that George W. Bush and his cronies never again have anything to do with American public policy -- domestic or foreign. And I am determined to see a triumphant Kerry administration sweep clean the abuses of the past four years. I want to see the Bush administration go down in history not as a new direction for America, but as an aberration.

The Vermont delegation, as you may have guessed, was devoted to Howard Dean's campaign. I co-chaired Environmentalists for Dean, while several others in our delegation held key roles in his campaign. We worked tirelessly to see that Dean at least won the Vermont primary, and he did. But last Wednesday evening, when the time came, our state cast all of its 22 votes for John Kerry. We understood in our hearts what is at stake, and we spoke with one voice.

Throughout convention week, we were reminded of what is at risk. At a Thursday afternoon environmental rally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told us about his three children with asthma. In a passionate speech to the packed hall, he asked why the national asthma rate has shot up. He asked what it is that we are putting into our environment that is causing this unhealthy spike. And then he pointed a finger at George Bush, and accused him of doing nothing to address this new epidemic among our nation's children.

Kennedy went further. He paraphrased author Upton Sinclair who once asserted that those people who enter government to expand their own self-interest are committing a form of treason. The connections that Bush appointees have to special corporate interests -- and not to the people of this country -- is downright horrifying, Kennedy said.

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer also spoke at the rally. He related how Bush and the GOP had trumpeted states' rights as a means of abrogating the federal role in environmental regulation, and pushing that role on the budget-strapped states. But, he told us, that strategy has backfired. The administration wasn't expecting Spitzer and other states' attorneys general to take the president at his word.

"Boy, have we had fun!" Spitzer said. The New York AG has led the fight to bring lawsuits against utilities and other businesses that are spewing sulfur dioxide, particulates, mercury, greenhouse gases, and other harmful emissions into the atmosphere. "They invoke states' rights as a way of appeasing their friends in industry. Well, they've let a genie out of the bottle," he asserted, "and they're going to live to regret it."

Spitzer reminded the crowd that a total victory is needed to end federal abuses -- with the Democrats taking back both the White House and Congress. "If we don't win back Congress, it will pass amendments that are anti-environment. We must win in November. The environment argument can win the election this November," he declared.

Actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner told the rally that he has two passions in life -- the environment and children -- passions also held by most other Americans. "I believe we are going to win by a lot bigger than people think," he asserted to uproarious applause. Reiner thanked George Bush for uniting us. It is true, he said, that what started out to be an "anybody but Bush" crowd is now fast becoming a solid Kerry crowd.

From the environmental rally we moved on to the biggest event of the convention. When John Kerry stepped to the podium Thursday evening and accepted the Democratic Party nomination, he gave the speech of his life. His address demonstrated confidence, wisdom, and ability. He told us clearly why George Bush needs to be sent packing. But more importantly, he lifted the hearts and instilled hope and optimism in everyone inside the convention hall -- and I hope millions of TV viewers.

As a delegate, exhausted after four grueling days and nights spent in meetings, rallies, and political conversation, I was so completely exhilarated by Kerry's words and his presentation that my fatigue vanished.

Back home on Friday, I called a friend to find out how her cancer surgery had gone. But she was not thinking of her surgery; she was thinking of how best to defeat George Bush. Likewise, many diehard Republicans I know have said they will not vote for the incumbent. And likewise, many people who previously did not participate in elections are becoming involved. We've all realized just how high the stakes are this time around.

"We need to be optimistic," said Colorado Rep. Mark Udall at Thursday's rally. And optimistic I am. At the convention I felt something wonderful happen. A feeling arose among us. We began to dare to hope not just for a victory, but a really big victory that will wipe away the Bush administration and its abuses -- that will demonstrate just how much Americans care about their environment, their children, and the future.

Let's hope for a big celebration on Nov. 2, when we take our country back.

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This piece reflects the opinion of its author and should not be taken to constitute an official endorsement by Grist Magazine, its staff, its board members, their massage therapists, or their personal trainers.