Patricia Quinn
Salem, OR

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Posted: M d, Y l:i p PDT

It has been a busy time since I sent my last letter. The energy level is really running low but I am so excited about the final speech of Al Gore that I will be pumped for it.

At the state delegation meeting on Tuesday, Al Gore's daughter came and spoke to us. The speech was not very long but very well done. I had the honor of speaking to her about the costs of higher education and that I would hope the Gore administration would increase the amount of money for this education. She has friends who have been out of school for several years and are still paying off their loans.

I attended the Native American caucus. Patrick Kennedy came to speak. He has been a long time supporter of the right of Native Americans to self-government without the control from the outside. I was very impressed by his commitment to their cause. He said, “A country is only great if the people are great.”

The Native Americans now have a fund to help with the elections of people that support the interests of them. Representative Small stated, “The world is like flowers because flowers come in so many colors. If people are like flowers what would the world be like if there was only one color.” Tom Udall commented, “The Clinton Budget has increased money for Native American’s needs.”

The party at the Sony Columbia Studios was a great time. The street and building were many of the sets for the movies of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. The food was great and there was live music of the 30’s and 40’s. The Democratic Governor’s Association provided the party.

On Wednesday, the state delegation meeting had several guests. Senator John Kerry came to speak. His theme was on how important this election is for us. The Supreme Court appointments may make the difference in many decisions on abortion and disabled services. He does not receive any money from any political action committees to get elected. He believes in election reform.

I attended the Disability Caucus. Everyone there was really upset with the services they are receiving at the Staples Center. There were not enough wheel chairs available, interpreters never were there. I have many commitments to make. When I arrived at the center that same thing happened. The agency that was contracted to provide the services just plain did not do the job.

The anger over it has been very loud and upsetting. One of the delegates is going to file a suit of non-compliance of the ADA. When I wanted to leave, I requested a wheel chair and they told me to sit down and with the next one they would take me. Several chairs passed by and nothing happened and after half an hour I asked what about me and they said, “Oh, I forgot about you.” By the time I left the center, I was in tears.

The speech last night was great. He did a very good job in getting the points out with phrases like "through our eyes we see something very different." I learned more about him and what he stands for. I really believe he will be a great Vice President when Al Gore is elected President.

Our delegation had a dinner party at the Eurochow in Westwood. The food was really good and the building has great old design, which I really like. The transportation secretary was there to speak. It was a time to relax and have a good time.