The Congress is coming!
Well, not all of them. But our favorite Senator and our newest Congresswoman are teaming up this Saturday at 2:00 pm for a Revolutionary Energy Rally in Concord, Massachusetts. Join Senator Kerry and Congresswoman Tsongas for this historic event!
From the Step It Up website:
Honoring the heroic leadership shown by the brave American Minutemen of 1775, we invite all citizens within a Paul Revere's ride to come -- whether by cycle, carpool, hybrid, or bus -- to hear today's state and national (to be announced) leaders share their views on the American Energy Revolution we need to address the climate crisis. Confirmed local leaders include: Representative Will Brownsberger, Representative Jamie Eldridge, Senator Susan Fargo, Representative Jim Marzilli, and Senator Pam Resor. Rob Garrity, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) will emcee the Revolutionary Energy Rally.
What, other than the fact that the event is located in Concord, does saving the planet have to do with the American Revolution? Actually, plenty. And it gives us the opportunity for a history lesson. And a quiz!
OK, quiz time.
What does the Step It Up American Energy Revolution have to do with Paul Revere's Ride?
A. Someone will write a poem about it
B. The Senator and Niki will ride from Boston on horses
C. "Anyone can do something big"
D. All of the above
You know, I have no idea. Except that 'C' is absolutely correct, and "something big" can start with attending this event. As for 'A' and 'B', you'll have to show up to find out.
There's a great story (Thanks Lindsey, awesome pic!) about how a couple of Red Sox fans nabbed the Senator for this event. It's not really in keeping with my history theme here, but it's just so ... cool. And it's about the Red Sox, which is always appropriate.
There's also a diary with a poll about the Step It Up event on Daily Kos, so if you're attending the rally, be sure to read up on what the Senator's been doing recently to help combat global warming.
And if you're not in the vicinity, Step It Up has rallies planned across the country this Saturday. Pittsburgh's is at the Aviary, which is very cool. Stanley the Penguin will be there, but so far, no Senators. Looks like Bob Casey and Joe Sestak will be attending in West Chester, PA., which is about a five hour drive for me, so I guess I'll have to work on Sen. Specter. He may be a Republican, but he's no Inhofe. So, it's worth a shot.
So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,---
A cry of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo for evermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.
from Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
UPDATE:
Saturday in the Park and at the Charleston Navy Yard, and on the radio and at the Westin ...
I'm not sure who do does the Senator's schedule, but it seems they skipped an hour. Senator Kerry will be everywhere AND on the radio today, so if you leave the house, you're bound to run into him. Just make sure you're near a radio at 6:00, he's going to talk to the good folks at AAR about, well, sounds like just about everything that's going on in the world of government and politics. Don't miss it!
