I love Jon Stewart. The performance he and everyone else involved in today’s Rally for Sanity and/or Fear event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., reminded me with force that the admiration I have for him is not misplaced.
As much as I wanted to be excited about today’s rally, I was also worried that it would be something I couldn’t support. I wanted the event to be a cry for moderation and normalcy in American discourse, but I was worried that various leftist groups might take it over and turn it into a political rally. We didn’t need another political rally with messages from one wing or another. I worried even as I watched with enjoyment the people streaming across the Hill to make their way to the rally. Some wore costumes, many carried signs. The signs were fun to read.
In the end, my worries were for naught and my trust in Stewart and crew’s ability to elevate themselves above all the rancor to deliver a rally for sanity was rewarded. I have to admit that the size of the crowds and the cold weather led to my decision to return to my house and watch from there.
So I danced in my kitchen while the Roots and John Legend warmed up the crowd. I figure I could see and hear everything better on my television than I could from the Mall. Plus, no crowds in my kitchen.
