After being contacted by a fellow Odyssey content creator, I was given the opportunity to attend presidential hopeful, Donald Trump's campaign speech in Phoenix, AZ on August 31, 2016. And I will tell you this: I was not hesitant at all to say I wanted the two tickets to the event. I quickly responded after hearing about the presidential nominee being in town following a short trip to Mexico discussing policies with the President of Mexico.
Driving towards the convention center, there was minimal traffic and shockingly, minimal protesting outside of the event. Thanks to the amazing task force of the Phoenix Police Department, I felt safe and comfortable the entire time I was in and around the venue. As a twenty-year old female, I was apprehensive to the thought of attending such a polarizing event, but let me just say, there is something so comforting about being in a place where you know those around you have similar opinions and beliefs. I felt like I did not have to convince anyone that I was "republican enough." There were extreme conservatives, alongside those of us that know politics but are not finely in-tune with every detail of the election.
As we approached the venue, there were groups of protesters. I got nervous and worried that they wanted to pick a fight and harass those walking into the convention center. However it was quite the opposite. They did not block walkways and not a single protester said a word directly to me.
At that moment I had my first of many realizations of the night. In the United States we have this amazing right to have free speech, and as much as those protesters disprove what I and Mr. Trump stands for, they seemed to respect my freedom to attend his event. And I respected their freedom to protest outside of the event. Once we all begin to act like adults and realize that we all have these freedoms equally and can use them, we can begin to improve our nation. And I believe that is beginning to happen.
Once inside I was so comfortable and excited to see and hear Mr. Trump's speak in person. I purchased a t-shirt and sought out a spot in the massive convention center. The event began at 6pm, however the nominee did not appear till about an hour in. We heard from Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, former New York governor, Rudy Giuliani, Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, and Vice President nominee, Mike Pence who welcomed Mr. Trump to the stage.
The crowd went wild. Holding up signs, waving hats, and snapping a million pictures. I personally went "live" on Facebook for family out of state. It was an amazing experience to listen to Mr. Trump discuss his firm stance on his immigration policy, mapping it out in ten points promising that "peace, law, justice, and prosperity will prevail."
Supporters were very vocal during the event. Booing at sanctuary cities, the media, global warming, and any democrat's name. Cheering for the future wall to be built and enforced immigration laws.
After revealing the detailed plan of deporting illegals and illegal criminals, the nominee brought out multiple parents of children that had been killed at the hands of illegal criminals. Heart wrenching stories poured out followed by statements of approval and support for Mr. Trump and his plan. It was touching seeing these fragile yet strong families stick together and stand for something our country is so desperate for: firm immigration reform.
Trump closed the night by thanking the families and declaring it was time their voices are heard. I agree. It is time for all of our voices to be heard. to stand up to corrupt Washington and stand for what needs to been done to improve this country.
There is no more time to sit and discuss how well our country is doing when we are lying to ourselves and to our children. Bringing this country back to greatness is essential to us in order to remain a global leader.
Let's Make America Great Again.
