DNC OVERSHADOWED BY ATTACK IN BENGHAZI
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAs the celebration of the Democratic National Convention came to a close last week, tension continues to grow ever so tighter today as a U.S. Ambassador was killed in Libya yesterday.
Libyan extremists raided the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi overtaking it but being met with firm resistance from security personnel. Gunfire erupted and rounds of shots were fired in the compound. Going to the radical extreme, the gunmen set the building on fire and U.S. Ambassador, Chris Stevens, along with a regional security officer and Sean Smith, an information management officer with the State Department, were killed.
The building housed 25 to 30 personnel and about an hour and a half later, U.S. and Libyan security forces were able to retake the main building and take control in order to get the rest of the officials and employees to safety.
It was a chaotic scene that leaves plenty of questions as we mourn the loss of Stevens, a long-serving and highly respected official who wanted to build a better Libya. He served 21 years in the foreign service and risked his life for the love of Libya.
President Obama issued a statement on the horrific attack on September 12, 2012 condemning it. He is working with his administration to increase security at diplomatic posts around the world. He is also working with the Libyan government to see that the attackers are found and justice done. Today four men are in custody accused of instigating the attack. Stevens built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya. He worked tirelessly as a role model. Obama’s statement on these senseless attacks ended with, “We grieve with their families, but let us carry on their memory, and let us continue their work of seeking a stronger America and a better world for all of our children.”
This is a much more somber time than last week in Charlotte, North Carolina. For those that missed the coverage, here are some of the highlights of the three day event:
The convention kicked off with Carolina Fest geared towards families with fun for all.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi led “Women to Victory” as she fervently rallied women across the country to join President Obama to move America forward.
Latin Mayor Julian Castro made history by becoming the first Latino to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
First Lady Michelle Obama won over crowds with a very personal speech filled with sincerity. She seemed to really identify with the American public.
One of the most powerful speeches was given by Elizabeth Warren. In “We Run This Country for the People”, she brought the delegates to their feet as she targeted the efforts that President Obama is doing for the middle-class and the opportunities he is trying to create for Americans.
A popular politician and speaker, Bill Clinton, was met with roars of clapping as he endorsed Obama in a captivating speech with all the reasons that Obama belongs in the White House for another 4 years.
Of course, the ending of the event was the party acceptance speeches from Vice President Biden and President Obama detailing how the nation will recover and how problems can be solved and challenges met. He wants to move America forward. His focus will be to create jobs, expand opportunity and ensure an economy built to last. Biden agrees that the country has turned the corner to recovery.
For now, the President and Vice President will have to deal with the international woes at hand. Unintentionally, this will be a test to see how the situation is handled to determine their future and whether they will serve another term in the White House.
PHOTO CREDITS: Reuters and Getty Images
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