Democracy in action: Gelser sworn in

T.A. Barnhart

Of all that happened today, before and after Sara Gelser was sworn in to represent House District 16 in the state legislature, the most eloquent comment on the democratic process was that Africa attended.

We began to arrive in the House Chamber a little after 1:30 this afternoon, friends and family and supporters of Sara from Corvallis, Benton County and elsewhere.  Because the chamber was open to us, we took advantage and wandered around, looking into what would be Sara's desk drawers, seeing Barbara Ross' seat when she served (the same desk also served Wayne Fawbush and Earl Blumenaeur), standing up where the Speaker rules from on high, being slightly impressed by the array of video and computer gear the staff has at the front, and resisting the urge to write rude messages on Wayne Scott's deskpad.  The chamber was decked with strands of pine, lights and other Christmas decorations.  We wandered around, most of us on the edge of giddiness both for the freedom to stroll freely through the chamber and for the reason we were there.

By 2 o'clock, the chamber was almost full.  Not just Sara's supporters, of whom there were dozens, but House Democratic staff, as glad as any of us that soon this seat would be back in capable Democratic hands.  Senate President Kate Brown arrived, as did House Minority Leader Jeff Merkley, who introduced the representative-designate and the governor.  Sara got the louder, longer applause, of course, but the governor got a standing ovation.  Whatever our feelings about his job performance, we respect the office and even the man -- especially at this occasion.

Noting that the worst pictures are the ones with a microphone jutting into one's face, Gov Kulongski held the mike in his hand, well below face level, so the photos of Sara would be unimpeded.  He then administered the oath of office, which he had memorized, a minor detail I found to be extremely thoughtful, adding to the dignity and honor of the occasion.

And when State Representative Sara Gelser addressed her constituents for the first time, it was with her usual grace and strength.  Every time I hear her speak, I grow more convinced of what was impressed on me the first time I met her, just a little over two years ago:  She is doing this for all the right reasons.  She is ambitious, but it's because she believes she can make a difference.  Her words, crafted though they are, come from her heart -- and her mind.  She is intelligent, insightful and well-informed, a combination that matches well with her compassion.  Yes, I am a fan, a supporter and a cheerleader, but I have good reasons for it; and I am excited that the rest of the state will soon begin to learn why Sara Gelser elicits this kind of support in her community.

And as I said, Africa attended the swearing-in.  A delegation of about thirty parliamentarians from six African nations was in Salem to learn of American, and particularly (peculiarly) Oregonian, democratic practices.  By the grace of good timing, they were able to see what may be the greatest practical strength of our constitutional system: the peaceful transfer of office.  One democratically-selected representative was replaced by another, and, whatever the emotional aspects of the circumstances, the transfer was accomplished fully within the law, an affirmation of our full belief that we are a people of law.  I do not know which nations our guests come from, but so much of their continent suffers from vicious political brutality.  They may hear of American democracy, but they also hear of American imperialism, American capitalism, American warmongering.  Today they were able to see our government and our political institutions at their best.  I hope when they return home, they'll remember the day the people of Oregon repaired the damage done to their government not with violence or unlawful force but by strict and happy adherence to our written laws.

The whole thing was over and done so quickly; we started the ceremony about ten past two, and at 3:00, we were in the car and driving back to Corvallis.  Two-and-a-half years of working for a goal, and just like that, it was done.  We drove back home while Sara and her (big, extended, international) family remained in the Capitol to finish up taking photos and enjoy the good feelings of her special day.  And when I got back to town, what did I do?  I went to a reception for Jefferson Smith and the Bus Project.  I had shared one victory with my friends and the world; now it was time to move on with the work.  There's too much to do to sit back and relax -- something Sara also knows because a couple of hours later, she arrived to hear Jeff speak.  The work is so big, and days like this are precious.  I will treasure this day for the rest of my life.  I got to be a witness to what it means to be an American citizen.  And not just a witness, but a participant.  A citizen, active and very much a part of my community, making a difference, helping others make a difference. 

I feel like I'm living in a Frank Capra movie.

By T.A. Barnhart Dec. 02, 2005