The event was organized in part by the Dolphin Democratic Caucus, a local gay political group. Michael Albetta, president of the group, stated that over 130 people turned out to listen to Kerry’s speech and to write checks.

“People are finally saying ‘enough is enough,’” he said. He also stated that the crowd was a broad blend of gay and straight alike. “This election is uniting people across all boundaries.” It was a theme reflected in Kerry’s speech.

Kerry started by saying, “We are here... because we love our country. We are proud of what America is and what it can become....”

Albetta said, “His speech was precise, to the point and touched every race, creed, color and sexual orientation of the American people; senior citizens, youth, the medically needy — everyone.”

Doug White, community activist, president of the South Florida Social Circle and member of the Dolphin Democrats, said that before the speech he was still uncertain of Kerry. “I thought I was just going to be the good Democrat, go into the booth and pull the lever,” he said. “But, when I heard him, I realized that this is the man that will bring trust back to Washington, D.C. and restore America’s luster, which has been greatly tarnished by the Bush administration.”

White, a veteran, made his distrust for President Bush clear, stating, “When people join the military they join to protect our country — our way and life, not the the private agenda of a single man... I just don’t understand how people can still support Bush. They need to wake up.”

White was an early supportor of Governor Howard Dean, but says he is now fully behind John Kerry and Vice Presdential candidate John Edwards. He says, “Kerry and Edwards can help America re-claim its place on the world stage.”

Kerry concluded his speech by saying, “It is time to reach for the next dream. It is time to look to the next horizon. For America, the hope is there. The sun is rising. Our best days are still to come.”

It is a vision shared by many of those at Hamburger Mary’s. Albetta said, “Kerry was overwhelming. With that speech he hit a grand slam.”

Prior that evening, many politicians and community leaders spoke throughout the week at the convention, including former Wilton Manors Mayor Jim Stork, who is running for U.S. Congress.

For Kerry’s complete speech, visit www.OurIndependent.com.

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