The first night of the Democratic Convention was great. Plenty of real people talking about real down home issues that affect working Americans. All the speakers talked to the crowds and not to an empty chair. You could feel the passion and how everyone feels the urgency to reelect Barack Obama President.

I often think of my dad who was a great guy and raised me as a Republican. I 'm pretty sure if my dad was alive today he too would be a registered Democrat. Why do I know this? After my dad retired, he worked with me at my grocery store and anytime one of our customers was short of funds or hurting, my dad would never turn them away. He would always let them have some food on credit or if someone was sick he'd send some magazines home for them to read. My dad was a people person. He also was a businessman.

Today's Republicans are a different breed than they were when my dad was alive. In fact today's Republicans are way different than when I was a Republican. This is not my dad's GOP or mine anymore.

My dad was a kind person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed one. My dad would be saying today “I'm voting for Barack Obama” and I'd say: I'm proud of you, Pop.