*culture is not optional

Waiting for Madison

Part 2 of 12

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

We arrive at the traditional brownstone only to wait?the former inmates are attending other parties at this point. We really don't know what to expect. What we find is a huge banner across the front of the home for the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, the host of the party who focuses on exculpating those whose confessions were forced by torture. Inside, we are greeted by sharply dressed African Americans who invite us to make ourselves comfortable and direct us to the drinks in the back of the huge house. We weave our way to the kitchen through an increasingly white crowd. Professorial looking ex-hippies along with a new generation of student activists surround tables full of anti-death penalty propaganda. Tonight, the news has finally sunk in, but campaign members are considering next steps, given the imminent transfer of the governorship to Rod Blagojevich.

We get something to drink. We glance through brochures. I take notes. Rob and I tell people why we are here, mentioning *culture is not optional. The news that we are Christians meets with silence from some, a detached "hmm" from others, and genuine interest from one, Jerome. A Catholic who has been involved with the campaign for some time, Jerome is able to confirm our impression that the people most involved with this campaign are not used to sharing party space with dedicated believers.

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