Loading ...Day 3: Service to Our Country
The day started early and was a long and exciting one. I went to a Texas Republican Delegation breakfast in the hotel at 7:30 this morning. Several speakers were there, and I was blessed to have a front seat to watch the excitement.
Mike Huckabee was speaking (see photos below). The law requires that candidates who got more than 20% of the vote have designated delegates and the delegates MUST vote for them on the first ballot unless the candidate releases them. Huckabee released his delegates to vote for McCain on the first ballot, so all of the Texas delegation will be for McCain.
Former POW, James Warner (see photos), who was with McCain in Vietnam prison camp spoke briefly. Warner was in POW room 6, McCain was in room 7 of the Hanoi “Hilton,” a former prison for political enemies of North Vietnam. Warner spoke of the leadership of John McCain and how he led the resistance for those under his command, in spite of the obvious penalties he would pay for it.
He also noted that McCain would lead in worship services (even when they were not allowed), and would pray, not only for the American POWs, but McCain prayed for their captors. This is called grace under fire. This is a leader (very different from the reports from a previous presidential candidate’s colleagues).
Some facts from David Dewhurst (see photos): of ALL the new jobs created in the United States in the last several years, one third are in Texas. In the last year, it is trending even higher.
The growth of Texas over the next 20 years will be 49.5%. We will gain three new Congressional seats after the next census. Along with Florida and California, Texas is among the three fasting growing states.
Karl Rove (see photos) spoke at lunch and gave further testimony as to the incredible character of John McCain. From the medically endangered daughter he adopted to the child he helped another family adopt (and covered all that child’s medical expenses), his love, compassion, and generosity shows through so strongly.
Rove said that when appointed a chaplain by Admiral Day, his senior officer in Hanoi, McCain preached a sermon on rendering unto Caesar what was Caesar’s. He said that POWs were not put in the prison by God, but by Caesar. They should seek the strength of God to sustain them while they are there, but to expect Caesar will release them. In the meantime, serve and rely upon God; He will see you through. I wish I had heard that sermon.
Roger Williams (see photos), former Texas Secretary of State, head of Victory 2008 for Texas, reiterated that we MUST mobilize the Republican vote in Texas. We MUST hold onto the slim majority in the Texas House and Senate. The redistricting of Texas and US legislative districts will be done initially by the NEXT legislature in preparation for the census. We cannot allow the Democrats to redistrict Texas.
I went to a special worship service at Central Presbyterian Church of St. Paul today. The music was provided by a group called Classic Praise, from Longview, Texas. I traveled 1,200 miles to a political convention and find a worship service led by Mobberly Baptist Church from my home town. What a blessing! (See photo)
At the general session today I chose to let my alternate delegate, Mary Sneider, take the Delegate seat. I had that privilege throughout Monday, so I thought she would like to sit as the Delegate for Tuesday. I sat with the alternates . . . 18 rows up in the stands. We had fun responding to the delegates. When they yelled “McCain,” we responded with “Palin.” Back and forth.
CNN commented tonight that if it wasn’t for the Texas delegation, this place would be dull. I must admit, we are the rowdy bunch . . . and love the distinction.
We heard from Fred Thompson, Laura Bush, President Bush, and Joe Lieberman. There was a lot of noise every time Sarah Palin’s name was mentioned. This is going to be a dynamite session tomorrow to nominate her.
I want to be on the floor for McCain’s nomination and will let Mary take the seat for Sarah Palin’s nomination. I will be the delegate for Thursday’s proceedings.
More tomorrow.
Pictures
