Hurricane Gustav impacts the Republican National Convention
I landed in Minneapolis on time and travel to the hotel was without incident. The airport was busy but they appeared to be well organized. The Pennsylvania Delegation is staying at the Marriott in Minnetonka. A nice hotel in a quaint town (lots of lakes) about twenty minutes from downtown Minneapolis. I had dinner with Delaware County GOP chairman Tom Judge, Chester County GOP chairman Skip Brion, Philadadelphia GOP chairman Vito Canuso and Marie Conley, the Pa convention organizer. The topic of our conversation and the conversations of the other attendees at the Republican National Convention are the dangers posed to the people of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Gustav. Convention planners have announced that Monday's schedule will be abbreviated. The convention will open and rules will be adopted after which the session will conclude. Things are up in the air and plenty of ideas are being discussed. One idea that I fully support is using the platform of the convention to raise funds for humanitarian relief for the victims of the hurricane. We have a major stage in the form of national network news coverage that we can utilize to help those who may be in need as a result of this storm.
The theme for Monday is, appropriately enough, "Service." That is something that our party can rightfully highlight, not just on the national level, but on the local level as well. John McCain served his country in Viet Nam. And when he was captured by the Viet Cong and offered the opportunity to be released early, he said no. He abided by the military code of conduct that says the first prisoners captured should be the first released. That's not just service, that's a hero.
McCain's pick for Vice President, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, first served her community as a member of her PTA and then mayor of her town. She then went on to run for Governor against a sitting Republican from her own party because of what she saw as corruption and ethical lapses. That's not just service, that's integrity and commitment to good government.
Our local Congressional candidate, Craig Williams, has a long history of service to the nation. He most recently served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Justice Department, prosecuting drug dealers, gangs and violent criminals. He also served our nation bravely in the U.S. Marine, including flying in F-18s during Operation Desert Storm.
I do not believe that service to country and community is something that receives enough acknowledgement or praise. Individuals who give their free time to serve as volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel, coach our kids sports teams, give their time to the Red Cross, or help in a variety of other ways deserve more recognition for what they do to improve our communities and our country.
I will keep you advised on the changes to the schedule. It appears that convention planners are playing it by ear and will wait to see the impact of the storm prior to altering Tuesday's schedule.
The theme for Monday is, appropriately enough, "Service." That is something that our party can rightfully highlight, not just on the national level, but on the local level as well. John McCain served his country in Viet Nam. And when he was captured by the Viet Cong and offered the opportunity to be released early, he said no. He abided by the military code of conduct that says the first prisoners captured should be the first released. That's not just service, that's a hero.
McCain's pick for Vice President, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, first served her community as a member of her PTA and then mayor of her town. She then went on to run for Governor against a sitting Republican from her own party because of what she saw as corruption and ethical lapses. That's not just service, that's integrity and commitment to good government.
Our local Congressional candidate, Craig Williams, has a long history of service to the nation. He most recently served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Justice Department, prosecuting drug dealers, gangs and violent criminals. He also served our nation bravely in the U.S. Marine, including flying in F-18s during Operation Desert Storm.
I do not believe that service to country and community is something that receives enough acknowledgement or praise. Individuals who give their free time to serve as volunteer firefighters or EMS personnel, coach our kids sports teams, give their time to the Red Cross, or help in a variety of other ways deserve more recognition for what they do to improve our communities and our country.
I will keep you advised on the changes to the schedule. It appears that convention planners are playing it by ear and will wait to see the impact of the storm prior to altering Tuesday's schedule.
posted by Mike Puppio at
12:51 AM
2 Comments:
Mike, Thanks for keeping us people back here in Delco updated on what's going on at the convention.
You are write about the level of service of our top candidates on the Republican side. For those that say there are no more heroes left one has only to look to people like John McCain and Craig williams who served our nation in the military.
That goes for all of our veterans -- from the "Greatest Generation" of World War II vets to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today.
I agree that using the convention as a platform to provide hurricane relief is a great idea. I hope the party goes with that idea -- we can do a lot of good.
Mike, Sen. McCain's selection of Gov. Palin has really got people talking back here. In speaking to friends and family over the weekend, I have come across at least three people who have said that their vote has now been sealed for McCain-Palin. Her life story and accomplishments, like John McCain's, are really compelling. I bet this is happening in tens of thousands of living rooms across the state!
Also, the more I learn about Craig Williams, the more I like. Craig seems like the kind of leader who would not only make a great representative for Delaware County but could become a great national leader. I think that Craig will help restore confidence in the Congress again.
Keep the news coming!
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