Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Date:         Sat, 22 Aug 1992 10:55:08 CST
From:         "William M. Jordan" <IF20159@LATECH.BITNET>
Subject:      GOP Convention: An Eyewitness Report

I have just returned last night from attending the Republican National
Convention as an alternate from Lousiana.  I intend over the next few
days to submit posts concerning my experience while at the Convention.
The purpose of these posts is not to try to get everyone to vote for
President Bush, but to share some of the significant things that
happened there (from my perspective).

There is much more going on at the convention than just the sessions
in the Astrodome that were shown on television.  There were
receptions and parties going on all the time.  During the week I only
had one meal in a restaurant, for there was free food at many
locations.

The security for the events were very tight.  Even though the
President's speeches  were disrputed on two separate events, he was
not in any danger.  The only "weapon" that anyone could have brought
into the meeting was a loud voice.  To get into the astrodome we all
had to go through metal detectors.  The buttons I wore set off the
detectors and I was physically searched every time I entered the
Astrodome.  As an alternate I got to get on to the floor of the
convention.  At least 5 different places someone examined my credentials
make sure I had to the right to proceed to the floor.  While all
this was a hassle, most everyone accepted it without complaining.
It is unfortunate we had to do this, but this is an outstanding
example of the sinfulness of man, for he cannot be trusted not to
do anything wrong.  I saw Senators, Governors and T.V. commentators
all patiently waiting in line to be searched before entering.

For those of you who think that our political campaigns are too long,
I have bad news for you.  The 1996 Presidential Campaign has already
begun.  Vice-President Quayle, Secretary Kemp, Senator Gramm, and
Pat Buchanan were almost everywhere, speaking to as many groups and
caucuses as possible.  These four (at least) are already well underway
campaigning for the 1996 nomination.  I went to a Kemp rally one night
at 11:30 p.m.  I did not go to the Gramm rally for he was using that
as a fundraiser (and it cost $75 to get in).  Buchanan also had a rally
but I was too tired to go it.

There was an active Conservative Christian presence at many events.
I could not get into the Christian Coalition rally for the ballroom
was already packed.  I went to a meeting of the Republican National
Coalition for Life. On the platform at one time was the Vice-President,
Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Phyllis Schlafly. That's either
a dream team or a nightmare team, depending on your political
perspectives.  And I did get to hear Rush Limbaugh speak one afternoon
(more on that on a later post).

I was surprised at how openly Vice-President Quayle was identifying
with some of the more conservative Christians who were there.  On
Tuesday night, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell were sitting in the
Vice President's box at the Astrodome (also in the box was Rush
Limbaugh).

To provide a coherent story of my experiences, I need some time today
to try to sort out my experiences.  I will probably post my
experiences in four posts, one for each day.

In Christ, Bill

William M. Jordan            Voice       (318) 257-4304
Mechanical & Industrial      FAX         (318) 257-2562
     Engineering Dept.       Bitnet      IF20159@latech.bitnet
Louisiana Tech University    Internet    jordan@engr.latech.edu
Ruston, LA 71272
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