Sagittarius
What I wasn’t quite expecting, however, is the unbelievable reception I’ve received from every single Minnesotan I’ve met. From the hotel staff where I’m staying, to every police officer I’ve met (there have been quite a few – I’ll talk more about that in a moment). Every waiter or waitress, convention staff and just average people like me whom I’ve talked to at gas stations and retail establishments. Everybody has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and to let me know how much they appreciate our presence.
Although I’ve never been to a political function before (let alone a political convention), I have traveled quite a bit throughout my sales career, including several trade conventions as a VIP guest. I’ve experienced all types of hospitality, but never anything quite like this. Thank you, Minnesotans!
As with most conventions, there is little free time, so I’m taking advantage of a couple short hours before the convention begins today, day two, to share some of my observations from day one. The first thing I feel I must mention is how safe I feel, despite the protesters.
I’m here as a guest of the Florida Delegation. Florida’s delegates as well as delegates from all of the other states are provided with transportation to and from the events. We are accompanied by police for our protection. In speaking with one of the police officers yesterday, I learned that they are estimating that there are over 100,000 protesters. Police have set up protective barriers and have cordoned off areas for our protection.
Still, protesters have managed to do a lot of damage.
COMMENTS (3)
RATE THIS STORY
Nude photos of the MTV reality star surfaced on the...
Through my humanitarian work in Central Africa, I learned that refugee children from...
Comments
Re: One Lucky RNC Convention Guest
By luyen, September 2, 2008 at 11:06I apologize in advance if my comment might sounds cynical, but personally i've noticed that people will always be very welcoming when they are around like-minded people, in this case republicans, no doubt inspired by a common hope. I'd wager that if you had gone to the DNC, it'd be very much the same experience...
Anyway, i applaud your article for being quite non-partisan, and glad you stayed safe throughout the protests, which I find deplorable.
Re: One Lucky RNC Convention Guest
By SmartCookie, September 2, 2008 at 11:35Thank you, luyen. I have no doubt that Denver residents and officials would have greeted me in the same way had I been a guest at the DNC convention. Hosting an event like this is a wonderful opportunity for any city. I don't think you sound cynical. There are many good public servants holding office as Democrats. There are also many good public servants holding office as Republicans. Of course, our government is also filled with way too many people from both parties who serve their own interests or special-interests before the interests of the American people. One of the many things I love about our Constitution is that it grants no power to political parties. We The People are responsible for our government, not the other way around.
I also think it's important for people to appreciate the diversity and friendliness found in the Republican party ... mostly because that is not the common perception, although it is the reality. I personally have not experienced any group think among McCain's supporters. In fact, there is a lot of lively debate about the issues, within the party and among McCain's supporters. McCain has really shaken things up and given us an opportunity to think about things very differently. I also believe Sen. Obama has given voters a lot to think about. I think more Americans will vote in this election than at any other time in our history. Woo Hoo! ;-) Ultimately of course, it's up to the voters, and I'm glad to be a tiny pary of this process!
Thanks again for your comments.
Re: One Lucky RNC Convention Guest
By luyen, September 2, 2008 at 13:37You're quite right, I don't think the diversity of the republican party and its supporters are fully appreciated or reflected, it's unfortunate because it only takes a few "extremists" on either side to paint the entire party and its people one way.
While personally i've leaned towards the Obama campaign, I have found McCain to be a sound man, and if he made it into office, I think there'd be opportunity for non-partisan cooperation at last. I've always wondered what it'd be like if both parties actually worked together more often, I think a lot of good issues never get addressed because of which side they originate from, hopefully that will be a thing of the past!