Tuesday Highlights

Tuesday Highlights

The highlight of the day was a lunch sponsored by Senator Orin Hatch which featured a performance by Lee Greenwood. Greenwood performed a number of songs for the delegates with his signature song “God Bless the USA” ending the performance. His performance put in perspective why we as delegates are here in Minneapolis by reminding us of the greatness of this country.

Prior to lunch with Greenwood (which also featured a short speech from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell), Utah delegates visited the Metrodome. Delegates got to go onto the field and several delegates including Eric Isom, Ben Horsley and Marco Diaz decided to run the outfield. Fortunately no one was injured.

Other highlights of the day included:

In the afternoon a number of delegates and attended a rally which included a speech by Grover Norquist who is president of Americans for Tax Reform. His message centered on the need to reduce taxation to help rope in the size of government. Another presentation discussed the national debt which is nearing $10 trillion dollars or $31,000 for every man, woman and child in this nation.

I was thrilled to hear Republicans talk about the need to reduce government spending at the nightly convention session. I was impressed when a presentation noted that John McCain has never sought any earmarks for Arizona. Reducing government spending has not been a high priority of Republicans lately. While I have several concerns about John McCain, I have always appreciated his willingness to fight government waste. I am hoping that his nomination will signal making deficit reduction a higher priority.

Another highlight of the convention was Senator Fred Thompson’s talk which included a discussion of John McCain’s experience as a POW. On my LDS mission, my mission president, David Rollins, was in POW camps with John McCain. I know how this experience changed his life and the admiration I have for him and for all who make great sacrifices to serve this country.

Utah is one of the reddest states in the nation, so the Republican Party can often take Utah for granted. This is demonstrated by Utah’s position on the convention floor. Only one state is further away from the podium than Utah. That state is Vermont, which is best known for having a socialist (Bernie Sanders) represent them in Washington.

While Utah is far away from the podium, it is right next to the CNN, CBS and NBC studious. Utah delegates often make up the background for CNN shots, and delegates got a chance to get a wave from Laura Bush prior to her interview on NBC.

An unexpected benefit came when fellow delegate Larry Meyers of St. George and I decided to take a different route out of the convention hall. Security asked us to stop prior to entering a stairway. As we waited we had the opportunity to see President Bush, Barbara Bush and Cindy McCain as they exited the Xcel Center.

Wednesday’s highlight will be a speech from Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Governor Jon Huntsman is also tentatively scheduled to address the convention. Of course, the convention schedule is in flux so that is subject to change.