Time for Steele To Go

Note from Pastor Ed: I had high hopes that Michael Steele was going to do the job as Republican National Committee Chairman. When I saw him give his speech at last years Republican National Convention, I totally enjoyed his energy! Even when others have started calling for his ouster, I declined. However, in light of these most recent remarks - I am now on the side of those who are calling for Michael Steele to resign as the Republican National Committee Chairman. There is no place in the conservative movement for people that have the beliefs that Steele expressed in the GQ interview.

Steele disappoints conservatives on abortion, homosexuality

Jim Brown
One News Now

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele is under fire from social conservatives for telling GQ magazine that abortion is an "individual choice" and homosexuality is not.

Despite declaring to GQ that women have the right to choose an abortion, Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Steele has issued a statement saying he has always been pro-life and supports a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Matt Barber, director of cultural affairs for Liberty Counsel and Liberty Alliance Action, says in Steele's interview with GQ, he "sounded like he was on the payroll of Planned Parenthood."

"I'm encouraged that Michael Steele is on record now in support of the human life amendment. However, for the life of me I cannot imagine why he would have chosen to use the euphemistic language of choice. That's language that they came up with in the smoky back room of Planned Parenthood somewhere to try to hide the reality of what abortion is," he contends. "There is no such thing as pro-choice. You're either pro-abortion or anti-abortion."

Barber admits he is also troubled that Steele told GQ that believing homosexuality is a choice is equivalent to saying, "Tomorrow morning I'm going to stop being black."

"I am starting to wonder whether Michael Steele is on the payroll of the RNC or whether he's on the payroll of the [Democratic National Committee], because that sounds like something that Howard Dean or any spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign or the radical homosexual lobby would have said," he adds. "There's no science to support the notion that people are born homosexual."

Barber says it appears Steele and the Republican Party are going to continue making the same mistakes that landed them in the minority and are causing them to "spiral into the abyss of political irrelevancy."

More Thoughts on the Convention

In the comment section, Cyber Crew member Garry said, "I would be interested in hearing from you what the overall tenor of the convention felt like, and how the folks you mentioned were expressing their feelings in regard to the New Ticket?"

I will gladly do so as the feeling in Minneapolis - St. Paul was electric! It was almost to the point of being indescribable.

Most folks know that I'm a big time sports fan. My baseball team is the St. Louis Cardinals and my football team is the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals won the 2006 World Series and the Colts won the 2007 Super Bowl.

For a sports fan there are not much higher highs than that, and I can tell you that the excitement at the Republican National Convention compared to the fantastic feelings that I had when those to awesome sporting events concluded.

I wasn't hearing as many people (myself included on this) say, I'm voting against Nobama more than I'm voting for McCain. That to me was interesting.

The theme of the convention was "Country First" (of course I say God First, but I understand the message) and that certainly works in McCain's favor.

No matter what one thinks of McCain and his policies or whether he is conservative enough, I think we can all agree that he is a true American hero.

Of course much of the enthusiasm was directed at Palin, but let's give credit - McCain did choose her.

In conversations since then, some of us believe that this new found energy and momentum is a God thing and less about the people involved, but putting an outspoken Christian on the ticket didn't hurt things.

Will the excitement last - I believe it will as Christians find a new energy about politics.

Will McCain hold true to what Conservatives believe - my guess is that he will be much the same way he has always been - but that's where you and I come in. We must hold ALL of our elected officials accountable.

Some people think that's impossible - but I will say that ALL THINGS are possible with God!

Cyber Pastor

September 3rd, 2008: The Day The Republican Party Changed

I've been promising this post for several days and now I'm gonna "get'er done". This is my from the heart observation of the 2008 Republican National Convention, which I got to observe "up close an personal" as a Special Press credentialed blogger.

There are so many directions I could write from. I could just do a chronological report of the activities; I could list quote after amazing quote; I could tell of the wonderful friendships that were made. All would be fantastic stories, and I am no way near the end of things to post from last week. Much, much more is coming in the days and weeks ahead.

Through this post I will try to convey the feelings in the air, the atmosphere of a remarkable and historic week. I know my words will not be close to related the power of what happened, but I will give it my best.

The week to me boiled down to Wednesday night. All the expectations were on the final speech of the night, the acceptance by Sarah Palin of the nomination for Vice-President of the United States of America. Man was it ever much more than just that.

From the early speakers who were common every day Americans with backgrounds such as:

• An black female Democrat who was an Obama supporter until 3 weeks prior to the Convention who realized there was no substance to this whole notion of "change". She is now voting McCain/Palin.
• A female Republican who had backed Hilary, and was now back in the fold and voting for McCain/Palin.
  
• A black male elected official from Texas who is tired of identity politics and wants to be known as an American with no hyphens. He proudly is voting McCain/Palin.
  

Something started to click in my head. The Republicans were showing that they are the party of the people, something many of us have known for years, but the sense was that others were catching on.

When the heavy hitters came to the plate: Steele, Romney, Huckabee, Giuliani, and finally Governor Palin, it was like something had clicked in the heads of the party - we are not just going to sit back and be the poor pitiful party that lets the other side beat us up and are always on the defensive.

Let me say this loud and clear, The Republican Party was now on offense and I say it is about time and don't let up.

From Michael Steele and his line "Drill, baby, drill" to Governor Palin letting everyone know she isn't going to Washington to win popularity contests with the media-but to go and work for the American people, there was time after time that I looked at the blogger next to me and said, "did they really said that?".

The other side wants you to ignore the executive experience of their ticket, but this night that experience was shown to be what it really is which ZERO, empahaized by making a BIG 0 with her hand, as Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle so bluntly said it.

Sometimes the truth hurts but that doesn't change the fact that it is still the truth.

Who do you want leading the nation when the next national crisis happens? Do you want someone who votes "present" or someone who when given the chance to take the "easy out" from the Hanoi Hilton said I am no better than any other POW here, I'll wait my fair turn.

My dear friend Snooper coined the phrase "Conservative Tsunami", and folks let me say this, if the 2008 Republican National Convention is any indication, then this tsunami has strengthened to full force, and you can mark down September 3rd, 2008 as the true turning point.

Christians there is now "one of us" on the ticket in Governor Palin. My suggestion is that you....

Catch the wave!


Cyber Pastor

Thank you for all your support both in word and prayer, plus those of you who helped financially - I love you all.

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Letter to the Editor

The following was submitted to our local weekly newspaper. This isn't my passionate post I promised, but I wanted to share this with you and encourage you to follow the suggestions of NJ_GOP in a post a little further down. 

CP

My wife and I experienced what was probably a once in a lifetime event for us in St. Paul, Minnesota last week, and we wanted to share that with our friends here in our wonderful community. We were able to attend the Republican National Convention with "Special Press" credentials to cover the convention for our blog.

This all started with an application to the RNC several months back, and thinking there was very little chance that a blog like ours, which is pretty small and covering mostly "Religion and Politics" would be chosen. To my surprise, many weeks later we got the word that we had been selected to be a part of this historic event. 

The week started out looking pretty bleak. Hurricane Gustav threatened to wreck havoc not only on the Gulf Coast, but also the possibility of shutting down the convention. It's difficult to have a major event while so many of our fellow Americans were at great risk. 

All events for Monday, except those that are mandated by Federal Law, were cancelled. Plans were made to promote ways that people could help financially with the storm recovery. I was proud that the focus was on the right thing. 

Finally on Tuesday, there was a full night of activity. However, my two favorite things for Tuesday didn't happen inside the Excel Center. 

Former Senator Fred Thompson spoke to a group of about 30 of us bloggers at a special brunch. I was thrilled to be able to ask one of the 3 questions he took during the question and answer session at the end. 

Later that afternoon, I was excited to run into our own representative, Mike Pence, in the hallway. We spoke for a couple of minutes and every time I am around him I am more proud to have a Congressman who puts Christian first, then Conservative, and finally Republican, and he reminded me that "it's in that order". 

Wednesday's lineup was made up of "heavy hitters" including: Michael Steele, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, and finally Sarah Palin giving her acceptance speech. 

 

Governor Palin inspired the crowd with her down home, I'm an American just like you attitude. Her comment of, "I’m not going to Washington to seek their (the media's) good opinion - I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country" drew the loudest ovation of the night until John McCain surprised everyone by joining his running mate and her family on stage at the end of the festivities. 

Thursday concluded with Senator McCain accepting the nomination of his party for the office of President of the United States. Say what you will about the "maverick" from Arizona, but it can't be denied that he is a true American hero for his actions at the Hanoi Hilton during his time as a POW. 

Thanks for letting us share our experiences with you. 

You can read more at our blog by going to www.dotherightthing-cyberpastor.blogspot.com.

Ed & Ann Boston

McCain - Palin 2008: The winning Ticket!

What a difference a year makes! At this time last year, I don't know if I had even heard of Sarah Palin, and I would have never thought .I would be calling myself a JOHN MCCAIN supporter.

To borrow a terribly worn out word - I have CHANGED!

Two years plus back my friend Snooper and I used to argue over who disliked McCain more. Today, we would probably argue over who is more proud of this great American hero.

The McCain - Palin ticket will prove to be a winner, and I'm proud to be on board!

Cyber Pastor


Also, that from the heart post will have to wait, as I've been glued to the activities this evening. It's coming soon, I promise.

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Upcoming Post - Thoughts from the Heart

Dear friends, family, and all who may read this post:

I will be making a post, hopefully later this evening, about how my experiences at the Republican National Convention have affected me - and will be posting from my heart. 

It won't be a "reporter" post, but just me trying to share with you just how much this Convention means to our great nation, the UNITED States of America! 

I shared with our radio audience parts of what I will be posting, and if you go to this link you can listen to the archive: 

Do The Right Thing Radio - Republican Convention Coverage.

Thank you for allowing me to bring my faith, hope and love to you here on our blog!

Cyber Pastor

John McCain to Accept Nomination - Full Program

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Program for Thursday

John McCain to Accept Republican Party’s Nomination for President

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the full program of events for Thursday, Sept. 4. The evening’s program will feature John McCain’s speech accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the presidency. Among the other speakers participating in this evening’s program are Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.), former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.), U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Mrs. Cindy McCain. The speakers’ remarks will reflect the convention’s overall theme, "Country First,"and the theme for Thursday’s events, which is "peace." Participants are organized by hour of participation: 

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
• Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
• Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
• Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
• Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
• Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
• Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
• Speaker: Erik Paulsen
• Speaker: Jay Love
• Speaker: Charlie Summers
• Speaker: Aaron Schock
• Speaker: David Cappiello
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
• Video: "Country First: Peace," with narration by Robert Duvall
• Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
• Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
• Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Speaker: Joe Watkins
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
• Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
• Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
• Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
• Video: "World Stood Still"

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
• Video: "Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin"
• Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
• Video: "America’s Place in the World"
• Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Video: "Senator John McCain"
• Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain

10 p.m. to Conclusion

• Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
• Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
• Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
• Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites onFacebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: Fred Thompson

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Below is the text of former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson's (Tenn.) remarks to the 2008 Republican National Convention this evening. The text is embargoed until delivery. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson

Tonight our thoughts are still with our friends and fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast area, and our thanks go to those who have worked so hard to keep them safe. There can be no more important work than this.

But what we are doing at this convention is also important to our country.

We are going to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.

We do so while taking a different view of our country than that of the other party.

Listening to them you'd think that we were in the middle of a great depression; that we are down, disrespected and incapable of prevailing against challenges facing us.

We know that we have challenges ... always have, always will.

But we also know that we live in the freest, strongest, most generous and prosperous nation in the history of the world and we are thankful.

Speaking of the vice presidential nominee, what a breath of fresh air Governor Sarah Palin is.

She is from a small town, with small town values, but that's not good enough for those folks who are attacking her and her family.

Some Washington pundits and media big shots are in a frenzy over the selection of a woman who has actually governed rather than just talked a good game on the Sunday talk shows and hit the Washington cocktail circuit. Well, give me a tough Alaskan Governor who has taken on the political establishment in the largest state in the Union -- and won -- over the beltway business-as-usual crowd any day of the week.

Let's be clear ... the selection of Governor Palin has the other side and their friends in the media in a state of panic. She is a courageous, successful, reformer, who is not afraid to take on the establishment.

Sound like anyone else we know?

She has run a municipality and she has run a state.

And I can say without fear of contradiction that she is the only nominee in the history of either party who knows how to properly field dress a moose ... with the possible exception of Teddy Roosevelt.

She and John McCain are not going to care how much the alligators get irritated when they get to Washington, they're going to drain that swamp.

But tonight, I'd like to talk to you about the remarkable story of John McCain.

It's a story about character.

John McCain's character has been tested like no other presidential candidate in the history of this nation.

He comes from a military family whose service to our country goes back to the Revolutionary War.

The tradition continues.

As I speak, John and Cindy McCain have one son who's just finished his first tour in Iraq.

Another son is putting "Country First" and is attending the Naval Academy. We have a number of McCains in the audience tonight.

Also here tonight is John's 96-year-old mother, Roberta. All I've got to say is that if Roberta McCain had been the McCain captured by the North Vietnamese, they would have surrendered.

Now, John's father was a bit of a rebel, too.

In his first two semesters at the Naval Academy, he managed to earn 333 demerits.

Unfortunately, John later saw that as a record to be beaten.

A rebellious mother and a rebellious father - I guess you can see where this is going.

In high school and the Naval Academy, he earned a reputation as a troublemaker.

But as John points out, he wasn't just a troublemaker. He was the leader of the troublemakers.

Although loaded with demerits like his father, John was principled even in rebellion.

He never violated the honor code.

However, in flight school in Pensacola, he did drive a Corvette and date a girl who worked in a bar as an exotic dancer under the name of Marie, the Flame of Florida.

And the reason I'm telling you these things, is that, apparently, this mixture of rebellion and honor helped John McCain survive the next chapter of his life:

John McCain was preparing to take off from the USS Forrestal for his sixth mission over Vietnam, when a missile from another plane accidentally fired and hit his plane.

The flight deck burst into a fireball of jet fuel.

John's flight suit caught fire.

He was hit by shrapnel.

It was a scene of horrible human devastation.

Men sacrificed their lives to save others that day. One kid, who John couldn't identify because he was burned beyond recognition, called out to John to ask if a certain pilot was OK.

John replied that, yes, he was.

The young sailor said, "Thank God"... and then he died.

These are the kind of men John McCain served with.

These are the men and women John McCain knows and understands and loves.

If you want to know who John McCain is, if you want to know what John McCain values, look to the men and women who wear America's uniform today.

The fire on the Forrestal burned for two days.

20 planes were destroyed.

134 sailors died.

John himself barely dodged death in the inferno and could've returned to the States with his ship.

Instead, he volunteered for combat on another carrier that was undermanned from losing so many pilots.

Stepping up.

Putting his "Country First."

Three months later John McCain was a Prisoner of War.

On October 26, 1967, on his 23rd mission over North Vietnam, a surface-to-air missile slammed into John's A-4 Skyhawk jet, blowing it out of the sky.

When John ejected, part of the plane hit him -- breaking his right knee, his left arm, his right arm in three places.

An angry mob got to him.

A rifle butt broke his shoulder.

A bayonet pierced his ankle and his groin.

They took him to the Hanoi Hilton, where he lapsed in and out of consciousness for days. He was offered medical care for his injuries if he would give up military information in return.

John McCain said "No".

After days of neglect, covered in grime, lying in his own waste in a filthy room, a doctor attempted to set John's right arm without success ... and without anesthesia.

His other broken bones and injuries were not treated. John developed a high fever, dysentery. He weighed barely a hundred pounds.

Expecting him to die, his captors placed him in a cell with two other POWs who also expected him to die.

But with their help, John McCain fought on.

He persevered.

So then they put him in solitary confinement...for over two years.

Isolation ... incredible heat beating on a tin roof. A light bulb in his cell burning 24 hours a day.

Boarded-up cell windows blocking any breath of fresh air.

The oppressive heat causing boils the size of baseballs under his arms.

The outside world limited to what he could see through a crack in a door.

We hear a lot of talk about hope.

John McCain knows about hope. That's all he had to survive on. For propaganda purposes, his captors offered to let him go home.

John McCain refused.

He refused to leave ahead of men who'd been there longer.

He refused to abandon his conscience and his honor, even for his freedom.

He refused, even though his captors warned him, "It will be very bad for you."

They were right.

It was.

The guards cracked ribs, broke teeth off at the gums. They cinched a rope around his arms and painfully drew his shoulders back.

Over four days, every two to three hours, the beatings resumed. During one especially fierce beating, he fell, again breaking his arm.

John was beaten for communicating with other prisoners.

He was beaten for NOT communicating with so-called "peace delegations."

He was beaten for not giving information during interrogations.

When his captors wanted the names of other pilots in his squadron, John gave them the names of the offensive line of the Green Bay Packers.

Whenever John was returned to his cell -- walking if he could, dragged if he couldn't -- as he passed his fellow POWs, he would call out to them.

He'd smile ... and give them a thumbs-up.

For five-and-a-half years this went on.

John McCain's bones may have been broken but his spirit never was.

Now, being a POW certainly doesn't qualify anyone to be President.

But it does reveal character.

This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders.

Strength.

Courage.

Humility.

Wisdom.

Duty.

Honor.

It's pretty clear there are two questions we will never have to ask ourselves, "Who is this man?" and "Can we trust this man with the Presidency?"

He has been to Iraq eight times since 2003.

He went seeking truth, not publicity.

When he travels abroad, he prefers quietly speaking to the troops amidst the heat and hardship of their daily lives.

And the same character that marked John McCain's military career has also marked his political career.

This man, John McCain is not intimidated by what the polls say or by what is politically safe or popular.

At a point when the war in Iraq was going badly and the public lost confidence, John stood up and called for more troops.

And now we are winning.

Ronald Reagan was John McCain's hero.

And President Reagan admired John tremendously.

But when the President proposed putting U.S. troops in Beirut, John McCain, a freshman Congressman, stood up and cast a vote against his hero because he thought the deployment was a mistake.

My friends ... that is character you can believe in.

For years, members of Congress, Republican and Democrat alike, have gouged the taxpayer with secret earmark spending.

Well, he has never sought an earmark.

I've experienced John's character first hand.

In 1993, when I was thinking of running for the Senate, I went to John for advice. He convinced me I could help make a difference for our country.

I won that election, and with Republican control of Congress, we reformed welfare.

We balanced the budget.

And we began rebuilding our military.

What I remember most about those years is sitting next to John on the Senate floor as he led battle after battle to change the acrimonious, pork barreling, self serving ways of Washington.

The Senate has always had more than its share of smooth talkers.

And big talkers.

It still has.

But while others were talking reform, John McCain led the effort to make reform happen -- always pressing, always moving for what he believed was right and necessary to restore the people's faith in their government.

Confronting when necessary, reaching across the aisle when possible, John personified why we came to Washington in the first place.

It didn't always set too well with some of his colleagues.

Some of those fights were losing efforts.

Some were not.

But a man who never quits is never defeated.

Because John McCain stood up our country is better off.

The respect he is given around the world is not because of a teleprompter speech designed to appeal to American critics abroad, but because of decades of clearly demonstrated character and statesmanship.

There has been no time in our nation's history, since we first pledged allegiance to the American flag, when the character, judgment and leadership of our President was more important.

Terrorists, rogue nations developing nuclear weapons, an increasingly belligerent Russia.

Intensifying competition from China.

Spending at home that threatens to bankrupt future generations. For decades an expanding government ... increasingly wasteful and too often incompetent.

To deal with these challenges the Democrats present a history making nominee for president.

History making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for President. Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history making, Democrat controlled Congress. History making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history.

Together, they would take on these urgent challenges with protectionism, higher taxes and an even bigger bureaucracy.

And a Supreme Court that could be lost to liberalism for a generation.

This is not reform.

And it's certainly not change.

It is basically the same old stuff they've been peddling for years. America needs a President who understands the nature of the world we live in.

A President who feels no need to apologize for the United States of America.

We need a President who understands that you don't make citizens prosperous by making Washington richer, and you don't lift an economic downturn by imposing one of the largest tax increases in American history.

Now our opponents tell you not to worry about their tax increases.

They tell you they are not going to tax your family.

No, they're just going to tax "businesses"! So unless you buy something from a "business", like groceries or clothes or gasoline ... or unless you get a paycheck from a big or a small "business", don't worry ... it's not going to affect you.

They say they are not going to take any water out of your side of the bucket, just the "other" side of the bucket! That's their idea of tax reform.

My friends, we need a leader who stands on principle.

We need a President, and Vice President, who will take the federal bureaucracy by the scruff of the neck and give it a good shaking.

And we need a President who doesn't think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade.

The man who will be that President is John McCain.

In the days ahead at this convention, you will hear much more about what John will do as president -- what he will do on the economy, on energy, on health care, the environment... It is not my role tonight to explain that vision.

My role is to help remind you of the man behind the vision. Because tonight our country is calling to all of us to step up, stand up, and put "Country First" with John McCain.

Tonight we are being called upon to do what is right for our country.

Tonight we are being called upon to stand up for a strong military ... a mature foreign policy ... a free and growing economy and for the values that bind us together and keep our nation free.

Tonight, we are being called upon to step up and stand up with John just as he has stood up for our country.

Our country is calling.

John McCain cannot raise his arms above his shoulders.

He cannot salute the flag of the country for which he sacrificed so much. Tonight, as we begin this convention week, yes, we stand with him.

And we salute him.

We salute his character and his courage.

His spirit of independence, and his drive for reform.

His vision to bring security and peace in our time, and continued prosperity for America and all her citizens.

For our own good and our children's, let us celebrate that vision, that belief, that faith so we can keep America the greatest country the world has ever seen.

God bless John McCain and God bless America.

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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CP Runs In To Mike Pence At The Convention

One of the highlights of my day was seeing my congressman, Rep. Mike Pence in Radio Row. After waiting on the Congressman to finish a short interview and cutting in before the next media person grabbed him, I shook Rep. Pence's hand and introduced myself. I could tell he didn't recognize my face, as we have only met one time before at a Vets for Freedom event. However, when I said what my name was, his expression changed and remembered who I am, the handshake changed from professional to friendly, and we chatted for a couple of minutes.

I introduced him to the "madirishman" Sheridan Folger from Let's Get This Right and said we were here as credentialed bloggers. Rep. Pence told us that he was the first member of the House to have a blog.

Made ole Cyber Pastor's day - well part of it at least. I've got more things to tell you about an event with my other conservative main man Fred Thompson.

Tonight's Schedule

2008 Republican National Convention
Announces Tuesday Night's Program of Events

Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman Among Featured Speakers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the program of events for Tuesday, Sept. 2. The program will feature speeches by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson. Their remarks will reflect the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for Tuesday's events, which is "service."

"We are excited to announce Tuesday's featured speakers, who will share John McCain's remarkable record of leadership and service with millions of Americans tonight. We are looking forward to showcasing John McCain's life-long record of putting his country first," said Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan.

"From his days as a POW who refused early release to his 20-year career in the U.S. Senate, John McCain has always put country first. Tonight's program will reflect his unmatched commitment to service and his vision for increasing Americans' participation in service and volunteer activities," said Rick Davis, McCain 2008 campaign manager.

Among the other speakers announced today are President George W. Bush (via satellite), First Lady Laura Bush, U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.), and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.).

The program of events follows. Biographies for participants will be available on the 2008 Republican National Convention Media Portal this afternoon. To access the media portal, go to portal.gopconvention2008.com.

An announcement about additional program participants is forth-coming.

Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countrymen."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain's commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Tuesday's events will highlight John McCain's record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one's own self-interest.
Speakers will include:

• President George W. Bush (via satellite)
• First Lady Laura Bush
• U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.)
• Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
• U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
• U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
• U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)
• Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee
• Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Cyber Pastor and Mrs. CP Interviewed by MinnPost.com

Here are a couple of links to stories that we were interviewed for by a local online news organization, MinnPost.com.

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/09/01/3245/christian_conservatives_agree_palins_the_right_choice

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/09/01/3269/the_pregnancy_how_big_of_an_issue

Dr. Bill Smith was also quoted in the pregnancy story.

Check out their stories and leave your comments. We were all pleased that the quotes of us were all very accurate and no spin was placed on them.

CP

Moonbat Alert for Minnneapolis - St. Paul

Beginning on Sunday after a pre-release screening of the the movie "American Carol", we witnessed our first Moonbat demonstration by a group of Code Pink members. They had a huge banner the had the writing "We The People" unrolled.

I must admit they were being "good" when we saw them, and they were not chanting any of their normal angry hate slogans.

I think one of the more humorous things was a line of pink bicycles we saw lined up close to the folks demonstrating - not sure if they rode them in or if they were props, but it looked very funny.

On a less "funny" note, there were some demonstrators today that turned violent. I plan to come back a little later and hopefully add some links and possibly pictures of these happenings, but let me just say that will they have the "right" to demonstrate - they do not have the RIGHT to break the law, and if those who like to pick on 80 yr-olds.....

....well, I will let you finish that sentence.

More later.

CP

Oh yeah, I wanted to show you some of the Minneapolis' finest mounted and ready should things get out of hand with the Code Pink folks. Nothing happened Sunday, but plenty broke loose on Monday.

The moonbat alert will remain in effect until further notice. Too bad they didn't take the day off out of respect for those who are suffering with the devastating circumstances of yet another hurricane on our Gulf Coast.

Be proud of the Conservatives, and God Bless America!

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Palin Family Crisis - It's a Private Family Matter

I don't really have time to get links and quotes, but I just wanted to say that the news announced today about Governor Palin's 17 yr-old daughter being pregnant should be a private family matter.

Anyone who would exploit this issue for political purposes should be ashamed of themselves and look in the mirror and ask if they would like to explain to the world every thing that happens in their family.

A reporter asked me today if this changed my views of the Governor or her nomination and I told him, "not one iota!"

This shows that public figures and politicians are humans and face the same everyday problems that come up in your family and mine.

Pray for the Palin Family, and this unborn child!

CP

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Road to The Convention - Update; Republican Convention 2008 Day 1

Several items to pass on this morning, but first of all I want to ask you to remember all the folks in the path of Hurricane Gustav in prayer.

I'm sure most of you are aware that most of today's activities were canceled due to Gustav. First Lady Laura Bush introduced a video from the Governors from the affected states. She then introduced Cindy McCain, who talked about relief efforts for those displaced or who sustained damage from the storm.

Official business was limited to just the things that are mandated by law.

It's expected that things will be scaled back a little tomorrow, but there should be a program that is gets things going so that we can go full speed ahead Wednesday forward.

The official word on Tuesday's events is scheduled to be released during a conference call at 10 am Tuesday.

CP

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Road to the Convention - The Day Before

Well, our first Do The Right Thing Radio Show from Minneapolis is behind us, and now we are at the Convention Center. I have my credentials to get in, and we've met up with Dr. Bill, Sheridan, Doug (Stix Blog) and Chad from Grizzly Groundswell.

We are still getting organized, but I think we've got the sleeping situation worked out and we feel much better than we did late last night/early this morning.

Please be praying for all those in the past of Gustav! This convention is small beans compared to what is going on with that.

More a little later!

Cyber Pastor

Road to the Convention - Update

We are in Minneapolis alive and well - pretty much that is. I won't go into details because it's so late, but our lodging plans were messed up pretty bad, but hey we have a bed to sleep in and it's time to do just that.

Don't forget Do The Right Thing Radio at 1:00 pm eastern Sunday (and every day of the convention). We will recap our trip and fill you in on anything we know about what is going on here in Minnesota.

Cyber Pastor

PS. If you think about it, say a prayer for our friend Forrest Langley (he's the one with the 3 Purple Hearts).

Road to the Convention

The trip to the convention "officially" begins today as Mrs. CP and I left the very hospitable Cyber Crew member Roger and his wife this morning. They were awesome hosts!

At this time we are just outside of Chicago (being past Chicago is a very good thing), and bearing down on the remainder of the trip to the next family who is hosting us, which is Chad and his wife, from Grizzly Groundswell.

I will be making periodical post as we travel and prepare for our first show from the Convention, which will be tomorrow at 1 pm (eastern) time.

As for any excitement on the trip so far, I had the urge to put a derogatory sign about Obama in our window as we were in Chicago, but decided that might not be a good idea. We also saw a Pauliac van who was probably headed the same place we are - oh yeah, I said excitement and that doesn't quite qualify.

I'll be back a little later.

Your friendly Convention correspondent,

Cyber Pastor

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Press Release from Grizzly Groundswell

Grizzly Groundswell Coming to 2008 Republican National Convention

Chad Everson, creator of GrizzlyGroundswell.com has organized an internet media event to cover the 2008 Republican National Convention (RNC). Cyber Pastor and Mrs CP, owner of Do The Right Thing Radio, will be participating in this event each day at 1:00 pm (eastern) at their Blog Talk Radio page.

Under Everson's orchestration, a few credentialed bloggers will cover the event, giving a main-street media angle to traditional media coverage.

Owners of affiliated Internet radio shows will sponsor special guests in conjunction with the RNC.

Interested parties from across the nation are encouraged to call into the radio shows to ask questions about happenings at the RNC, including whether or not the news articles appearing in their area are accurate.

Everson said the Internet media event has a three-pronged purpose: 1) to hold traditional media sources accountable for the way they report the convention, 2) to validate Internet resources like blogs as a serious form of media, and 3) to create a groundswell of conservative political ideas that will influence upcoming elections and policies.

"If you remember how Television changed politics with the first televised Presidential debate, not necessarily for the better, With our Grizzly Groundswell Strategy, we have the potential to change politics in a good way, a Main Street Media way! We are unleashing conservative thought, voice and image with this online media empire." Everson said.

The Grizzly Groundswell network includes 20+ credentialed bloggers, 320+ offsite blogs, 35+ internet radio shows and 2 video channels streaming 24/7. LetsGetThisRight.com and BlogTalkRadio.com have both jumped on board to this Grizzly Groundswell Strategy to Flex the Main Street Medi! a's Musc le. The convention will be held in St. Paul , Minnesota from September 1 through September 5, 2008.

For more information, including other local blogger who may be participating, contact Chad Everson at 763-244-3265

grizzlygroundswell@chadeverson.com
or visit www.grizzlygroundswell.com.

Preparing For The Republican National Conventio

Mrs. CP and I are busy making preparations for our trip to St. Paul, Minnesota to cover the Republican National Convention. On Friday, we will be leaving to take our youngest daughter and dropping her off to start her freshman year at a wonderful Christian university.

From there, we will be heading to Minnesota. We will be staying at the home of Chad Everson, founder of The Grizzly Groundswell, along with several other bloggers who have been credentialed for the convention.

Beginning Sunday, and every day of the Convention, we will be hosting a Do The Right Thing Radio program at 1:00 pm eastern time. There will also be numerous posts right here on our blog.

So, if you want to get reporting straight from the Convention floor that the Lame Stream Media won't bring - this is the place to be.

We are also working in cooperation with the three groups who we have widgets in the left hand column: Grizzly Groundswell, Heading Right Radio, and Let's Get This Right - three fantastic groups of conservatives who are committed to bringing you, our loyal readers and listeners, the truth that you won't read or hear anywhere other than the "New Media".

I would also be remiss to not give a great big thank you to those folks in the Cyber Crew and others who have helped make this trip a reality with their financial assistance.

We look forward to seeing you live from St. Paul!


Cyber Pastor

PS. I wish we were traveling in the Vets for Freedom bus in the picture, but that was just a good photo op for me.

Do The Right Thing to Cover the Republican National Convention

Mrs. CP and I have been away from home for most of the last 2 weeks, and I haven't been able to post much during that time. I did want to share this great news with our blog family and friends while I have a few minutes. 

CP

July 7, 2008

Dear Media Credential Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in covering the 2008 Republican National Convention and applying for Special Press Credentials.

This letter is to inform you that Do The Right Thing has been approved to receive one (1) Special Press Credential for the purpose of covering the convention. 

The assigned credential is to be used only by the person(s) for whom it was requested. Those persons include the following:

• Pastor Ed Boston

This credential allows access to the 200 Level of the Xcel Energy Center as well as access to the Media Center, Press Conference Room and Filing Center.  This credential does not provide access to any broadcast position, camera stand or writing press stand, nor does it provide access to the delegate floor.

You will be sent further instructions via e-mail for picking up your credentials.  No credentials will be mailed.

Credentials will not be distributed to groups or individuals that have not submitted the online security form by the July 30, 2008 due date.  Thank you again for your interest, and please contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

 

 

Hayden Pruett

Special Press Office