Right Voices

Even amid the ugly protests, organized by your friendly street Democrats – - which haven’t been so friendly, by the way – the opening night of the RNC went off without too many problems. A quick word about these protests. I’m all for freedom and the ability to gather in groups to either protest or support a cause — but from what I’ve been reading about these protests, not only are they voicing their opinions – they are stalking delegates around the city. Following them to the theater, dinner, back to their hotels . . . shouting vulgarities, stalking them around town dressed in black with hoods, with the intent to scare and intimidate.

I have many, many friends who are Democrats. It’s interesting how my friends and I can agree to disagree without getting into fits of swearing, fist shaking and physical intimidation. These protesters, some of them, are acting like scared children who are desperately trying to keep their schoolyard bully from getting his butt kicked. The NYPD have been doing a tremendous job in keeping the peace and maintaining the security of the delegates, and really deserve the thanks and appreciation of the Republican Party.

The speech last night by John McCain - vigorously defending the war in Iraq, calling it necessary. Commended President Bush in making difficult choices for keeping the peace. He said the things that really needed saying about Iraq — that it was not a choice between a ‘benign status quo and war’ but rather, a choice between war and a stark, growing danger. Unfortunately, one of the lines of his speech that drew the most reaction from the crowd of delegates was when he told the crowd, “Do not let anyone tell you anything different – - certainly not a disingenuous filmaker….” – The camera then panned to Michael Moore, who made the shape of an “L” (loser) with his fingers and shouted “2 more months”. While I understand the crowds reaction — I found myself wishing that McCain had not given Moore any kind of validity at all. I’d rather the Republican party not even acknowledge his presence at the convention, at all. He has no place there – - and in the words of Michael Moore, McCain just ‘boosted him at the box office.’

Rudy Gulliani pointed out Kerry’s inconsistencies and made the distinct comparison with the President, who has been rock solid in his convictions about terrorism and national security. He described President Bush as ‘rock solid’ – - and contrasted Kerry as a man who could not, has not, conducted himself with any sense of conviction when it comes to matters of national security, military and defense of this country. I think the comparisons between Kerry and Bush are black and white – and that comparison needs to be drawn, and drawn often. Gulliani told many stories of that day in September – - and twice stated, “Thank God George W. Bush is our President”.

And since September 11th President Bush has remained rock solid.

It doesn’t matter how he is demonized.

It doesn’t matter what the media does to ridicule him or misinterpret him or defeat him.

They ridiculed Winston Churchill. They belittled Ronald Reagan.

But like President Bush, they were optimists; leaders must be optimists. Their vision was beyond the present and set on a future of real peace and true freedom.

Some call it stubbornness. I call it principled leadership.

President Bush has the courage of his convictions.

~Former Mayor, Rudy Gulliani – - RNC Convention speech 2004

All in all, it was a great night of fabulous speeches that really rallied the base. That, and the fact that President Bush is going into the convention week with a very nice 10 lead in the polls. Bush has reclaimed an advantage in being seen as more honest and trustworthy, bolstered his rating for strong leadership and moved to a 10-point lead as better qualified to serve as commander in chief, erasing Kerry’s edge in the latter after his convention late last month.