I have to tell you, I'm a little excited. I've never been to one of these before, but it definitely feels good to be a part of this...the Republican Party of VA Convention.
As I've been saying since the beginning of the year, 2009 is the Year to "Get Involved", we can't afford to wait any longer, and that is what I'm trying to do. I'm also heartened by the fact that over 10,000 other Virginians have choosen to do the same thing. You see last year, just over 3,000 delegates attended the convention, this year the number is 3.5 Times that. I guess my fellow Virginians have decided it's time to get involved too...
What's cool about the room I am currently sitting in, is that it's filled with Men, Women, and even a few kids that are from all ethnic and I'm guessing financial backgrounds. It certainly doesn't look like a 'stereo-typical' Republican gathering. This pleases me greatly.
Just a few minutes ago, the Convention was opened with the presenting of the flag, the singing of the National Anthem followed by the pledge of alligance. I know I'm a big ol' sap, but I still get choked up everytime I hear it. As part of the opening ceremonies, the following Creed was read:
Republican Party of Virginia Creed
We Believe:
That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice,
That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society,
That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government,
That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing Constitutional limitations,
That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense,
That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation.
Amen!
Okay, so no one actually said "Amen", but I certainly felt it in my heart. It also pained me a bit, as I wish those that were Representing us in Washington and in Richmond, read that Creed daily and vowed to uphold in Not just in Word, but in Deeds as well...
The RPV has gone out of their way to invite and encourage Bloggers like me to participate in this weekend's events. They've got a great little section set up for us called "Bloggers' Row" and they've got their own Twitter Hash tag #RPVC09 if you'd like to follow tweets from the Convention.
I'll keep you posted....
