Convention Fruit

The Texas Republican Convention. So tired. Sleepy. Achy. Looking for a word between disappointed and disgusted.

I am a Christian, American, Texan and registered Republican, in that order. Some folks at the convention seemed to be Republican, Texan, American, Christian, in that order. So it really isn't any wonder that many of the General Session addresses didn't resonate with me. I'm not moved with the masses toward the common-enemy mentality that seemed to be a big thrust of the convention. I'm not impressed with the encroachment of petty politics on the governmental process.

That's my polite way of acknowledging the tactic called trash talk, and even those holding the highest offices were not above its use. Some call it "mud-slinging" because it employs dirty, back-handed, inflamatory, arrogant, unsophisticated verbal assault on opponents who aren't there to defend or object. I'm especially grieved when such behavior is accompanied by the invocation of my Saviour. Thankfully, I did not sense that the use of my Lord's name in vain was as prevelant a practice as during the Convention of '04, and there were even a couple of wonderfully bold, genuine testimonies that made the Spirit in me (and the flesh, quite literally) stand up and cheer! Those were good moments.

And not every speech was disappointing. Occasionally, a speaker would be skilled and stately enough to appropriately differentiate the Party's platform or his position from that of the opponent. Refreshing. Compelling. Honorable.

So, in the end I learned that there are two different (and unfortunately connected) elements at work in the running of this country: government and politics. I learned that people don't believe the Lord when He says, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord..." because they seem to too often seek their position through popularity gained by ungodly practice or speech.

We did enjoy watching the governmental side of things, however: the caucuses, the ballot votes, the nomination process, speeches, debate, parliamentary procedure. One has long displayed a keen interest in American History and leadership, so I expected some wonderfully profound answer when today I inquired, "What do you like about the convention?"

"Oh, I don't know. Getting free stuff, I guess...Yeah, the free stuff."

She's allowed -- she's 10.