I also met a gentleman working on a documentary on Delegates.  He overheard me talking and asked me if I would be interested in being interviewed.  He appeared to be surprised that I was a Ron Paul supporter at first and delegate to the RNC.  He was even more surprised that I was impressed with the selection of Sarah Palin for Vice President.  That’s the media for you; everyone has to fit in a nice collective box. 

A friend picked me up from the airport, where we immediately headed out to the Campaign for Liberty Leadership Summit in Minneapolis.  Thousands participated in refreshing and democratic debate and discussion.  Most leaders had their notebook computers available for note taking.  This political meeting was a typical meeting of liberty and freedom minded folk.  There was no conformance here and everyone expressed themselves freely.  The theme was about changing the direction of our government at the state level and just about every state was represented. Some leaders gave testimonies of how they were challenged at every step to become delegates at the RNC.  My friend and I headed to our hotel so that I could pick up my credentials… 

“Can somebody please give me my credentials”?  This is what I asked anyone and everyone.  This is what happens when you miss your flight, register late and a major hurricane has subdued the RNC.  This inconvenience lasted shortly and then I was off to the RNC delegation bus with credentials in hands.  When I arrived at the RNC in St. Paul, I felt like I was back at the airport security gate.  I was checked, patted and observed Secret Service standing on the roof of the Excel building with black clothing, boots and weapons.  Then I noticed that we were almost caged in by these huge black gates outside of the convention center.  I suppose this was to protect those entering the building from protestors or maybe   “terroris”.  I suppose we were at a red level at this event.  Then I spotted a huge Fox News television screen outside, you know, the fair and balanced news program.  I chuckled to myself when my friend referred to them as the Ministry of Truth.  You have to read Orwell’s 1984 to catch the humor in that one.  Once in the building, I observed a few speakers I didn’t know and left as the schedule was shortened due to Hurricane Gustav in the gulf.  President Bush was admirable to standby in case the people of the gulf needed guidance instead of making an appearance at the RNC.  Even when a president can’t do anything financially, it shows compassion.         

Again, I attended another liberty event in Minneapolis.  This time it was the Ron Paul Celebration, which provided for a warm, joyous and patriotic atmosphere.  No security checks were required.  No men in black uniforms and boots with big guns and no body searches.  Musicians performed and several leaders spoke about the Constitution, the condition of our economy and the true definition of Patriotism.  I felt like I was amongst old friends that I had known all my life.  Everyone got along very well.  We all shared our stories about state fights and other political stories. This was a memorable evening and it put my mind at ease after the experience of a Police State atmosphere at the RNC.  But again, I’m sure it was for our protection.