Friday, 4:45pm - Along the Same Lines
Going through the convention hall I encountered a lot of interesting people, a lot of really nice people, and just a couple of groups which I found really troubling. The first and most obvious is
Ok, they're irritating, but they pale in comparison to something called NewsWithViews.com (don't visit their horrible ad-ridden website), a group which seems devoted to nativism, conspiracy mania and homophobia. When I went by their booth a scary woman harangued me about the 'homosexual agenda'. They're also selling books by the truly horrifying Alan Stang who is a sort of older, nastier version of Alex Jones.
But of course, they're small timers. We've got a booth here from the real nexus of rat-brained political self-abuse, the John Birch Society. They're here in force and the crazy wing of the Paul movement is flocking around them. I had a scary conversation with a couple of them while trying to find the bathroom, and I just don't understand what these people think they have in common with the Republican party or with anyone who is interested in doing anything serious in the political arena.
Friday, 5:55pm - Michael McCaul Drops By
Michael McCaul is my congressman, with a district which stretches from North Austin to North Houston as the result of gerrymandering. He's just arrived at the blogging area, so I'm going to throw a question his way shortly. I'll try to ask about something other than biodiesel, since I think I've hammered on that subject enough. Just like every other legislator we've seen today his opening remarks are all about opening up ANWR and everywhere else to oil exploration.
Oh well, I had to ask an oil question, so I asked him about market solutions to our energy needs and taking advantage of the high gas prices to push alternative energy. His answer was very political, but I didn't deserve any better because my question was poorly framed. Then he stuck around after the formal question section and I managed to actually get his attention on the problem with subsidized US biodiesel being shipped to Europe and the shortage of biodiesel resulting here in the US and he seemed to actually be paying attention, so maybe something will come of it. He does earnest pretty well, but with energy on the front burner he might get something done.
Article comments
1 - Baritone
I don't want to usurp Dave's article here, but I just thought I'd note the passing of Tim Russert of NBC News.
This came out of left field.
I know there is little love here for the mass media, but I do believe that Russert was one of the best at what he did. He was clearly a tireless and endlessly enthusiastic news man who was never caught unprepared. The reaction of his compatriots in the business is testament to his having been a good man, a good husband, a good son, and a good father.
I will definitely miss the astute energy that he brought to everything he did both on and off camera. His Sunday morning "Meet the Press" program will definitely not be the same without him, and it will be strange indeed not having his voice chiming in with excitement come the night of the November election.
B-tone
2 - Dave Nalle
I heard about Russert on the escalator here in the convention center and I can confirm that Republicans had a great deal of respect for him as a journalist and interviewer. Everyone I've talked to was surprised and saddened. Seems like he deserved to have more time.
Dave
3 - Dave Nalle
I've done another update to the blog. Half a day of the convention to go tomorrow, but I might cut out a bit early.
BTW, if you searched "texas republican convention" on google news Thursday or Friday the first listing out of about 4000 was for my original liveblog which held the number one spot for 23 hours. It was then supplanted by this second liveblog segment which held the number one spot for about 6 hours, after which it got bumped and the original article came back and is currently still number 1.
Either being really, really long and wordy earns you points with google or something makes articles at BC extra popular.
Dave
4 - Tami
I am wondering after reading your blog why you are in the republican party. It seems obvious that you do not believe the way the majority of Republicans believe. Why would you want to associate with them, when it is so obvious from your believes, values, writings, that you are a democrat.
Leaves me wondering?
5 - Dave Nalle
Tami, almost everything I believe in is a belief I share with a majority or a very large minority of the GOP. My beliefs are also those on which the party was founded and which it continued to follow until relatively recently.
In addition, my beliefs have very little in common with those of democrats in the most important areas.
I would suggest that if you call yourself a Republican and find yourself disagreeing with me on fundamental issues like limiting government and protecting individual liberty, then YOU are in the wrong party and ought to consider becoming a democrat.
Dave
6 - lyle
Where is Saturday? I must say I was a (Ron Paul) delegate at the convention and my will was completely broken by the end of it all.
7 - Dave Nalle
Saturday is actually in a separate article at The Righteous Fist Rides Into the Sunset.
Dave