qm_fall_2016

Rock And Roll from page 5

As we were being treated to delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and good company inside, a huge protest was taking place right in front of the building. There were as many police and law enforcement personnel as there were protesters. The irony was that the protesters were walking side by side with police on bikes and horses that were used as a protective barrier. Many of us gave the Cleveland Police and other security officers a spontaneous round of applause and cheers as we walked to “The Q”. A masked protester was apprehended and detained right in front of me by four police officers. Visited the Media Center where TV and Radio stations were interviewing dignitaries and also went to the Communication Center where the newspaper and magazine organizations were located. The highlight of the evening session was the roll call vote of the states to formally nominate Donald J. Trump for President, followed by voice vote to officially nominate Indiana Governor Mike Pence for Vice President. Tonight’s speakers were Speaker Paul Ryan; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader; Chris Christie, Tiffany Trump; Donald Trump, Jr.; Shelley Moore Capito, and Dr. Ben Carson. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie especially shook the rafters with his Secretary Clinton “prosecution” speech. Loud chants of “guilty” and “lock her up” rang out throughout the convention hall. Once we came back to the hotel for the late evening bash, I was interviewed by Tom Sherwood of WRC-TV 4Washington, D.C. Day Three – Make America First Again Off to the convention hall for tonight’s activities. The highlight tonight was Mike Pence’s acceptance speech to be our nation’s next Vice President. Other speakers included Laura Ingraham, Governor ScottWalker, Senator Ted Cruz, Eric Trump, Newt and Callista Gingrich. Senator Marco Rubio addressed the convention by video. Governor Mike Pence’s acceptance speech was warmly received by all of the delegates. Ted Cruz refusal to endorse Donald Trump for President to a packed convention was met with thunderous ‘boos’ across the convention hall. Most Virginia Cruz supporters thought it was a mistake for him not to endorse the GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump but instead vote your “constitutional conscience”. Day Four – Make America One Again This morning at our delegation breakfast, we heard from Former Presidential Candidate Dr. Ben Carson and Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX).

Dr. Ben Carson

Before our last session, Budweiser sponsored an “America’s Grand Old Party” with food and drink for the Virginia and Missouri Delegations at a local pub. Surprised to see former Virginia State Delegate Jay Katzen, who was an Alternate Delegate from Alaska. Katzen ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2001 against Democrat Tim Kaine, now the Democratic nominee for VEEP, and came within 2.29% of winning that election. The highlight tonight was Donald Trump’s acceptance speech to be our GOP nominee for President of the United States. Donald Trump hit hard on Hillary Clinton’s incompetence and disqualifying background that make her unfit to ascend to be president. His main themes were to defeat ISIS immediately, and to bring back law and order to America’s cities. He emphasized bringing jobs and manufacturing back to the United States. Since 1968, I have enjoyed going to many Republican National Conventions. If you haven’t been to a convention you are missing being an active part of our American political system. You don’t have to be an elected Delegate or Alternate Delegate but participate as a guest of the Virginia delegation to future Republican conventions. Get involved now in a local Republican organization for your active participation at the 2020 RNC! Michael E. Belefski is President of CPC CORPORATION, a Communications and Marketing Firm specializing in Performance Management Analysis in Business, Law and Political Systems. He can be contacted at cpccorp@verizon.net .

V

The nomination of Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine as the Democratic ticket was the official business of the National Convention in Philadelphia. But it was also a time to reflect on the accomplishments of President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joseph Biden over the last eight years and to express our love and gratitude. The days were long, but full of excitement. Virginia was front and center not only as the home of the Vice Presidential nominee, but solidifying our role as a battleground state. Our delegation got a lot of media attention and TV time, and was probably the most spirited delegation in Hall every night! We left Philly unified and invigorated to do everything we can to elect Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine on November 8th! Delegate Jennifer McClellan, 71st District of Virginia

V

V irginia C apitol C onnections , F all 2016

7