Day 2 from the RNC: Everything goes according to script, daily and historically in bid for White House

The second day of the Republican National Convention produced no surprises, which is good for the GOP but not necessarily good for the country.

It definitely was no place for a political vegetarian last night in St. Paul as former U.S. Sen Fred Thompson and Sen. Joseph Lieberman delivered the traditional red meat to the party faithful. But criticism of the news media is getting a bit tired. Journalists should always be skeptics, although there is some truth in that the media's negative eye casts more on the GOP than the Dems.

Sadly, President George W. Bush used the forum of the White House for very partisan purposes in expressing his support for Sen. John McCain and labeling liberals negatively. That was most unfitting and certainly not indicative of McCain's record of reaching across the aisle.

It certainly was telling that Bush did not make the speech from where it belonged, at a political convention. But his unpopularity looms large, historically and politically. He cannot be ushered out of office fast enough for the good of the country.

Of course, the Dems at their convention only featured former President Jimmy Carter by video, then had him walk across the stage and wave quickly lest voters at home realize he is still around. Political conventions express more propaganda than Pravda in its Soviet heyday.

Sen. Thompson showed last night that he is most effective with a written script. Lights, camera, action! Sen. Lieberman performed well as the headliner in affirming McCain's maverick history. Never has one Democrat done so much damage to his own political party.

But the theme of the night was being an American first. POWs on hand from the Vietnam War was moving, as was McCain story of his five years at the Hanoi Hilton. God blessed America with servicemen like these.

But patritoism too often can be a last refuge for scoundrels, as the old saying goes. I love the flag as much as anyone. I fly one in front of my home everyday. Too much flag-waving, however, can be used to cool off the surroundings after a lot of political hot air has been released. The GOP is caught somewhere between the extremes.

The additional theme of public service was well-chosen. Cindy McCain's story with Mother Teresa and the adoption of children from Bangeldesh was not widely known publicly. That was a political plus. In addition, the story of the generosity and involvement of evangelical Christians with the marginalized of this world was fitting for the night. And it is true, from my first-hand knowledge here in predominantly Republican and evangelical Williamson County.

Here's the rub, however. Public policy offered by governments is not some foreign agenda or virus. It is the will of the people, as expressed through their elected representatives. More than any church, faith or no religious belief at all, public policy is the most powerful and meaningful statement of the values of a community, state and nation.

The absence of universal health care in this country is a moral outrage. And effective public policy covers where charitable hands cannot reach to every emergency in every corner of this nation. There is no greater fear in this nation than to be without health care coverage, or to fear the policy you have will not be adequate. I know that truth from personal experience in fighting leukemia for the past two and two-thirds years.

It is tragically true that nearly every American family is one debilitating illness from the financial brink. I also know that from exprience. And when you're on this precipice, low tax bills don't mean one damn thing. Take that truth from someone who lives in Brentwood, where keeping tax bills low is a crusade.

The failure of the GOP to even mention universal health care last night was inexcusable and telling. Public service can never make up for inadequate public policy. If this nation is indeed under God, then this void cannot be ignored. Yet it is, in McCain's candidacy and Sen. Barack Obama's as well. The Dem's plan, as Sen. Hillary Clinton accurately pointed out during the primary fight, is not universal care. It makes health care more affordable and accessible, although it mandates coverage for children.

So do we wait for Hillary in 2012, or vote now for the better of the candidates?

If this nation indeed is under God as last night's convention participants claimed, then universal health care is indeed WWJD. Yet shockingly during the closing prayer delivered last night at the convention, some delegates and attendees were shown heading toward the doors. How is that when it comes to believing in a higher power and purpose?

Last night had its very high and very low moments. Some things said were very difficult to believe. Others were most inspiring.

Tonight, the GOP will reach the zenith of its appeal with the speech by VP pick Gov. Sarah Palin. The former sports broadcaster will be in her element as she delivers the largest chunk of red meat to the hungry delegates. She will barbecue the media for its coverage of her candidacy and the pregnancy of her daughter. And she will show how deep a bite she can deliver to the Obama campaign with her attack-dog teeth.

It will be a political moment not to miss and may approach Obama's viewership numbers from his DNC speech last week. It certainly will eclipse McCain's speech tomorrow night.

No one could have dreamed of scripting Palin's speech, which will bring favor to the GOP in this hotly contested presidential race. The campaign is becoming more carnivorous with each turn. Chomp! And beware.