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RNC
Assemblywoman Rose Marie Heck was a voting delegate at the Republican National Convention
2000. Here are her dispatches and photos from the Convention.
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Laura Bush Tribute
... sponsored by the National Republican Women at the Philadelphia Marriott luncheon.
Guests brought childrens books for ages 5-6, which will be distributed in Laura
Bushs Name.
Her husband made a surprise visit and what an ovation for both these fine people. They are
quite charming together and the love they feel for one another is very natural and so
refreshing to see.
I brought a Dr. Seuss "Hop on Pop" book. Laura, a librarian, told us that her
husband used to read that to the twins (a favorite of the girls) hed get on the
floor to read and then they would hop on pop. I enjoyed learning that. |
Photo taken after George W. Bush gave his acceptance
speech on August 3, 2000. The stadium was electric with energy, applause was deafening,
and the confetti and balloons almost buried the audience in red, white and blue. A rock
concert could not have generated more emotion and enthusiasm. Patriotism, pride,
commitment to win was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
Love of country, a new beginning of caring and sharing for one another, and setting an
example of dignity and respect for our children and grandchildren, brought tears of joy
and pride to the people in that room as they rose to their feet and believe me that was
the beginning of our march to victory in November and beyond to a better life and a good
example of what each of us can do to make the world better.
A partnership was formed, not only in that room, but with the people at home who are
looking for a new beginning. The sun rising and a breath of fairness and freedom for All
of the people in this great nation, all ages, all faiths, whether they arrived centuries
ago, or have just become citizens. Respect, Responsibility, Accountability. Up With The
People! Finally a leader who gives us Hope. |
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Photos from the Convention Floor
Daily Dispatches from the Conventionl
Dateline: RNC -- Thursday, August 03, 2000 4:51 PM
Dear neighbors:
What an energizing evening! And what a great start of the day with a special breakfast for
Congressman Bob Franks. It was great! Big push for all the voters to put a good Republican
back in the Senate. Bob has a wealth of experience not only in transportation, He helped
us in Bergen get the dollars for the improvement of Routes 4 and 17; He helps us to iron
out any hold-up of money for the Hudson Bergen Light Rail Transit (you know what used to
be known as trolleys) and he has been a great supporter of missing and exploited children
and education. He has joined me and parents and advocates and educators all over New
Jersey to work to get us the money due us from Washington D.C.
Remember we only received 10% of the 40% due our state for our special ed students. It
would be a tremendous help to all of us, not only in property tax relief, but in helping
us to better ways of helping our kids,: not only the physically challenged but those with
emotional and behavioral problems. We could do so much with those extra dollars. Keep
watching as I continue preparations for the Children's Summit II set for October 24 (first
of three to be held in 2000) more about that later, but NJEA is joining my group to go to
Washington to push for that money. We've been far too patient for far too long. More on
those plans later.
We heard from David Norcross from South Jersey, Congresswoman Marge Roukema, Congressman
Rodnew Frelinghsausen and former Governor Tom Kean. Governor Christie Todd Whitman arrived
after having been a greeter at the airport for our Presidential Candidate George W. Bush.
We were then briefed by the Bush team on economic matters. Some good stuff ... I took many
notes and will report when I get back on Friday to Bergen. Info on the economy, social
security and technology.
In the evening the Convention was alive with anticipation and I was in my glory. Many
speakers, young ones, on entrepeunership. They all gave us a briefing on each of their
areas of interest.
A young 26 year old read the letter she wrote to George W. Bush. It was so moving and all
eyes in the room focused on Windy Smith of Knoxville TN. After she read a reply from W...
the chant picked up throughout the room "WE LOVE YOU WINDY" What an emotional
infusion.
Speakers included the Governor of Virginia, Jim Gilmore, Congressman John Kascis (I'll
have to check that spelling), Lynn Cheney the former director of the Endowment for the
Humanities (What a well spoken and impressive woman), etc.
The Temporary Chairman Trent Lott introduced the Vice Presidential Nominee, The Honorable
Dick Cheney. WOW AND DOUBLE WOW! He spoke with such clarity and conviction ... He held the
crowd in silence as they listened and then boom they exploded spontaneously in chants.
"time to go... Time To Go... TIME TO GO!
That was a play on the same words said by Gore eight years ago to Republicans, and now
Dick Cheney said the wheel had turned and he was dismayed at the way the Democrat
Administration had squandered their time in office. It was time to bring honor and
integrity back to government with the election of a man who will bring respect back to the
office of President - That man is George W. Bush. You can access the his entire speech on www.gopconvention.com.
I've taken many digital photos and you'll be able to see them after I download on Friday
when I get home.
My daughter Nancy and I had the pleasure of attending the Laury Bush tribute and I'll tell
you more about that tomorrow.
I have to get ready for the final night of the convention and I must tell you my muscles
are aching, as are my feet, from all that walking and walking and walking, and I won't
bore you with the amount of lines we stood on, and the number of security check lines we
had to pass, and the hundreds of steps we climbed. Add to that the humidity and poor air
quality - heat -rain- AND GUESS WHAT, I wouldn't have missed a second of this ... It was
an experience I will never forget.
More tomorrow folks.
Best Regards,
Rose
Dateline: RNC -- Wednesday, August 02, 2000 5:34 PM
Dear neighbors:
Couldn't connect earlier, but the short and the sweet of it is ... Colin Powell is tall,
straight as an arrow, very impressive looking, and speaks with conviction. No doubt in my
mind - he has what the Hollywood crowd in the 40s would call movie star quality and magic.
I am so proud he chose to be a Republican. What a fantastic representative - whatever
color he comes in. I believe God has given this man some gifts of greatness and
communication. He has made a difference for the better in the past and I am certain he
will do so again in the future, not withstanding his wonderful mentoring project,
nationwide.
Let's get to Tuesday, August 2, 2000. Wow! Super duper speakers!! Some ordinary in
comparison to the greats, but in another venue they, too, would be deemed very good. Flags
flying, Past Presidents, Past VPs, and Cabinet members, along with their wives and some of
their children.VERY IMPRESSIVE and everyone looked FANTASTIC! Nancy Reagan was tiny
somewhat bony, older, but lovely. The tears in her eyes belied the smile on her face as
the tribute to husband former President Ronald Reagan was shown on the screen. All of the
history, the salute to Presidents Reagan, Ford, and Bush had me sniffing back tears of
pride and memories of the greatest of the people who were the heroes of those years.
Add to that the U.S.S. New Jersey SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS with General Norman Schwarzkopf
giving an inspiring tribute to our great county and our wonderful Veterans.
The media keeps saying everything is heavily scripted is nauseating. So prejudiced and the
cheap shots are very apropos of those who saw no evil, heard no evil and spoke no evil
about democrats during the days of disgraceful behavior in Washington D.C. I like the Wake
Up America feeling I get from the entire Convention. I have spoken to people, not only in
our state but from across the county who are tired of our children and grandchildren being
exposed to bad behavior, lack of morals, lies and sarcastic slurs to those who want a
return to a BETTER TIME OF GOOD MORALS AND VALUES...HONESTY, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY.
Vice President Bob Dole was his fun self...Opening line... "It's not too late for a
recount." Everyone laughed. He spoke of America as being the "Youngest, Greatest
and Free-est Nation in the World." He spoke of the heroes and the World War II
Memorial as being a wonderful happening in Washington, but said we should be doing more
than arches and concrete pillars, we should give our nation's heroes a "true"
memorial. Look around at the convention. We can choose our destinies." He continued
with fervor that we have an opportunity to vote for a man of integrity and honor. A man
who values this country, his family, people. George W. Bush is a man who can lead this
country into greatness in this new century.
I can tell you, "My heart beat" with pride and excitement and tears rolled down
my cheeks as I remembered my Uncle Lou, who never came back from World War II. I remember
how much I love him and still miss him. I remember his V-Mail, telling me how important it
was to serve and love the U.S.A. He told me how lucky I was to be able to grow up free and
be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up. He, along with my cousins who joined as very
young men, were so proud to join in the fight against evil dictators.
First generation Americans, who went overseas, to fight in the Pacific and in Europe.
Uncle Lou found it ironic to fight in this war to save people, by fighting in places like
Italy, where he might be the enemy of a family member. So many of us have memories of
standing up for what we believe is right and just, because of the greatest of those heroes
who continue to serve our country when called. George W. Bush serves his country by
placing himself in a position to run for this great office. He will have to pay a price as
will his family. He will be the focus of vicious political players.
As was said last night, and I'm not certain if it was Dole or McCain who said it, he will
be the focus of Democrat polls, posturing and spins. Elizabeth Dole was wonderful and
Barbara Bush (who said she wanted to be the first to welcome everyone to Philadelphia, the
City of Motherly Love) proudly introduced her son George W. Bush by remote to everyone. It
was electric. No pun intended.
George W. Bush and making a tremendous impact on the delegates, he spoke with strength and
sincerity about his gratitude to all, especially John McCain for his friendship and
support. He spoke at length and concluded that he and John would make a great campaign
team. By the way each day has a theme.
Monday -OPPORTUNITY WITH A PURPOSE: LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND.
Tuesday - STRENGTH AND SECURITY WITH A PURPOSE: SAFE IN OUR HOMES AND IN THE WORLD.
Tonight Wednesday - PROSPERITY WITH A PURPOSE: KEEPING AMERICA PROSPEROUS AND PROTECTING
RETIREMENT SECURITY.
Tomorrow night Thursday - PRESIDENT WITH A PURPOSE: A STRONG LEADER WHO CAN UNITE OUR
COUNTRY AND GET THINGS DONE.
I have so much to say, because so much is happening, but I don't want to forget a woman
with a magnificent future - Dr. Condoleeza Rice of Hoover Institute Stanford CA who spoke
of her heritage and her father who wanted to become a citizen and was denied help from
Democrats but was welcomed by Republicans and that is why he is a staunch Republican as is
she. She spoke eloquently on International Relations. Here I believe is a future Cabinet
Member.
When we see the caliber of people support George W. Bush - Farmers, young people, techies,
students, older people, the physically challenged, the elderly and just plain folk.
REPUBLICANS ARE NOT ALL MILLIONAIRES, BUT WE ARE RICH. Rich in our love of country, family
and in our faith.
I have so much more to share with all of you. My heart is so full. And I look forward to
tonight and hearing Dick Cheney. We'll get together tomorrow ... so log on. Regards, as
always,
Rose
Dateline: RNC -- Tuesday, August 01, 2000 10:15 AM
Dear neighbors:
What a wonderful experience! Not only am I seeing all of our New Jersey officials, local,
county, state and national, but the biggies we see only on the news. No one is mentioning
Newt Gingrich, but my daughter, Nancy Radwin (owner, publisher of the Knowlton News in
Warren County) was walking behind Newt in Philadelphia on Sunday. She called her sons on
the cell phone and gave a blow by blow to them as she experienced this rare occasion.
On Sunday, besides finding places to eat breakfast and picking up credentials, attending
briefings, etc., we had great fun talking with everyone and anyone we saw. The humidity
here is so bad that everything is wet and sticky all the time. Lots of people with curly
hair, but smiling all the time.
We have seen so many outfits indicative of the states represented here and so many red,
white and blue hats, vests, jackets, cowboy hats, spangles, jewelry that blinks lighted
colors at you, balloons, bangles and confetti. Convention fare, so to speak. Oh, and let's
not forget the many tee shirts, funny, patriotic and those announcing RNC 2000 (Republican
National Convention 2000). Even saw an elephant adorned shirt, and the elephant blew up
like a balloon on the front of the shirt. Looked a little strange.
Went to the Camden Aquarium Party hosted by Jack Collins and Donny DiFrancesco. (Photos
below). Won't be able to send new ones every day. It's difficult to find a computer to
e-mail them as Nancy didn't have her "transfer component" with her. The staff
and hotel didn't have one either. But, I was undeterred. Took the disk with me to seek out
newspaper people and lo and behold, I met Eugene Keily, a former editorial chief with The
Record, now with another paper and he kindly sent it to Nancy's paper (took photo of her
local G.O.P. Chair with Jack and Donny and it will be on the front page of her newspaper
this week). I will continue to take pix and we can place them on the web site on Friday
when I return.
Had a great time meeting all sorts of people at the Aquarium. Too dark to get good pix not
to mention the crowds or mobs of people. 4,000 at the Aquarium. The red, white and blue
lighted bridge was beautiful and the parade of ships was fantastic. The fireworks display
was wonderful, with some unusual features, some exploded into willow tree-like showers of
sparkling light, and others exploded in red, white and blue stars. Not a show as long as
Heights, but certainly just as spectacular. Tell the Lions to check out those stars for
next year, please. Really great!
Last night, opening night of the convention was memorable. Great speakers, Bob Franks our
Congressman running for Senate was inspiring. He revved up the New Jersey delegation,
along with many of the other states. Laura Bush won the hearts of the entire delegation.
What a beautiful person! President and Mrs. Bush looked at her with love, and pride.
Governor Bush appeared on the large screen and spoke to all of us. Very evident that they
adore and respect one another. Very nice!
I have to go now. There is much more, but Nancy has to send something to her paper.
Deadlines you know, very important!
Regards to all ... coming to you from Cherry Hill and Philly.
Rose
Dateline: RNC -- Sunday, July 30, 2000 5:32 PM
Dear neighbors:
Well here we are at the Hilton in Cherry Hill. It's been busy since last night when
we arrived on July 29, 2000 at 5 p.m. Getting into our room and then going back down to
register was easy. We received "goodie bags" part of our overall badge fee, I
believe. T-shirts with Convention 2000, and a Barbie 2000 Convention Delegate Doll (since
I collect dolls it was a great surprise).
Everyone is very friendly and excited to be here as part of the New Jersey delegation. Pat
Schuber, Sandy Robinison, Eleanor Nissley, County Chairman Henk Shotmeyer, Henry Wallace,
Nick Felice, and many Assembly and Senate members are here.
Tonite we'll attend the big NJ Delegation party at the Camden
Aquarium which is being hosted by Speaker Jack Collins and Senate Pres. Di Francesco. Fireworks, bridge lighting ceremony, ships, and speeches by Governors Whitman and
Ridge will kickoff Philadelphia 2000.
Tomorrow, Monday, is the opening day of the Convention. Bob Franks will speak in the
afternoon. He's a great speaker. and tomorrow nite Colin Powell and Laura Bush will speak.
I'll give you a review.
Will send some pix tomorrow with Chairman Chuck Haytaian and his wife and with former Gov.
Tom Kean, etc. Check out the fireworks tonite. Lots of media people are also here.
Say hello to everyone for me. Regards,
Rose Heck - Delegate 2000
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