We've been in Philadelphia four days and have heard countless speeches, many including sometimes-vague references to George W.'s "compassionate conservatism." When I hear him use those words, I think "strong America."
Embracing diversity is certainly a part of compassionate conservatism. For one party, that means filling quotas to pander to special interests. I think it means understanding and embracing the important role that we all play in a strong and vibrant USA.
Our California delegation is just one example of how compassionate conservatism is changing the GOP. As I sit on the convention floor and visually survey our delegation I see entrepreneurs (including one who is a walking George W. billboard), corporate employees, and retirees. I see people who have been with the GOP 60 years and at least one who is still a registered Democrat but is supporting George W. I see people from every ethnic and racial background in America and one gentleman who I know has been openly gay for years. There are people with proud decades of military service, and those who profess to having been "hippies" and don't want to get into the details.
Thanks to the leadership of George W., these individuals, who, through their collective differences and similarities have made the USA the beacon for hope and freedom in the world, are all leaders in today's GOP. And together, including those willing Democrats, we will make the USA stronger for everybody. THAT is compassion.
