By Corrie Kangas, Kansas delegate

Unlike most other conventions, the feeling on the opening day of the 2008 GOP convention was somewhat reserved. The thoughts and prayers of 46,000 delegates, alternates, guests, and media personnel were focused on the Gulf coast, as our fellow Americans endured Hurricane Gustav. Everyone at the convention was urged to contribute to the hurricane effort by text messaging while they were right there on the floor.

In fact, many of the events for the Kansas delegation were shortened or canceled. There is a consensus among all of the delegates that I have spoken to that this was the right thing to do. However, the protesters at the convention were not as respectful. There were widespread rumors of attacks on buses and police cars. While walking out of the convention session, a few other delegates and I walked behind a police line of numerous officers. Other than that, the protesters that I personally observed merely consisted of not more than a dozen folks.

I encourage everyone to contribute to the hurricane effort by logging on to http://www.causegreater.com/ to find out what you can do to help. This is a great way for all of us to put our country first.