By Dave Andrusko
Energized
by a video message from presumptive GOP presidential nominee pro-life Texas Gov.
George W. Bush at the NRL PACgeneral session, a cheering, foot-stomping NRLC
2000 convention came to a rousing close July 1 with a crowd of over 1,200
attendees ready, willing, and able to handle all the work that needs to be done.
"It'd be hard to exaggerate how enthusiastic the grassroots were at this
convention," said Jacki Ragan, convention director. "After three days
of pure inspiration, they now know what is as stake and are prepared to roll up
their sleeves and go do what needs to be done."
From the powerful opening remarks of Crisis magazine editor Deal Hudson
to the closing morale-lifting banquet address delivered by Joni Eareckson Tada,
the crowds were treated to speeches that lifted the spirits and motivated the
hearts of those fortunate enough to come to Arlington, Virginia. The menu of
educational opportunities included 60 workshops, four general sessions, a prayer
breakfast, and a closing banquet.
"It's always unfair to pick favorites - - and no one needed to this
convention," said Ragan. "From the opening session onward, the caliber
was as good as any convention I've been privileged to direct."
NRLC always takes pride in the breadth of the material that is covered in
workshops. NRLC 2000 taught about everything from the eugenics-laced world view
of Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger to how to navigate confusing
postal regulations to how to reach out to the Jewish community to how best to
answer the tough questions on life issues to how to stop the spread of assisted
suicide.
Interspersed between this rich educational fare were the general sessions, the
Prayer Break-fast, and the Banquet.
Dr. Jean Garton wowed attendees with a clever use of Charles Schultz's
"Peanuts" cartoons as a way to illustrate the critical importance of
persistence and patience. Kay Coles James had the NRLPAC general session devoted
to electoral politics on its feet as she challenged pro-abortion Vice President
Al Gore to explain his defense of the grotesque partial-birth abortion
technique.
The Prayer Breakfast featured Priests for Life founder Fr. Frank Pavone and
religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, who illustrated how respect for the
sanctity of life transcends religious boundaries [See story, page 14.] And in
eloquently making the case against euthanasia, Prof. John Dolan delighted a
general session audience with a speech that was amusing, profound, and
ultimately encouraging. And Joni Eareckson Tada offered the perfect closing to
NRLC 2000 with a powerful message that illustrated how faith and hope can
transform and transcend setbacks and tragedies. [See story page 12.]
In a wonderful sign of things to come, a large contingent of teen-agers learned
both from adult experts and their own peers. The August issue of NRLNews
will have several stories about the teens and the photo of the Oratory Contest
contestants.
Ragan said she was gratified by the large turnout and impressed by the fact that
the Supreme Court's tragic decision in Stenberg v. Carhart had only
served to make convention-goers even more determined.
"People had a great time meeting with fellow pro-lifers from around the
world," she told NRL News. "And best of all, everyone went home
ready to work, which is always the best news that can come out of any convention."