Faulkner University

As citizens of a democratic republic, Americans are blessed with the opportunity to participate in the election of our governing bodies. English Professor Dr. Kelly Morris had an opportunity to participate in that process at a level elusive to most. As an Alabama delegate to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul in September, Morris and his wife, Arlene, were among 48 delegates from the state charged with the responsibility of officially nominating Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican nominees for President and Vice President of the United States. "Being selected as a convention delegate was a great opportunity to participate directly in the process of electing our nation's leaders," says Morris of the experience. "Seeing the process take place first-hand and getting to know other delegates from Alabama and around the nation were experiences I will always remember."

Originally pledged as a delegate for Governor Mike Huckabee, Morris and his wife were selected to attend the convention on behalf of McCain after Huckabee discontinued his campaign. Morris says he enjoyed the experience. The five day convention included daily inspirational messages from party leaders and invited speakers and various receptions.

The convention also contained its moments of drama for the Alabama contingency when it was attacked by convention protestors. While in route to the convention center, a protestor threw a rock through the windshield of the bus carrying Alabama delegates. It penetrated the windshield, and shattered glass on the bus driver, cutting him and sending glass on several delegates. Morris and his wife, however, were not on the bus and security was tightened around the convention center from that point on. In spite of the drama Morris still considers the opportunity "a great experience."

Although some may debate the role Christians should play in politics, Morris is firm in his belief that our role in the political process is a blessing denied to others in the world. "I believe that as Christians we have a unique opportunity and obligation to participate in the political process of our government at whatever level we choose to pursue," he says. "With the freedoms we are blessed with in this country, we are privileged to be able to work toward ensuring that those freedoms will always continue."