Hurricane Gustav: National Emergency Environment Sets Stage for McCain Election Campaign

Yes, it is rather convenient, isn't it? What an 'opportunity.' A nice little parade for all those daddy Republicans to tell us about Homeland Security, National Emergencies, and the selfless Republican Party. And how lucky is it that McCain now does not have to be saddled with the loathed Bush and Cheney, since now they will be too busy protecting Americans from dangerous storms? Lucky indeed. I think I hear a Harp playing angelic music. Yes. It distinctly sounds like a Harp. God must be blessing America. - Ed.

The Republican Party has decided to scrap the first day of its National Convention, prior to an impending humanitarian and environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The program for the first day of the Republican National Convention has been canceled in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, the first dramatic change as planners scrambled to cope with political and practical implications of the mammoth storm."

No political speeches are scheduled on the first day of the Convention. Both Bush and Cheney have called off appearances scheduled for Monday in St. Paul, Minn.

The initial political speeches of the National Convention have been replaced by the flow of TV network interviews, from the theater of national emergency operations, in Southern Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.

The Republicans are intent on using the hurricane as a public relations stunt to boost the waning image of Republican candidate John McCain.

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