They're really reaching .....

Do you see two crosses here? I don't see standard, t-shaped crosses. I DO see two T-shapes, which many scholars think is the actual shape of the cross that Christ was crucified on. I see a cross on the small lectern, but not on the big one. And I had to have my wife show me that one.

Maybe it's because there was very little 'religion' at the GOP convention -- less, in fact, than at the Democratic National Convention. I've said before (though I'm not sure I did it here -- I know I've said it over at the PCCBoard Forums) that I thought that the Republicans were taking the evangelical vote for granted, and I think this convention proves it.

I'm not saying that that is a bad thing. After all, who are we going to vote for? I've ranted enough about the Constitution Party that everyone should know that isn't an option that I'll entertain. Libertarian? I've had too many encounters with Libertarians who are dismissive of Christian conservatives -- in very loud, rude, and unmistakable ways. I can't bring myself to go there, either.

So why should we expect the GOP to pay so much attention to us, when they need to attract the "undecided" voters? They need to make an impact on people who are a little more moderate that we are. They need to "broaden the base" so that a win in November is assured. We all want that, right?

But at the same time, it would have been nice if we'd have gotten a hat tip. A "Thanks for bringing us to the dance" before they went off to hit on the wallflower in the corner. An opening prayer by James Dobson would have been nice. The President mentioned our "pet issues" briefly, and then moved on to talk about the war some more. That was all we got.

It won't affect the party much right now, but in another four years, it could be a problem. Evangelicals as a block are realizing their political power. Give us four years to get our collective act together, and we'll be able to do more than sit by and watch "our party" flirt with everyone else.