Update 1 - Nystrom & Co. off to RNC & Rally

Friends!

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. I'm flying out of Boston early tomorrow morning and will arrive in Minneapolis in the afternoon. I'm an alternate delegate for my district (MA 7), which is a responsibility I take seriously. I want to thank John Cunningham, (who is running for Congress against 32-year incumbent Democrat Ed Markey), and Joe Ureneck, organizer of the Boston Ron Paul Meetup group for their incredible job of organizing Districts 7 and 8. As a result of their efforts, District 8, home of the über-liberal Republic of Cambridge, won a clean sweep (3 Ron Paul delegates, 3 alternates), and District 7 took 4 of 6 spots (2 delegates, 2 alternates of 6 total)! We never could have done it without John & Joe. I'm sure there are similar stories in districts across the country, so let us all pay thanks to these unsung heroes. It is amazing how easy it was with just a little organization.

As delegates and alternates, we are there first and foremost to represent our constituents, alongside with 200+ other Ron Paul delegates from across the country! We will do what we can to give Ron Paul a voice inside the convention. I will keep you updated on the goings on at least once a day, though I imagine these will be long days!

Two hardcore supporters from across the pond have agreed to help look after and keep up the site in my absence - freedom1776 from the UK and Colognepaulist in Germany. Thank you, guys!

Thank you everyone for sharing in this incredible journey together. If you're not going to be in Minneapolis, please consider helping out with the Chipin for the delegates who are going, and/or with my expenses in keeping the Daily Paul running.

This is not an insubstantial trip financially for any of the delegates, including me. My plane fare out is close to $400. Hotel arrangements were made by the GOP. As delegates we had no choice in the matter: $250 per night, plus 13% tax (John & I are rooming together), plus internet, plus overpriced meals, transportation to and from the airport and to and from the rally, etc. Not to mention a week's worth of lost wages!

I'm not complaining - just letting you know the reality of what we're doing. I know that many more of you out there have sacrificed much more over the past two years in your efforts to get Ron Paul elected president. Thank you all as well - it wouldn't have been the r3VOLution without you.

I hope that in 2012, we're able to elect ten times as many delegates, take over the RNC and have something really big to celebrate! Hope to see you in Minneapolis, and if not, I'll see you back here on the Daily Paul.

Faithfully,
Michael Nystrom