Gov. Bob Riley, who was scheduled to address the Alabama Delegation breakfast Monday morning, is now caring for 10,000 evacuees taking refuge within Alabama borders.

Instead of the governor, Alabama First Lady Patsy Riley shared her spiritual reflections with us. She reminded us of the greater purpose of politics - tending to those in need, and led our thoughts in devotion, meditation, and prayer.

We were relieved that Alabama was spared the full wrath of Gustav, but were concerned with what was to come for our Mississippi and Louisiana neighbors.

“This is the time to take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats,” said Mike Hubbard, Alabama Republican Chairman from Auburn, echoing presumptive nominee John McCain’s quote after the decision to scale back convention activities.

Applause broke out in the Alabama Delegation Breakfast when Hubbard announced that Gustav was downgraded to Category 2 just before it hit New Orleans, in hopes that lives and property would be spared.

Because of the timing of the disaster, Monday was not a celebration, but will only cover basic business, and many of the celebrations previously scheduled for this week will be transformed into fund-raising opportunities for organizations tending to the disaster.

The reaction of the entire RNC is a testament to John McCain’s leadership ability. His direction to us was a pledge to act “as Americans, and not Republicans.” “America needs us now,” and we need to “do what Americans have always done in times of challenge.”

Rick Segrest is a User Interface Prototype Engineer from Huntsville and is attending the Republican National Convention.