‘Land of Opportunity’: Republicans Vow to Uphold Faith, Freedom, and Justice in Second Night of RNC

“Land of Opportunity” was Tuesday night’s theme as speakers touted President Donald Trump’s criminal justice reform, a strong economy, and religious freedom. The convention kicked off with a focus on faith.

“To all houses of worship and to all people of faith stripped of religious freedom and religious liberties my father will fight for you,” said Eric Trump.

“We believe that each person is made by God for a purpose,” President Trump said.

Trump said that’s one reason he pushed for criminal justice reform and pardoned Jon Ponder. Ponder, a convicted bank robber, turned his life around and founded a non-profit organization that helps former inmates.

“And as I laid on that stainless steel cell, shackles on my hands and my feet, I heard God utter into my spirit, ‘I honored what you asked me to do.’ He said, ‘Never forget the promise you made to me,’” Ponder said.

Rev. Billy Graham’s granddaughter made a surprise appearance to thank the president for his continued fight for religious freedom. “Our founders did not envision a quiet hidden faith, they fought to ensure that the voices of faith were always welcome, not silenced, no bullied,” said Cassie Graham Lynch.