CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People ask me what inspires me to go to the political conventions every four years.

Well, let me tell you! In 1960, I went to the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Colorado Springs, Co. Before I embarked on that journey, my father, George Millard bought me my first camera and Mr. Harry Davey of The Daily Journal gave me my first job.

He hired me as a "special correspondent" and paid me  $2 per story.

Pres. Dwight Eisenhower came to visit. His open air limousine was 15 feet away when I took my first picture of a president of the United States. Also met the Lennon Sisters and got Kathy Lennons' autograph.

I had found my passion — taking pictures and meeting people. 

In 1972 the Democrat and Republican national conventions were both held in Miami Beach. I quit my job as an iron worker and ventured off to Florida. Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota was running against Pres. Richard Nixon that year. Met one of Sen. McGovern’s aids who gave me a pass to get into my first Democratic convention. Haven’t missed one since.

The thrill of walking out on the convention floor was a humbling experience and still is today, 40 years later.

The Republican convention that year was held at the same convention center in Miami as the Democrats a few weeks earlier. I couldn’t get past the first chain link fence. My hair was too long.

In 1992 I attended my first Republican convention. Got a hair cut! Pres. George H.W. Bush was running against Pres. Clinton that year.

Now it’s 2012.  Another 20 years has passed and I’m attending my sixth Republican convention.

So, what's changed? In 1972, Sen. George McGovern didn't give his acceptance speech until 3 a.m. in the morning because of a problem "seating delegates." The convention delegates used to pick the nominees. Now, that is all settled by convention time.

The conventions have become a scripted TV show for primetime. Most speakers must submit their speeches for approval before delivering them. Except for the actor, Mr. Clint Eastwood, whose allotted three minutes became 12 minutes! His extemporaneous remarks to an empty chair almost made  everybody’s day and created more buzz than any other speech delivered all week, including Gov. Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech.

Now we're in Charlotte, N.C. for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The delegates media and protesters have arrived and the parties have commenced. But you can’t get in without a pass.

On Monday afternoon, the DNC sponsored a outdoor concert by the convention center with actor Jeff Bridges and singer songwriter Mr. James Taylor. It was cut short by rain.

We’ll keep you posted.