The Weapon of Choice

So your down at a pub off Main Street, when in comes a Yankee’s fan. What is the proper response?

a. Talk sports

b. State the facts that prove the Red Sox are a better team

c. Run the bastard over with your car

Well, after last week, we all know the correct answer is “C,” run the bastard over. Nashua has just received its new summer past-time thanks to Ivonne Hernandez. It’s a simple way to waste some excessive time (like life in prison at the taxpayers’ expense). Just go to a bar, have four beers, then get in your car and “scare” a fan of another team by running them down with your car. Then you can claim it was an accident in court (though you already have a record) and face second degree murder charges…

If you can’t tell, I am a bit upset with this. I don’t care if alcohol impaired her judgment, this woman got into her car with the intention of aiming her 4-5,000 lb car at pedestrians. Seems to me she also left the area she was arguing in, retrieved her car, and then hunted down the people she didn’t agree with TO RUN THEM OVER! Sounds like intent to me. This is first degree in my book. I may be wrong, but I thought New Hampshire law states that the charges go up then the driver is intoxicated, not down. Unfortunately, the prosecutors decided that because she “didn’t mean” to rundown her victims, this is second degree.

Now here is a creepy though; I think I have had a run in with Ms. Hernandez. If here maroon Dodge Intrepid is the one that had the Yankee symbol on the back window, she is the same one who cut me off then told me I was “number one,” if you know what I mean (finger gestures). I feel lucky today knowing I might have saved my life by ignoring her and letting her act the fool. Who knows, she might have thought I was a Red Sox fan and started ramming my car if I beeped at her.

Basically, what I am getting at is this. We have some very unstable, immature, ignorant people we must share the world with. Therefore we must gauge our actions cautiously. This does not mean we must cower from every shadow, but more that we must think about EVER possible consequence before we act. The two poor people who were run down by this lunatic probably thought they were having a typical Boston VS New York sports debate. Little did they know that they were messing with a ticking time bomb.

When Intelligence Fails...

The whole Reverend Wright situation made me think again about the whole “race” issue. I don’t really think about “race relations” all that much because I never see the “race” part of it. I have friends of many different races, religions, and other “defining” markers. I don’t think of my friends as being one attribute. My friend Garret is Garret, not black or homosexual. Do the attributes of my friends really matter in the whole scheme of things? Yes, because some characteristics design the person, and other no, because some characteristics would not change the person if they were altered.

We all wish that race was not an issue for anyone in this day and age. I personally do not understand why it is an issue now or ever. I may be naive, but the human mind is generally the same from on person to the next, and the blood that courses through our veins created in the same manner. Skin “color” is simply pigmentation of the skin, not a measure of the person.

Cultivation of the person (morals, values, etc.) is what I have found to be important in life. So why do so many things seem to revolve around skin color? Is there a certain lineage that makes one being better than another? Is there a purer bloodline in one race or culture? I found these questions easy to field, the answer is no. There is no “birthright” that makes one person superior to another. Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses that help shape who we are.

So going back to the good Reverend, I can not help but wonder why he must interject race into the equation. Congratulations, your skin color is different than mine. I fail to see how you could state that I am somehow evil due to my skin tone. What if I was the same person, but my skin tone was darker? Would I still be evil, or would you change your opinion of me? What is the defining line you use when you judge my character? Is it my personality, my education? Could it be that you prejudge who I am simply because of the amount of pigmentation in my skin? I mean no disrespect, but that does seem a bit shallow and dim witted to me. Then again, I could be missing something. Could the good Reverend be correct? Maybe race is a factor and I have not received enough education to understand this concept. Perhaps the amount of or lack of skin pigmentation affects the body adversely.

For some reason, even writing such idiotic statements has made me feel less intelligent. So let us get back to the heart of my argument. The amount of pigmentation in ones skin does not affect the function of the mind, nor the morals and values of the individual. Therefore, to bring race into a conversation about the merits of a person is to be racist. Simply put, I do not care what “color” you are, if you are judging people (group or individual) due to their skin pigmentation, you are shallow indeed. I venture to say you may be racist.

Climate Control (part 1,2&3 combined)

The teacher’s contract issue has been the center of much turmoil for a number of months. With a quick stroke of the pen, it all went away with the exuberance of a snail. Mayor Donnalee Lozeau signed the latest proposed contract without fanfare, a very mature decision.

The atmosphere within the schools has changed dramatically, and the teachers are actually taking kids out for field trip now. Teachers have made themselves more accessible to the students, and there has been talk about the extra curriculum activities for next year. Every student I have talked to has stated that the teachers seem more relaxed that they had been one month ago. In the school, you never would know how recently things have changed.

I have been there, and I have worked there. I have seen the changes taking place. I may have only seen the teachers for a short period of time prior to the contract being signed, but it was long enough to notice the change.

Before the contract was signed, I found it fairly easy to slip into the teachers areas unnoticed. While “eavesdropping,” I heard some interesting conversations. One of the most memorable went a little something like this:

T1: So. Do you think they will sign?
T2: I hope so. I don’t want to strike.
T1: Yeah. Gotta do what you gotta do.
-pause-
T2: So… ahh… How do we do this?
T1: Do what?
T2: Shhhhh… (whispered) here comes a sub.
-pause-(another substitute entered the room then left)
T2: Okay, now how do we do the strike thing.
T1: I don’t know, I’ve never done this before either.
-pause-
T2: Well, hopefully they sign it
T1: If they don’t, we strike until they give us everything we want…
T2: Yeah…(then while walking away) whatever…

Because I carry the same badge the teachers carry, I have found that they don’t notice me quite as often as I thought they would. Sometimes I hear things that I shouldn’t. But right along I have been telling people that not all the teachers wanted to strike. This does not mean that those teachers are innocent I am just restating what I have said in private conversation. If a teacher acted against our children (like I have listed so many time before) then it does not matter if they wanted to strike or not, they are still guilty.

So do I cut the teachers a little more slack now that the contract negotiations are finished? No, I just allow them a little more breathing room. There are good teachers and there are bad teachers. Now that the teachers are not acting as one to destroy our children’s future, I will only be ripping into those who continue to be a waste of tax dollars.

A Stupid Mistake

Due to an error on my part, nothing has been posted on my site for a few weeks. I just wanted to say thank you to the person who finally sent me this email:

Myke,

I was just wondering if you were ok. You’re not sick again, are you? I noticed you haven’t written in a month and I know that’s weird. You always seem to have an opinion on everything. I never saw anything about the teacher’s contract and was wondering how it panned out. Drop me a line and if you need some help just ask.

Thank you for the concern, but I am alright. It seems my new software has not been functioning properly. I do not actually look at my web page, and everything is done via publishing program. It was my own fault for not checking my page.

Much of what I wrote will not make sense if I just repost it. I will be rewriting my previous blogs, and combining a couple of them. I think I can weave most of my work in with very few glitches.

Again, I am sorry for not looking at my own page. I assumed my programs were posting and reporting to me correctly. Starting right now, 8:22pm on Monday April 21, 2008, I am going over my previous (non)posts and revamping them. I think I can sum it all up in three posts.

Crossing my fingers and thanking you all for the support (even when I let you down),

Myke

Exploitation and Extortion… NTU’s Favorite Tools

I have been quiet as of late, due to the collapsed lung and other issues, but I think I can make up for my absence. I think I want to open up my favorite can of worms, the Nashua Teachers Union contract negotiations. We are called cruel, heartless, and frequently have our intelligence questioned if we disagree with the teachers union here in Nashua. So let me once again put my neck on the line, and call it like I see it: The Extortion artist are at it again.

Last year, a great number of teachers found religion and observed "Good Friday." Amazingly, there are quite a few teachers who no longer observer "Good Friday". School was right on time, and all the "religious" teachers of last year seem to care very little for their "Christianity" this year. I find this rather insulting as I am a Christian (practicing…. Meaning I haven't quite gotten it right yet) who would never use my religion as a bargaining chip for personal gain. Actually, I would never use another person's religion for my gain either. I find it appalling that the teachers are able to work this year on "Good Friday." But then again, why would they have to exploit "Good Friday this year? Instead, the union has stated they are going to strike as of March 31, 2008. At least this time they had the stones to call it a strike.

I think we should let them strike, but make sure we get the right message out first. If the correct spin is put on this issue, the teachers union will look like the aggressor and the city of Nashua will not look like such monsters. The Nashua Left-o-Graph, better known as the Nashua Telegraph, has been printing only pro-NTU stories. The Citizens here believe the teachers are getting screwed, and this is the only way to fight back. The problem is the reporting is not balanced. The telegraph has refused to talk about the issues I have raised of the year (Please look at my "No merit for teachers" posts from 2007._

Part of this posting will be an email to the mayor of Nashua, Donnalee Lozeau. The next paragraph is the beginning of the letter. This letter will be sent to Patty Rogers in the Mayors office and to Donnalee herself:

 

03-12-08

RE: Nashua Teachers Union and contract negotiations

 

Mayor Donnalee Lozeau,

First, I do not want the City of Nashua to continue to look like "the bad guy" in this melodrama. Second, The Nashua Teachers Union (from here to be listed as NTU) has gone too far. Third, the Telegraph has been reporting from the pocket of the NTU. With that said, I would like to suggest that you release a statement that puts the blame where it belongs, and also clears the City of the liable suggested within the pages of the Telegraph.

If I may be so bold, I have an idea for how to phrase such a statement. Of course you need not use my idea in any form, but my hope is that you will find valor in my suggestion. I do not feel that the city of Nashua should continue to bear all the blame for the actions (or inaction, if you will) of the NTU. I believe that the NTU believes they can simply push the local government around by spreading propaganda and smearing the local municipal offices. Public opinion is very important, and the NTU is using this to their advantage. Therefore I suggest you take the next step by placing the responsibility where it belongs; back in the lap of the NTU.

My suggestion of such a statement is as follows:

"The city of Nashua is taking every step necessary to ensure the educational process of the Nashua students is not disrupted. We have been, and continue to look for options that would be mutually agreeable to the Nashua Teachers Union and the City of Nashua. We understand that the Nashua Teachers Union has threatened to disrupt the education of the students that the teachers are responsible for. It is unfortunate that the Nashua Teachers Union has used the children of Nashua to force action on the teacher's contract, yet we can not make hasty decisions that could be detrimental to the economics of Nashua. Therefore we will work diligently on a suitable contract for the teachers, but we will not rush to any decision simply because the teachers union has threatened to disrupt our children's school year. The city can not guarantee that the teacher union will be appease before the March 31 deadline, though a valiant effort will be made to ensure the lightest impact on the children of Nashua. We are currently looking to…."

and continue from there. As I am not sure what avenues you have open, I can not continue. But the idea is to place the blame where it belongs. The teachers union is trying to force your hand by using public opinion. Therefore, the best alternative is to find a way to take the "soapbox" out from under them. Let the city know it is the NTU who is threatening the students, not the City of Nashua. Paint the city as an open and flexible unit that is working to find common ground. Allow the teachers union to appear as the impassive, unrelenting, bullheaded aggressor.

If you need to contact me, please feel free to email me at this address or call me at XXX-XXXX

Mychel Elderd

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nashua, NH XXXXX

Media Puppeteers

The average person listens to a story, gets the 30 second blurb, then commits it to memory as if it is fact. The media knows we don't research the facts of the case, therefore they only give us the half of the story they want us to know. Though I have urged people to research the facts on their own, as an author I am not and would never claim to be innocent of having a bias. Authors have a bias, and it tends to show in their work. My bias is obvious, and I do not try to hide it. Even this posting is agenda driven.

Sometimes a news source's bias is slightly askew from what we would expect. A perfect example appeared this morning on WorldNetDaily. They threw me off when they went after John McCain and one of his latest endorsements.

John McCain can not seem to get a clear break. It seems that every time he turns around, there is another strange story raised somewhere in the press. This time, I found an interesting story from a Christian Right Wing (by my estimation) online news group, WorldNetDaily. It seems McCain is being backed by a lobbying group that represents the Kosovo Liberation Army.

According to the story, when you research the "KLA," you find that they have ties with al-Qaida. I have been looking around a little, and was unable to find a hard link until I found this. I will not say whether there is or is not a link because I have not had a chance to fully investigate. In all honesty, from what I have been reading it seems there is a link.

Endorsements are a point of interest for the media and, by proxy, the constituents. I remember a few weeks ago, there was a buzz about Obama and Farrakhan. Obama tried to distance himself after Farrakhan said he liked Obama as a candidate. A quote from ABC: "Farrakhan said that if Obama was avoiding controversial black leaders like himself, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rev. Jesse Jackson for fear of alienating white voters it would be an acceptable price to pay for an Obama victory." For some reason, people were very concerned with these words. Keep in mind, the story is from last year! Where was this story a year ago, and why is it news NOW?

So, do such endorsements matter? That depends on your point of view. Many people believe that if you are sponsored by a group, then you have an agenda that is in line with such groups. Personally I find that laughable. There have been groups and organizations that have supported me that have no links to my agenda, nor could I say I agree with them. John McCain would never consciously act to benefit al-Qaida, nor would he actively seek a common goal with the group. McCain has seen and knows too much, to align himself with a terrorist group.

If you can find proof that is contrary to my thinking, please forward the link to me. At this time, I think this is just more "New York Times" style agenda driven dribble. Stories like these only seem to surface when someone is trying to weaken the position of a candidate. We know this is done on purpose, and we know why this is done. I don't want the reporting to change, but I would like people to understand there are two sides to every coin. If we were to expect the news world to be unbiased, we would not have any news.

"Times" for the Wolves to Attack

Since John McCain seized the nomination, I have been wondering when his status as "Media Darling" would change to "Republican." Looks like we didn't have to wait too long. This morning I was looking over the New York Times, and sure enough I found a story about John McCain trying to pull a Clinton. I assumed this was the "quiet before the storm," but it seems the NYT has decided they would not wait until the general election to take on McCain.

Before I get called a hypocrite, let me first start by pointing out that I am not on McCain's side quite yet. I still have not decided what I am doing in November. 4 or 5 people have asked me when I was going to jump in line with McCain. If I am to change my position and back up McCain, I need to do some soul searching. Remember I am a conservative independent who is registered as a Republican. The reason I brought up this story is because we conservatives expect this type of garbage from the "Times" and other newsprint papers.

The NYT is back to showing their true colors as a liberal rag that hates individual thought. Again, we are shown by the "Times" how Republicans are immoral sex fiends who can not be trusted. Of course I just roll my eyes, but too many people believe the "Times" is a newspaper. As we all know, The "Times" has an agenda, and they want the United States to move to the left. Unfortunately, most Americans are lemmings so they follow the lead of the "Times" blindly.

Please read the story and make up your mind. Is the NYT just pushing their agenda, or are they just opening the door to let in some light on the truth. My gut reaction is that this is an agenda driven rumor. Though I don't like the idea of John McCain being my candidate, I would not stoop so low as to accuse the man of having an affair to stop his candidacy. I will be looking into this further to see if there is any merit. Personal, I doubt there is any truth to this story, and even if there was, how does this affect his ability to run the country? Didn't the NYT argue that Bill Clinton's actions had little to do with his ability to run the country? Just as an example, the story from the NYT on the day of Bill's State of the Union Address, they ran a story that basically said, "Yeah, bill might be screwing around, but the county's is what is important, not his sex life."

One last thing. I beg you to see the "New York Times" for what it really is, an agenda driven liberal mouthpiece. If this story is not the greatest reason to write the NYT off as a tabloid, they what is?

*An update:

Looks like others are picking this story up. I just turned on the radio and this story has made the news. John McCain has just started a news conference, I will listen and add to this post later if I find good reason to.

Update:

John seems to have just denied any seedy actions, and basically said what I expected. Nothing happened. Other than that, John had nothing to say. What did you expect? It is time for the Republicans to get the beating they deserve for putting up a liberal. I can't help but smile and think of how stupid the NYT is. The NYT might have just done what McCain can not do on his own; unite the conservative base of the party. Let's see how this plays out.

This still does not move me to a decision. I am still on the fence. Convince me. Tell me what you think, and how does this affect you? (Comments are better than emails. This one needs to be discussed.)

I will look this over and fix errors later. I just wanted to get this out to you as quick as I could.

The "Castro" Effect

Fidel Castro officially announced his resignation as leader of Cuba. Many people will see this as a great day in history. Others will feel like they lost their greatest leader. I have none of these feeling, I can't even explain what I truly feel about this announcement. I am unsure of the future of Cuba.

Until today, I have been thinking about what would happen in Cuba if Castro was to die. My first thoughts were of Yugoslavia in 1980. There was a strong leader in charge by the name of Josip Broz Tito. He ruled over the people of Yugoslavia with total control. The man added stability to the region, though I don't agree with his tactics. He was a great asset to the people of Yugoslavia, creating a social environment that allowed the people to prosper and live with stability. Again, I don't agree with his methods, only the results. He ruled in the manner that was necessary for the region he reigned over considering his constituents. He only completely failed his people once; he died.

I know Tito was not the type of leader I would accept, and I do not advocate on his behalf. But to help draw a parallel, I have to explain that Yugoslavia was STABLE during his rule. Once he died, instability crept into the area. My fear for Cuba was much the same. I was afraid Cube would dissolve in chaos once Castro died. Castro has relieved my fear slightly by stepping aside. But then again, who else can rule over Cuba? Is Cuba ready to become a democracy, or does the country need a strong leader to pull them by the nose?

I can not answer these questions, but I know what I feel and I am not comfortable with the possibilities. My greatest fear is that the country will crumble in violence and chaos. With Castro's decision, it is less likely a military solution will chose the next leader. But who is ready to take the reigns?

Castro's' brother is in his 70's, and could be no more than a temporary solution. If he was placed in power, he would have to spend his whole time as leader teaching the next prospective leader. I do not think Cuba will become a democracy, so there would be no constituent consultation (no input from the people of Cuba). The next leader will be chosen by the current leaders, so the most likely choice is Castro's brother, Raul Castro. But who will replace him? As far as I know, neither of the brothers has a child that can, or will take the reigns of Cuba.

So here my new fear for Cuba; Who will take over next decade when Cuba is searching for a new leader? Will they be ready for a democracy? Will the next ten years be spent training the next leader of the Cuba Communist party? The next ten years will be decided by Raul Castro. He will have to decide what direction Cuba will take in the decade of 2010-2020. As we watch the changes in Cuba take place, we must look at the intentions of the leadership. Will we see privatization, and minor governmental questions being opened to the constituents?

If the people are brought in to help decide the future of Cuba, they may become a democracy in the next 20 years (or longer). The issue is how shaky the democracy will be. If there is no interaction with the people of Cuba, then I pray the next 10 years are used wisely while the Communist party choses and trains the next leader of Cuba. I also pray the person they chose is a benevolent leader of his fragile people.

The only hope for democracy in Cuba is for a benevolent dictator to rule over Cuba, and introduce elections and decision making power to his people. If the next few leaders do not give the Cubans a taste of the democratic society, then a democracy is sure to fail. I don't know that Cuba is ready from a democracy now, and it might be a few decades before power can be returned to the people of Cuba.

The Swiss save the "Big Dig" commuter

I figured you guys might like a little levity. commuter

I couldn't help but share some exiting news to all my friends who drive through the "Big Dig." When the Swiss found out we were having issues with the Big Dig, they decided they would try to help. When they completed their efforts, they created this five minute video to show us how you can safely navigate the tunnel during your morning commute. Considering the magnitude of the "Big Dig" leak issue, they came up with this solution for Boston drivers:

Gun Free Zone (get your bullseye here)

Sorry everyone, I need to vent. I was just talking to a liberal friend of mine about the shooting at the college Illinois and they REALLY got me fired up.

Why is it that every time I turn around, some kid decides it would be great to obtain a gun and shoot people for NO DAMN REASON! The only thing worse than this type of crime taking place is the way people respond to such a horrid crime. First, check out the story in Illinois, then continue to read. Over the next few days, people are going to come out of the wood works and try to convince you of all kinds of ridiculous things.

First thing that is going to happen is this kid's name will become famous for a week or two. You will hear the shooters name on every major news station all across the nation. Then you will hear people (Like my liberal friend) claiming that this twisted dung pile had a tough childhood, was misunderstood, or worse yet, he was depressed over a girlfriend. If you can think of a dumb excuse, it will be said to explain why this kid should be "understood." Understand this, I am GLAD he is dead, but upset he didn't die sooner.

Who cares, he is dead. Too bad he didn't get hit by a train before he shot someone. The shooter is a criminal who isn't worth having his name spoken. YOU WILL NEVER READ HIS NAME IN MY POSTS! EVER!

On the other side of this story, people are going to blame this on poor gun control. You have GOT to be smoking crack to believe this line of garbage (or my liberal friend). If you think gun control would help, then tell me why there are five dead students in Illinois? Seems to me, the campus was a gun free zone, wasn't it? Great help gun control was here. Guns don't kill people, gun control does. (By the way, the liberal is my friend that's why I haven't printed their name)

The issue in this case was not the lack of gun control. Gun control makes it easier for a criminal to take advantage of you. Point in case: Washington D.C. has banned the private ownership if guns. How many people are murdered by a gun carrying killer annually in D.C.?

Sorry, I gave up my 9mm by choice, but I would NEVER expect anyone else to give up their lawfully attained firearm. When a robber does not know if you have a gun, they tend to think twice before robbing you. When a robber knows you have a gun, they find a different victim.

So over the next few weeks, just remember what I said:
1. The shooter is SCUM and does not deserve to have his name printed or spoken.
2. Gun control is not the answer
3. If you are a criminal, go to a gun free zone, your victims will be easier to subdue.

Congressional Races

As you know, there are Congressional races right around the corner. Considering we conservatives have been screwed out of the Presidential race, we must look forward to another area where we can make a difference. If we do not have a horse in the General Election, then we must find people who can stand up and balance the inequitable leadership that our country decided to elect in 2006.

We should take this time to put forth conservative advocates to represent us in Congress for 2010 to unseat the Democrats we blindly placed in power. Congress has not been effective in advocating for the people of the United States. We are unhappy with the results we have received (or rather the lack of results), and the only way to fix this is to put conservative people back into Congressional seats. It's time to look at those who are announcing their candidacy.

I make no bones about who I support. I know Jennifer Horn and genuinely like her values. From what I know about Jennifer, I can tell you that she is a woman who will advocate the conservative values we hold dear. I will be outlining her positions over the next few months to further show why I support Jennifer in her endeavor for office. There are areas where Jennifer and I disagree (Like setting a time frame for her time in congress, a bad idea in my mind), and areas where we agree (such as Congressional leaders need to be accountable and need to be in touch with their constituents).

If you follow the link I have on my right hand column, you can see her points for yourself. I have not put up any hard line information on her candidacy yet, as this is only a post to show the direction I will be heading in the next few months.

I will be watching for new candidates in this race, but at the moment there are three on the Republican side. They are Jennifer, Jim Steiner, and Bob Clegg. Of course the incumbent is running, Paul Hodes, on the Democrat side. I have not decided if I am going to outline the candidates individually, or if I am going to pick one topic and contract the candidates. If you have a preference, please use the "contact us" box to the right.

No, I have not forgotten about my promise to look at the presidential candidates, but I have no interest in which liberal wins. I am more concerned with what conservative we can put in place to stop the liberal legislation that comes down the pipe. I would like to elect people to Congress who are concerned with costs to my family ($$$ taxes $$$), freedom (infringement on freedom of speech such as the fairness doctrine and campaign finance), and their rightful place as CITIZENS in our community (legal citizens). Of course there are greater issues, I am just venting.

We know the Democrats for president will let the illegals immigrants darken our doorstep, and John McAmnesty is no different. Every Candidate will tax us, and limit our freedoms. So let's put in some conservatives to save us the horror of the French tax system and British limits on campaign speech. I could go on for hours, but this is not a rant it is a reminder.

We MUST elect leaders in Congress who will advocate FOR us, not against us.

Too Hot to Handle

I am posting this message from "Mitt Romney for President, inc." Please notice the last paragraph of this e-mail, "Please stand proud today that you fought for a cause greater than yourself, and please continue to fight to preserve our ideals." I guess the question now is where do we turn?

Considering the turmoil the true conservatives feel, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. There is no clear answer as to where future primary voters should place their votes, or what we should do during the General election. I have decided I am not going to throw away my vote in November. I am going to outline the positions of the candidates, evaluate their positions, and vote on the issues. But to me the message is clear, "make a difference when you elect congressional seats."

As for the General election, I will be supplying you with all the information I am using to make my choices. I will also outline what I weigh my decisions on. In other words, You will see where the candidates stand, see what I think is good and bad, and see what issues I believe are important to my decision. I am NOT going to just throw my vote to one candidate to hurt the other (Like all you who voted for "Liberal Huckabee" have been doing)

To view this email as a web page, go here. Dear Mychel, If you have not heard by now, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president. This was not an easy decision for me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support from the beginning to the point where we are today. We’ve come such a long way, and our hard work together will leave an imprint on the course of history. As I addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) yesterday in Washington, D.C., I outlined what I know is the right course ahead for our nation – a course based on conservative principles such as individual responsibility, strong faith and values, economic strength with lower taxes and a national defense that will not retreat from the threat of evil extremism. I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding surrender to terror. This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and, you, our supporters, have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country. You can be sure I will continue to stand for conservative principles. I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism. It is the common task of each generation – and the burden of liberty – to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future. Please stand proud today that you fought for a cause greater than yourself, and please continue to fight to preserve our ideals. Thank you again so very much. P.S. To read more about my vision for strengthening America’s future, please take a look at my speech from CPAC. Thank you. This email was sent by: Romney for President, Inc. PO Box 55899 Boston, MA 02205 USA We respect your right to privacy - view our policy Manage Subscriptions | Update Profile | One-Click Unsubscribe