Columbus Day Message
This week, we recognize Columbus Day, a holiday that honors both the discovery of our lands as well as the explorer who stumbled across them.  Ironically, Christopher Columbus came upon North America by accident; in fact, he believed he had found Asia.  Misdirection, then, is what led eventually to the founding of the United States.
 
Now, however, is no time for misdirection. Many folks are struggling to feed their families and pay their bills, and thousands of our servicemen and women are fighting for our freedoms in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Americans are angry, understandably so, and much of this frustration has been aimed at elected leaders and the lack of transparency and accountability in Washington.
 
Though national direction often seems to come from our public figures, our government is and always has been a representative one, and hence that direction must come from the people.  Over the past year, I have been pleased to watch Americans of all different political persuasions show a heightened interest in government.  I have also appreciated and utilized the input I’ve received from a vast number of my constituents, many of whom have never taken part in government until now.  This resurgence in participation is an essential part of establishing our direction as a country, and I encourage all of you to reach out to me with your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.  We must all work together to restore our economy, inspire hope, and preserve our freedoms.  
 
Representative government begins with the citizens choosing the leaders they want to represent them, and as we approach election day, I encourage each of you to go out to your nearest polling place and cast your vote.  America is still a land where the opinion of each and every person matters, and I can assure you that your voice will be heard.
 
While I am glad that fate led Christopher Columbus to our shores, I know that we cannot simply rely on blind hope to find success.  Together we must overcome our difficulties and differences and strive for direction.  I look forward to working with each of you to hone this direction and pursue an extraordinary future for our nation.
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