Ten Days to Go

In putting into practice this Blog's creed - an informed citizen is an involved citizen - I spent the better part of Friday working in the campaign headquarters of the first time Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for the Third District of New Jersey (not my district). The House candidate for whom I have volunteered is Mr. Jon Runyon, a retired offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles (not my team), former University of Michigan footballer (definitely not my team), and Tea Party fave (certainly my team). Jon is opposed in this "toss up" election by two candidates, John Adler, first term Democrat, and by a fictitious Tea Party candidate invented by the Demos to siphon just enuff mislead voters from Mr. Runyon to keep Pelosi devotee, Adler in DC.

The highlight of my participatory day in democracy occurred when Governor Christie arrived with Mr. Runyon to speak to the troops. His talk was almost perfect, after he and the rock hard, six foot five, still very athletic Runyon walked to the podium, we could all see the gleam in the Governor's eyes, as if the obvious difference in physical stature even amused him. Mr. Christie first dazzled the assembled campaign staff with his self deprecating humor, before extolling Jon's many small government, greater freedom convictions and finishing up by assuring us that our collective efforts were essential to the Candidate's victory on November second.

Most assuredly, this face time with the Candidate, the Governor and some fifty fellow citizens instilled in me more fervently than anything (other than writing this Blog) that individuals can make a real difference in the Life of the Nation. As Ben Franklin told us so famously in responding to the crowd question - "what have you given us?" - as he left Independence Hall after the ratification of the Constitution - "A Republic, for so long as you can keep it."

Now with less than ten full days until November 2, 2010, I urge everyone to actively campaign for these final crucial days , so when your Grandchildren ask you decades from today - "What did you do during the Great Election that saved/lost the Republic, Grandpa/ma?" - your answer will be a resounding - "everything I could do" and not - "nothing" . Just imploring...