NH Exit
Lame Excuses of Cowardly “Liberty Reps” Opposing NH Exit Bill, CACR 32
Mar 11, 2022 | Constitutional Amendment, News

Today was the big day, the first time ever that a bill relating to New Hampshire independence was heard by the full state house. With over 330 of 400 reps in attendance, the historic proposed constitutional amendment was sadly shot down 323-13. We didn’t expect to win the first time out, of course. The point of CACR 32 was to get the conversation started.

No thanks however to multiple so-called “liberty reps” who put fear-based political concerns over principle and refused to back up the brave reps who sponsored this bill. I was there greeting the reps this morning as they entered Reps’ Hall and I heard various excuses. Free Stater rep Jess Edwards said it shouldn’t go to voters unless reps support the idea, and he doesn’t. This is literally the same thing some of the democrats told me as they were entering the chamber, expressing that they were against democracy as they see themselves as “gatekeepers”. One Democrat, rep Tim Egan, even admitted in an email to me, “legislators can absolutely not trust voters with this decision”. The state reps don’t trust you to decide, whether they be Republican or Democrat.

Representative Tom Ploszaj used the excuse that no one from his constituency had reached out to him in support of CACR 32. Of course the bill got very little attention in the media, so it’s likely few people were even aware of it. Ploszaj and other “liberty reps” seem very concerned with what voters would think if they voted in support of CACR 32. Ploszaj said in an email, “My personal opinion and stance on the CACR is irreverent [SIC] since I was elected to represent my district and uphold the Constitutions not to make decisions based on my own agendas.” This is a strange statement as we all know that no one can truly “represent” a diverse group of people. If Ploszaj ran a campaign and was honest about supporting liberty, then that is presumably why he was elected, not to do anything a handful of people who call him up suggest. If a few people called Ploszaj to request he sponsor some Communist legislation, I suspect he would say no, even though some constituents wanted it.

Jason Osborne, Free Stater and the current House Majority Leader said that he supports California seceding, but doesn’t think the people of New Hampshire want independence. He told me instead NH should lead the way for America. Another Free Stater, five-term rep Brian Seaworth expressed that he didn’t want to support the bill because he didn’t think it would pass and he felt that voting for it would put him in jeopardy of losing the next election. Melissa Blasek, state rep and executive director of Rebuild NH said that while she likes the idea, she’s worried the democrats will use it against her in her reelection campaign.

I guess we’ll see if the thirteen heroes who voted for this bill will be defeated in their re-election attempts later this year. What if they are re-elected? Will the “liberty reps” who refused to stand on principle develop a spine? Don’t get your hopes up.

Perhaps they’ll be prosecuted for treason or rebellion as statist rep Brodie Deshaies suggested in his attempts to intimidate the reps into opposing CACR 32. I’d bet against any reps being prosecuted. Despite the claims to the contrary, this was an attempt at peaceful secession. No violence was ever suggested. Secession is legal and constitutional, as rep Matt Santonastaso explained in his speech on the house floor today. Article one, section ten of the US Constitution outlines the specific things that states are not allowed to do. Leaving is not one of those prohibited things. In fact, secession isn’t talked about at all in the US Constitution. Therefore, it’s a right left to the states under the tenth amendment of the Bill of Rights. We CAN do this. Some state is going to be first to go. Whether it’s Texas, California, New Hampshire, or elsewhere, the only question is when.

NHexit.us - Lame Excuses of Cowardly “Liberty Reps” ...

Partnership for Public Health's Virtual Legislative Breakfast
Laconia Daily Sun
March 1, 2021

To The Daily Sun,

The Partnership for Public Health would like to thank all the participants who attended our region-wide Virtual Legislative Breakfast,
which was recently held in collaboration with New Futures. We are grateful to have NH House of Representatives Tom Ploszaj in attendance as well as representatives from the Office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and the Office of Congressman Chris Pappas. Their involvement resulted in an enlightening and engaging event full of information and open dialogue and generated a vibrant conversation among a variety of stakeholders in attendance.

We would also like to express our appreciation for the organizations that participated in this virtual event. These panelists were able to talk extensively about the health and wellness priorities for their communities as well as the critical concerns significant to the Winnipesaukee region. Their competence and knowledge as content experts allowed for the sharing of statistical data and narrative lived experiences, which demonstrated the depth of their familiarity and understanding of the needs within this region and with the individuals and families they work with.

We are truly thankful to everyone that was in attendance and for their continuing assistance and support of Granite Staters. We firmly believe that by collaborating and working together, we will be able to ensure that NH residents are afforded every opportunity to thrive and flourish now and in the future.

Thank you to the following participating panelists: Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force, Franklin Office of School Wellness, Greater Tilton Area Family Resource Center, Lakes Region Community Developers, Lakes Region Community Services Family Resource Center, Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region, and New Futures.

Kimbly Wade

Lakes Region Partnership for Public Health

Laconia Daily Sun Article...

Robert Joseph, Jr.
Letter of Congratulation
To The Daily Sun
Nov. 6, 2020,

Voters of Center Harbor and New Hampton: Please extend congratulations to Tom Ploszaj for his successful campaign for state rep. It was a pleasure to participate in this election with him.

Thank you all for those who supported me. Special commendations go to Ruth Gulick (former State Rep.), Pat Schlesinger, and Dan Moore who advised me throughout the campaign. Their generous assistance and support provided a positive message that resonated with me and many voters in these two fine towns. A special kind note goes to Pat Parenchar, whose voice is often heard in campaigns and town deliberation meetings. Her enthusiasm is contagious. There are many more that space does not allow to list here.

Additional commendations go to the Teamsters Union and SEA, as well as the SEA Political Education Committee for their fine support and excellent advice.

To the voters who cast their vote for me, and those who supported Tom, thank you for exercising your right to vote. It is with profound humility to see many voices that came together on our behalf to offer these thanks. It was your campaign, not mine. You have spoken. Now we must come together to help Tom in his mission to serve all of us.

Tom has been in touch. He offered a very civil campaign. I hope to provide input as he undertakes this mission in the General Court. He is a fine human being.

My "email pen" will never be silenced. I will continue to participate in the community as I have in the past. All of us must do the same.

Thank you everyone for your time in this election. Volunteers, multiple candidates, voters, and support groups. We were all in this campaign together.

In solidarity for all,

Bob Joseph, Jr.

New Hampton
Laconia Daily Sun Article...

General Don Bolduc - Ret.
Letter of Endorsement

Laconia Daily Sun
Oct. 22, 2020

To The Daily Sun,

Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, I understand all too well the importance of places outside of main population hubs. I know that those who represent us across the entire Granite State are hugely important.

That is why I, Don Bolduc, put the full force of my endorsement behind Tom Plosaj, candidate for state rep in Center Harbor, and New Hampton. Tom is a stalwart conservative who will fight for the people of New Hampshire. He is dedicated not only to public service, but to one of the values that I hold dear: “service over self.” As a longtime resident, Tom knows the needs of both Center Harbor and New Hampton and will bring those needs to light in his future role as your representative.

As I have said many times, this is the most important election in history. We have a choice between socialism and freedom. If we don’t elect individuals that will stand against socialism, we will have to fight our way back to freedom. I know that Tom Plosaj will fight for our freedom and keep socialism out of our state.

Don Bolduc

Stratham
Laconia Daily Sun Article...

General Don Bolduc - Ret.
Letter of Endorsement

Laconia Daily Sun
Oct. 22, 2020

To The Daily Sun,

Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, I understand all too well the importance of places outside of main population hubs. I know that those who represent us across the entire Granite State are hugely important.

That is why I, Don Bolduc, put the full force of my endorsement behind Tom Plosaj, candidate for state rep in Center Harbor, and New Hampton. Tom is a stalwart conservative who will fight for the people of New Hampshire. He is dedicated not only to public service, but to one of the values that I hold dear: “service over self.” As a longtime resident, Tom knows the needs of both Center Harbor and New Hampton and will bring those needs to light in his future role as your representative.

As I have said many times, this is the most important election in history. We have a choice between socialism and freedom. If we don’t elect individuals that will stand against socialism, we will have to fight our way back to freedom. I know that Tom Plosaj will fight for our freedom and keep socialism out of our state.

Don Bolduc

Stratham
Laconia Daily Sun Article...

General Don Bolduc - Ret.
Letter of Endorsement

Laconia Daily Sun
Oct. 22, 2020

To The Daily Sun,

Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, I understand all too well the importance of places outside of main population hubs. I know that those who represent us across the entire Granite State are hugely important.

That is why I, Don Bolduc, put the full force of my endorsement behind Tom Plosaj, candidate for state rep in Center Harbor, and New Hampton. Tom is a stalwart conservative who will fight for the people of New Hampshire. He is dedicated not only to public service, but to one of the values that I hold dear: “service over self.” As a longtime resident, Tom knows the needs of both Center Harbor and New Hampton and will bring those needs to light in his future role as your representative.

As I have said many times, this is the most important election in history. We have a choice between socialism and freedom. If we don’t elect individuals that will stand against socialism, we will have to fight our way back to freedom. I know that Tom Plosaj will fight for our freedom and keep socialism out of our state.

Don Bolduc

Stratham
Laconia Daily Sun Article...

General Don Bolduc - Ret.
Letter of Endorsement

Laconia Daily Sun
Oct. 22, 2020

To The Daily Sun,

Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, I understand all too well the importance of places outside of main population hubs. I know that those who represent us across the entire Granite State are hugely important.

That is why I, Don Bolduc, put the full force of my endorsement behind Tom Plosaj, candidate for state rep in Center Harbor, and New Hampton. Tom is a stalwart conservative who will fight for the people of New Hampshire. He is dedicated not only to public service, but to one of the values that I hold dear: “service over self.” As a longtime resident, Tom knows the needs of both Center Harbor and New Hampton and will bring those needs to light in his future role as your representative.

As I have said many times, this is the most important election in history. We have a choice between socialism and freedom. If we don’t elect individuals that will stand against socialism, we will have to fight our way back to freedom. I know that Tom Plosaj will fight for our freedom and keep socialism out of our state.

Don Bolduc

Stratham
Laconia Daily Sun Article...

Holly Willoughby
Letter of Endorsement
Laconia Daily Sun
Oct 29, 2020

Voters should research candidates carefully.

To The Daily Sun,

Do we know who our candidates are?

I recently moved to New Hampton and wanted to learn the answer to that very question! I also wanted to learn their reasons for seeking office, something about their character and their ability.

After Googling both candidates for state Representative (Robert Joseph and Tom Ploszaj) it became an easy choice. I will be voting for Tom Ploszaj who is running for NH State Representative in New Hampton and Center Harbor.

When searching I found that Some of the questions in the surveys online are written in such a way that they are biased towards or against an issue. There were some NH surveys that attempted to fairly ask a question and allowed candidates to respond with either a yes or no answer or let them respond in their own words. I also found the candidates Letters to Editors and the replies that they generated.

I was impressed with how Tom Ploszaj answered the questions, explained the need to work for a better New Hampshire and spoke about the need to end the political finger pointing “blame game”. I admire his decade of writing about why NH Reps Should be representing the voters and not their Political Party. His surveys and views are honest with no double talk or political phrases. He comes from the heart speaking about wanting to represent each of us in our district. Mr. Ploszaj’s website is unlike other candidate's. Instead of having many photos with important politicians he has his viewpoints and beliefs in his own words.

I had already decided whom I would vote for while reading Tom's and Robert’s Laconia Sun's Letters to the Editor and letters from people stating why they are supporting each candidate. looking through the Laconia Sun's local news articles I found a few about Robert Joseph which concerned me. I reached out to the Laconia Sun to see if this person was the same one now running for office and have received no reply about their 2013 and 2015 articles.

I would implore voters to do the same as I did. Search the web and the Sun's website with the names of Candidates and your Town. Also read the news about all candidates, there may even be more information than what I have found. I think everyone has the right to run for office and a chance to explain themselves but the voters also have a duty and obligation to let others know that the candidates qualifications and character may need to be questioned.

Most voters will vote for their political party without knowing who these people are. Since then I found the need to tell Democrats, Republicans and Independents if they read about who is running, they will also overwhelmingly agree that Mr. Tom Ploszaj is really the only person that should be sent to represent us as our NH State Representative in Belknap district 1.

Thank you

Holly Willoughby

New Hampton
Laconia Sun Article...

Rep. Harry Viens - NH House of Representatives
Letter of Endorsement

Tom Ploszaj is an important new leader for Belknap District 1 and New Hampshire.

When my wife was diagnosed with cancer I channeled all my energy into helping her fight this terrible disease and decided to forgo running for a second term as State Rep for Belknap District 1 (New Hampton – Center Harbor). At the same time I began thinking about potential candidates who would best represent New Hampton and Center Harbor and the needs and values of our District.
Tom Ploszaj came immediately to mind.
Tom believes in the rights of the individual and the common needs of the community. He will fight to protect the basic freedoms we all enjoy here in New Hampshire while working to serve the greater needs of the community. He supports quality education, is an environmentalist and will fight to improve the quality of life for working families. At the same time he will work to minimize taxes, eliminate needless government regulations and protect personal freedoms.
I believe he represents a good balance between fiscal responsibility and a sensible social safety net.
Please join me in electing Tom to be our newest State Representative.

Harry Viens
State Representative – Belknap 1

Dr. Valerie Fraser - Former NH House of Representatives
Letter of Endorsement

Dear Editor;
For the voters of Belknap County District 1-Center Harbor and New Hampton- I recommend Tom Ploszaj for state representative. He is a hard working family man, with Christian values and will be an asset to those of us in support of conservative principles.
As a former state representative for this district, I endorse Tom Ploszaj. His purpose is to defend the NH and US Constitutions. They are the guidebooks for our democratic republic and should be studied and referenced when discussing the issues of the day or proposing legislation. Tom Ploszaj is acting as our founders suggested; that people "volunteer" their time and help keep this country on the right track and protect its moral character.
On voting day vote for Tom Ploszaj!
The Hon Dr. Valerie Fraser RN DVM

Laconia Daily Sun Article...

Tom Smith - Former New Hampton Selectman
Letter of Endorsement
Oct 5, 2020
Tom Smith: I want a uniter, not a divider representing us in Concord

To The Daily Sun,

Congratulations to the individuals who are asking to represent the voters of New Hampton and Center Harbor to be their state representative. Many express their opinions, but few step forward to serve in public service.

Voting for your state representative is important as all other elected positions. It is important to know who the candidate is and their opinions and not necessarily their party affiliation or in this case the town they reside in.

I consider a number of factors before I cast my vote, including the issues they support, character, someone who will unite and not divide, one who will vote for their constituents wishes and not those of the party leaders, a fiscal conservative and one who exercises common sense.

After much consideration of these and other issues, i have decided that Tom Ploszaj is the best choice to be our next state representative for New Hampton and Center Harbor.

Tom Smith

New Hampton

[ Tom Smith is a former New Hampton Selectman ]

Tom Smith's Laconia Daily Sun Article...

Tom Ploszaj's Letter to Voters

Laconia Daily Sun
Oct 29, 2020

It would be an honor to have your vote.

I’m honored to ask for your vote to work as your NH Representative

To all the New Hampton and Center Harbor residents with whom I’ve met, emailed with, spoke by phone, and the snail mail letters of support. Thank You.

Meeting you, I have learned so much more about our area, its history, and people along with the discussions, suggestions, and ideas of how our towns, Lakes Region, and State can be improved.

To those I have not yet met due to living on Private Ways, land being Posted, or not being at home; I invite you to visit my web page https://www.tomploszaj.com/, candidate surveys like Vote-USA https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=NH&Id=NHPloszajTom...

and contact me on any issue such as the resident with the ambulance billing question that the Town Administrator happily explained for me so I could help the person better understand it, or just to touch base and say Hi.

If you know someone I had missed please share my invite that I am available and anxious to meet to listen and learn, believing that our district’s voters should really know the person who they want to represent them.

Tom Ploszaj

Center Harbor

Tom's Laconia Daily Sun Article...

Concord Monitor Newspaper
Belknap County District 1: Joseph and Ploszaj
Published: 10/7/2020

Tom Ploszaj
Party: Republican
Age: 66

Town of Residence: Center Harbor

Occupation: Retired from Analytic Research Science - FT-IR, Microscopy

What specific policy do you see as most vital?:

As a fiscal Constitutional, my policy is to involve residents to be pro-active in protecting the rights of all and supporting responsible budgets that address property taxes, quality education, and reducing fees for responsible Granite Staters while providing opportunities and advancement for both workers and businesses.

How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead?:

The pandemic reminded us that the Legislature cannot continue to buy votes with promises of more and more government programs and entitlements without first establishing dedicated funding that provides the revenue needed to continue programs during unplanned deficit.
I will be a fiduciary for the New Hampshire taxpayer and their future generations by working with all legislators to formulate budgets addressing the over $500M of lost revenue due to COVID-19 without an income or general sales tax.
The New Hampshire Advantage needs to be strengthened. New Hampshire's successful financial future will be our visitors and tourists along with being a more worker-friendly and pro-business state.

Article...

Vote Smart .org Political Courage Test

I submitted my replies to Vote Smart to help Belknap 1 voters better know what my personal believes and opinions are.

https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/141713/...

Again, I plan to legislate for the best interests of our district and use my fundamental beliefs as a starting point in deliberations and compromise in accordance with the NH Constitution to improve New Hampshire and it's future.

NRA-PVA 2nd Amendment Endorsement

NH Gun Owners of America PVF
2nd Amendment Endorsement

CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS
ARTICLE V - CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

I believe that the time has come that the NH General Court should deliberate the idea to discuss congressional term limits.
I sign the organization, U.S. Term Limits, Candidate's Pledge.
https://www.termlimits.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/blankState-Article...

I do not support a "run-away" convention nor a multi-article convention.

I do not support the U.S. Term Limits organization's view that the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 was not a "run-away" convention.

My belief is the historical fact that the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 ignored and did not recognize Article XIII of the Articles of Confederation (no changes made until all 13 State legislature agreed)
https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/text_blocks/8681 .
For the Federalists to gain control of the Convention in order to replace the duly establish government of the united States of America Article XIII was ignored and the requirement that 9 States could make changes.

There is a possible opportunity for a political association to take over a U.S. Constitution Article V limited convention.

https://www.termlimits.com/dispelling-the-runaway-myth/

Cheshire County voters researched their candidates and casted their ballots.
FOX NEWS Sept. 12, 2020
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/transexual-satanist-anarchist-picks-up-...

https://sos.nh.gov/elections/elections/election-results/2020/2020-state-...

[ Please return to https://www.tomploszaj.com/ afterward]

NH Republican Party shared with voters a letter of character by my daughter. Sept. 2020

Laconia Daily Sun

I'll address state revenue shortfall without resorting to new taxes

Sep 3, 2020 Updated Sep 4, 2020

To The Daily Sun,
On Tuesday, we will vote in the Sept. 8 Primary.

New Hampton and Center Harbor Republican and undeclared voters, I would like to ask you to cast your vote for Tom Ploszaj. Democrat voters are allowed to enter my name as a write-in.

As a fiscal representative I will work with the legislature to address the revenue shortfall of over $500K due to the COVID-19 shutdown without any new or increase in taxes which would be a double blow on our district’s residents and businesses.

Since my March 3rd letter when I announced my wish to represent you, I have met with our state senator and three of our state reps to better understand what has been our issues and needs to be better prepared for what will be expected in dealing with the post COVID-19 pandemic. I am meeting and listening to residents about what they expect and how best to make sure their issues and concerns can be heard in Concord where I would be representing you, not a political party nor be involved in the political bashing or rhetoric. If we have not met yet please contact me.

I encourage you to know your candidate. The Laconia Daily Sun website has a good archive of letters to the editor. Search for my March 3 and 2014 letters to understand better that my beliefs have been constant and not new, and that as a state representative I’d work for all the residents and the district, not a political party’s leadership. I have encouraged people and organizations to share their facts and data concerning bills and issues with me so I can be better informed of all viewpoints.

Organizations’ candidate surveys have been completed and some are now posted of where I stand on issues. Some of the questions had appeared to be leading or asking for a Yes/No reply on complex issues so please read my comments to better understand my reply. I am available for discussion or clarification if needed.

Tom Ploszaj

Center Harbor

The Weirs Times July 2, 2020 page 2
Tom Ploszaj for State Rep
https://issuu.com/weirspublishing/docs/wtimes070220?fbclid=IwAR2nMfM3arP...

Laconia Daily Sun

Tom Ploszaj: I'm running to represent New Hampton & Center Harbor in Concord

Mar 2, 2020 Updated Mar 3, 2020

To The Daily Sun,

I’m proud to announce my campaign for Republican candidate for state representative in New Hampton and Center Harbor.

New Hampshire has many issues but our House seat belongs to the residents and I will make it a priority to be available and meet with as many residents as possible, asking them what they expect of their representatives, and hear their views on how we can make our towns and state better for our children and the future.

I am able and willing to devote my time to fully represent our district, pledge to attend all votes and committee meetings and will strive to maintain New Hampshire’s high state rankings in quality of life by upholding N.H. Constitution, protect your liberties and freedoms and continue to support a healthy and safe environment. As a husband, parent, and property owner, I believe in responsibility and accountability in government at all levels.

My wife Marta and I live in west Center Harbor. We have four children and three grandchildren. I was in EMS for over 40 years and served as a volunteer EMT, volunteer fire department member, emergency dispatcher, town trustee, former Lions Club member and legislative bill reviewer and policy analyst.

I have enjoyed a variety of work experiences, among them were farm laborer, construction trades, small business owner, and analytical research scientist with a chemical engineering degree. This broad life experience gives me an appreciation for the many employment and economic challenges New Hampshire faces as well as issues to be addressed in the Legislature.

Some of the best things we can do are to reach out, be involved and help our communities. I ask you to contact me about your concerns, ways to improve our state and to join me in continuing to maintain the high quality of representation our towns have enjoyed.

Tom Ploszaj

Center Harbor

Laconia Daily Sun

Remember, on Nov. 6, vote Yes on constitutional amendment questions

Oct 9, 2018 Updated Oct 9, 2018

Remember, on Nov. 6, vote YES on the Bipartisan 2018 Constitutional Amendment Questions supported by both Democrats and Republicans (www.https://sos.nh.gov).

Constitutional Amendment Questions:

1. "Are you in favor of amending article 8 of the first part of the constitution to read as follows: [Art.] 8. [Accountability of Magistrates and Officers; Public’s Right to Know.] All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted. The public also has a right to an orderly, lawful, and accountable government. Therefore, any individual taxpayer eligible to vote in the State, shall have standing to petition the Superior Court to declare whether the State or political subdivision in which the taxpayer resides has spent, or has approved spending, public funds in violation of a law, ordinance, or constitutional provision.

In such a case, the taxpayer shall not have to demonstrate that his or her personal rights were impaired or prejudiced beyond his or her status as a taxpayer. However, this right shall not apply when the challenged governmental action is the subject of a judicial or administrative decision from which there is a right of appeal by statute or otherwise by the parties to that proceeding."

(Passed by the N.H. House 309 Yes 9 No; Passed by State Senate 22 Yes 2 No) CACR 15

2. “Are you in favor of amending the first part of the constitution by inserting after article 2-a a new article to read as follows: [Art.] 2-b. [Right to Privacy.] An individual's right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information is natural, essential, and inherent."

(Passed by the N.H. House 235 Yes 96 No; Passed by State Senate 15 Yes 9 No) CACR 16

Tom Ploszaj

Center Harbor

Laconia Daily Sun

Rep. Migliore's letter to paper was humble and respectful

Feb 17, 2018

To The Daily Sun,

In Rep. Migliore's recent letter, I recognize traits I would expect of a N.H. elected official; respectfulness, reconsideration with new data and concern for all constituents.

Those voters who may never be in complete agreement with their elected officials but should give credit when it is due.

Rep. Migliore was polite in his calling-out voter apathy for what it is, in his listening to people where he was able to reconsider and acknowledge a possible error in his voting, the explanation of financial items to constituents who should have done their own research of the budget, and in not telling people how to vote but offering his view with a recommendation and reminder of the alternative that is still available to them was welcomed. He was humble in reminding us by paraphrasing Ben Franklin that it is up to us to maintain what we cherish.

Tom Ploszaj