We are Republicans. But we are Americans first. It is as Americans that we express our concern with the growing confusion that threatens the security and stability of our country.

Freedom unexercised may become freedom forfeited.

I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will be taken to heart.

Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.

Those of us who shout the loudest about Americanism, are all too frequently those who . . . ignore some of the basic principles of Americanism-the right to criticize, the right to hold unpopular beliefs, the right to protest, the right of independent thought.

As an American, I want to see our nation recapture the strength and unity it once had when we fought the enemy instead of ourselves.

When people keep telling you that you can't do a thing, you kind of like to try it.