236 years ago, “our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” said Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg address. America is truly a country founded on this notion of equality. Equality means that we do not allow our laws to discriminate between our citizens. Equality means that we value our workers as much as we do the fruits of their labor.  And to me, equality means that our elected officials work for the people they represent, and for no other entity.

I have always been fascinated with government and with the political process. But when I was a young boy, my grandmother wanted me to promise that I would never run for office. Mimi said to me; “they’re all crooked, you can’t trust a one of them.” I argued with her and told her it didn’t have to be that way. Even today I believe there are many good people who serve as elected officials.

But we have to recognize that the voters have grown cynical. They are tired of the influence of money in politics. Our citizens don’t always believe that their representatives are looking out for the people’s interests.  And now with argument that “corporations are people,” citizens are concerned that the process is out of balance and only favors those with sufficient resources to influence the outcome.

I am trying to do something to combat that cynicism. My campaign has declared its independence from the influence of big money. I voluntarily decided to limit contributions to $100, and I have already received more than 200 individual donations.  In this small manner, I want to show that “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” shall endure. If this message resonates with you, then please consider helping my campaign out this week. Whether you are able to volunteer, make a contribution, or just send me a note of encouragement, you can play a role in making our political process something to be proud of.

I hope you have a safe and happy celebration of Independence Day.