I have just finished reading, three times, an impressive and inspirational open letter to the citizens of this state of Colorado.

The letter was penned by candidate for United States Senate, Cleve Tidwell.

It makes a point I have been trying to make for some time and which Americans must come to understand before the November elections take place.

That point being, America did not arrive at it’s current condition by mere accident. As Mr. Tidwell notes in his letter, ‘you and I have failed in our primary responsibility of citizenship’.

This is a message we must take to heart and then to the voting booth.

Because I am unable to link directly to Mr. Tidwell’s letter I will repost it here, you may however visit his site and read the letter there until such a time as new content moves it off the page.

Enjoy the letter and pass it on.

Open Letter to the Citizens of Colorado

This November you will make history.  This November you will be remembered by generations of Americans.  You need only answer one question, “What is liberty worth to you?”

For too many years, through too many administrations, you and I have failed our primary responsibility of citizenship.  We have failed our civic duty, purchased by the blood of our ancestors, which necessitates active, constant guard of our elected representatives.  We are the boss of those in Congress and we are the boss of the resident permitted accommodation in the White House.  For too long and with too many excuses we have stood frozen in word, idle in action, as our elected representatives have eroded liberty and the very foundation of that liberty—the Constitution.  By our silence and inaction—hibernating in a civic coma—we have now put at risk all that our country, and our very lives, have been so blessed:  inalienable Rights, a moral code, and the Rule of Law.

From now until November, there will be many debates about what is good and not so good about Colorado and our country.  There will be many ideas offered to solve any number of problems.  There will be numerous points of view.  Career politicians will be spinning to avoid questions and confuse answers.

Just remember one thing:  This November you will make history.

Ask one question:  What is liberty worth to you?

My name is Cleve Tidwell, and last January I was a private citizen just like you.  Today I have chosen to step into a public role, in answer to the question what liberty is worth to me, and to run for U.S. Senate.  I want to represent you and the great state of Colorado.  It is time for true representation in Congress—not another career politician or political party puppet and not another lawyer.

I am a U.S. Marine veteran, a businessman, and the proud descendant of an American Revolution patriot.  The American dream is real and it is attainable to every citizen who is willing to work hard and take responsibility for their life, liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.  The anti-American mirage is the promise that there is a free lunch.

What is liberty worth to you?  How will you be remembered by generations of Americans to come?

“Once upon a time I sold liberty…” or “Once upon a time I restored liberty…” — this November you decide.

Cleve Tidwell

Candidate, U.S. Senate