Having run for election in 2001 for the first time, I recall the day on which I was running in a write-in primary to win the Conservative Party line. The day was September 11, 2001. That morning as I was heading out to visit the polling places, America was struck by the evil terrorists in such a way as to change forever the importance our system of government holds for me. I realized that for a person to come forth and compete in the arena of ideas in America, that person had been blessed. Blessed by God with unalienable freedoms that were annunciated by our founders in our Constitution.

So as it were I found myself on the campaign trail deeply in touch with the FACT that as an American, running for office, attempting to win the vote of my fellow citizen, I was the most fortunate person in the world at any time in history. Think about it: as an outspoken person who often disagrees with the status quo, I am free to speak my mind, call the press and state my views, put signs up with my name on them on people's lawns, publish literature with my platform...all things that in other countries and/or at other times could land me in prison, or worse. I could disagree with the government without being physically attacked or murdered. It was something that the Taliban and Islamo-fascists are hateful of.

This is a nation of freedom. The greatest in history, and we enjoy it every day. But how often do we take time to thank the founding fathers, the soldiers, and the statesmen who made it possible? This is a nation of freedom. The greatest in history, and we enjoy it every day. But how often do we take time to thank the founding fathers, the soldiers, and the statement who made it possible? If you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them today, for making it all possible!

- Joseph J Suhrada, Schenectady County Legislature