As I write this newsletter, I am grateful for how great our country is, that we have the many freedoms we have, freedoms, which have been purchased through great sacrifice. Freedom of speech. Freedom of press. Our First Amendment. There are some countries where an ordinary citizen such as myself, or anyone for that matter, would not have the freedom to publish a newsletter such as this. There are places where the freedom to express our opinions, to publish information, does not exist. And this is a freedom we must cherish, honor and protect for without it we slip into tyranny. I was given the following quote by my high school English teacher, who also was my advisor for the newspaper where I served as Editor, and I still cherish it to this day: “Given the choice of a free government or a free press, I prefer the latter.” Thomas Jefferson. Back then he wrote: “Much of what you say won’t be heard. Much of what you say will hit home. It’s dangerous either way. It’s what keeps you going. You don’t look for someone to turn to. You assume the stance. You are to rise above it all. You are to be a herald….” Barry Grimes, May 27, 1983. (Thank you Mr. Grimes for your wise words and belief in me.)