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he has spent quite a bit of time on Capitol Hill, sitting with Republican Congressmen and Senators crafting legislation

But he doesn't get the credit for it, he isn't held responsible for it, and he doesn't have to (publicly anyway) make the compromises necessary to get it passed, if indeed it does pass. Don't you see the difference?

He has a very large constituency across America that is unique among modern political figures.

"Very large" compared to what? I know that Dr. Keyes has people across America who admire him, but most people I know have never heard of him, or have only heard of him peripherally - "Oh, yeah, that black guy who ran for president as a Republican?" They couldn't tell you a whole lot about him.

I am working very long hours on this current campaign, with alot of daily pressures

I do admire all the work you do, EV. It's quite impressive.

But the fact is, a large proportion of the criticisms aimed at him around here are untrue and unfair.

A lot of the criticisms aimed at him around here are people's opinions, based on the impressions they have of Dr. Keyes. If a politician or public figure consistently gives a significant number of people a faulty or misleading impression of himself, one must consider that there might be a problem with the delivery, wouldn't you think?

I have a hard time understanding why it is such a great sin, in your eyes, that Alan doesn't have to bear the burdens that those who are in office must bear. He can hardly help that, can he, since he is not in office? But again, he has greatly influenced the course of government and of legislation as much as any private citizen. I think he should be commended for that, not criticized.

And then you criticize him because everyone doesn't know who he is? Again, this seems more than unfair to me. But I assure you, people who have paid attention know who he is, and the vast majority of them have great respect for the man.

But thank you for your kind words.

I'm sorry that you and some others have a bad impression of Alan. As you know, I don't think it justified, and wish it werent' so. But the fact is, when you put yourself out there in the political wars, it doesn't matter who you are. Some people just aren't going to like you. That's life.

Have a good day.