Since each of the Fix Michigan Centers and County Party Headquarters is tailoring the event to their own unique situations, it would be impossible for me to report in detail on the goings-on at 83 different locations.  But I can tell you how we're going to be doing it here in Grand Rapids.

The twelve-hour event is going to be broken down into three shifts of four hours each (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . . . 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM . . . 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM).  Each of the shifts will begin with a home-cooked meal and an activist training session, followed by a three-hour door-to-door blitz of pre-selected precincts.  As you might expect, another group of volunteers will be manning the phone bank in the same shifts, so that will also be running all day.

(And lest you think that a home-cooked meal isn't a draw in and of itself, just ask Nick or any of the other regulars here who are campaign veterans what they think of the idea.)

I didn't have the opportunity to get to know Chet very well, and we met face-to-face only once (at the February, 2009, MIGOP State Convention).  But from what I knew of him, he was a big fan of the grassroots efforts.  For what my opinion is worth, the best way to honor his memory and his legacy is to get off our butts, take a round turn on our individual efforts, and win this one for him and for Michigan.

Chet was a point of light, one torch that lit a thousand candles.  Each of us will do well to reflect that light in our neighborhoods, at work, at school, or wherever else we might go.  Become your own torch, and make it your mission to light up at least ten candles today . . . and tomorrow . . . and the next day.  Yes, it would be great to sit back, read the papers (or watch FOX News), and scoff at the misdeeds of others.  That would be easy, but it would also be very ineffective; and it is what those who intend the ruin of this state are counting upon us to do.

Rather, let us follow Mr. Zarko's example, and dare to venture into the arena.  We should not fear error, but rather embrace the chance to spend ourselves in the most worthy of causes.  At the very least, if we fall short, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we have dared greatly, knowing that we will never share a place with those cowards who cannot be bothered to get out of the bleachers.

But when we do win, we will know at the end the high achievement of triumph in the cause of liberty.  We will know that we have done one thing to preserve and defend freedom in our time, so that we can pass the true legacy of America to our children and grandchildren.

Come, join me . . . and let's start by fixing Michigan.