A Moving Story. An Open Letter to Iowans. (Why Marco Rubio)

"It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life." Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1913-1915

My grandparents and parents hail from Dubuque in the wonderful state of Iowa. They have ingrained in us the hardworking, faith, family, and self-less values that have made us the "difference makers" we are-- values that find their roots in Iowa.

I remember my beautiful Grandma, Edith Friedman, sharing an inspiring story. While making house a home for five, small children, she needed to maintain the fledgling insurance business while my Grandpa "Cy" was away serving his country during World War II. Many must have been touched by the site of this young woman making her way to various clients by foot, little kids in tow by way of a wagon.

Advancing through adversity. Belief in possibility. Putting the first things first of faith and family. That's Iowa. That's America. And those were the values that subsequently resulted in my grandparents and other family building Friedman Insurance, the largest insurance company in the state of Iowa. (A point of family humor: my mom's side insurance company swallowed up my dad's side, Schlueter Insurance. For interested insiders, our parents are Bernie and Judy Schlueter.)

But the Iowa-Ingrained values are not simply about a selfish material gain. We understood a higher measure of success. We understood our great legacy was based upon much higher ideals and purposes: We are blessed to be blessers. Governments and systems can't love. Only people can. Only people have the capacity to do this, and only if they are given optimal opportunity to do this voluntarily.

These values have been and are under attack. The torch being passed to the next generation is flickering. Instead of being a people ennobled and united with purpose, mission and possibility, we've been reduced to an entitlement state. Elections have been shamefully reduced to "getting what's yours", or rather, "what's others."

The revolution of government funded (you and me), unlimited sex without consequence has bankrupted our nation's economy and our soul. It's fostered a culture of using others, leaving so many alienated, locked behind prison walls of regret, guilt, shame and real brokenness.

For such a culture it is particularly important that we have a president who understands and respects the difference between fleeting and Supreme powers and prerogatives; who understands the limitations of man, and the limitlessness of a transforming, healing and restoring God; who is about our optimally discovering and living our ultimate purpose (the original basis social order).

The Clintons and Obama have reduced the United States of America to splintered states of amnesia. We have forgotten who we are. We need to be reminded again of our true greatness. Not a kind of selfish, narcissistic greatness bent on "trumping" another (a wonderful thing learned while playing Iowa-Ingrained euchre, not for treating others), but an awareness that we have been gifted in order to use those gifts in accord with the Giver.

This is a critical moment. We're tired of replaying old Ronald Reagan clips so our six children (ranging from 17 to 10) can be reminded that a truly great America under a truly great American is possible. We are committed to the restoration from this Obami-nation to a Godly nation.

While God has led us to Ohio, with you we remain proudly Iowa-Ingrained. We appeal to you who in the upcoming primary hold the torch: the hopes of many generations rest in your hands.

As we have watched every debate, as we have been attentive to commentary in papers and media representing every position and perspective, looking through our Iowa-Ingrained lens- the one given to us by our wonderful Iowan Grandparents and parents-- there is only one candidate who most fully and authentically shares these values, who has the competency to restore our torch from a flicker to a flame.

United with all others who share these Iowa-Ingrained values and vision for our nation, for our children and future generations, we urge you to please join us now in actively, enthusiastically and fully supporting the candidacy of Marco Rubio.

God bless you and your families. God bless America.