Dear Governor Crist,
Surely you don't remember me, but if you recall an odd evening at St. Pete's Pacific Wave back when you were attorney general during which you and your consort were seated in a semi-private room with a birthday party, I was one of the folks screaming that if Charlie Crist got sushi after the menu cut-off time, then we deserved it, too.
You handled that shit with style, giving us a few charming smiles while leaning in to discuss the absurdity of it all with your date. It was perfectly balanced; it was, dare I say, Kennedy-esque.
Anyway, I've liked you since then — your penchant for hearing both sides of the issues appeals to me — and my esteem only grew when you vetoed the recent bill tying teachers' salaries to the performance of their students. Your decision ran counter to what the media has widely implied is a majority opinion among members of your party, but I don't think it was chutzpah or the will of the contrarian that led you; I think you listened to everybody, and decided that teachers shouldn't be held responsible for the fact that too many parents neglect the education and inspiration of their children in the home.
It was a bold move, and now it sucks to be you. In a time of strident voices, you have chosen to be thoughtful, to consider the greater good over histrionics, and you're paying the price.
But, if you'll forgive the bluntness, I beg you not to try and retain your role as governor. The key words here are "acceptance of failure." Please, run as an independent for the United States Senate.
