Editor, Gazette-Journal:

What an honor on this most respectful day (Martin Luther King Day), to be able to witness an incredible speech and discussion by Bishop E.W. Jackson of Chesapeake. Bishop Jackson has thrown his hat in the ring for the nomination of Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Bishop Jackson has packed many "lifetimes" of experience into his 60 some years on this earth. Warrior (ex-Marine), Lawyer (Harvard Law School), Teacher (taught Law at Northeastern University in Boston), Theologian (Harvard Divinity School; pastors a non-denominational church), Businessman, Author ("Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life" and, out later this year, "America the Beautiful—Reflection of a Patriot Descended from Slaves") Activist (founder of S.T.A.N.D.—Staying True to America’s National Destiny. Dedicated to restoring America’s Judeo-Christian heritage and values), Internet Sensation (his internet video went viral during the 2012 election), Radio and Television personality, Award Winner (Family Life Award from the African-American Family Association and many more), Loving Father (three children) and Devoted Husband (he and his wife founded the Annual MLK Leadership Breakfast in Chesapeake which has between 400-500 participants yearly).

Bishop Jackson delivers sweeping truths in an honest and entertaining manner. He says he lives his life according to words imparted to him by his father, "If your word is no good, then you are no good!"

I was mesmerized by this noble man who has tasked himself, with the help of folks like you and me, to spread the message of the Constitution of the United States of America. Through the "unbroken threads" of our Founding Fathers to Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King to you and me, the message is clear: Freedom is worth fighting for!

Thanks to the Peninsula Patriots for sponsoring Bishop Jackson’s appearance at Lighthouse Worship Center. If you have never heard Bishop Jackson, I challenge you: Conservatives, Liberals, Independents, folks of any color, folks of any faith or none at all, folks of any gender or occupation, come see him and prepare to be moved! Bishop Jackson is the embodiment of character, warmth and truth.

In closing, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, I would like to add his famous words of Truth, "We do not judge people by the by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Nancy E. Malec

Gloucester, Va.