I am glad there is freedom of speech left in this country and glad individuals have blogs to express themselves. That is what my father, brothers and my son (currently serving eight years in the U.S. Army) give us -- the opportunity of free speech.

The tea party movement is not dead by any means. I am sorry some of the people in the Porter County political blogs and that are associated with this blog hate the tea movement. That is their choice. However, wait until elections come and go, then you will understand this entire tea movement that has blazed across the entire country.

The bloggers who criticize me as a candidate for U.S. Congress have a right to their snide comments and opinions. But the facts are very clear, according to the U.S. Constitution that our forefathers wrote and signed. I meet all the qualifications required. I guess that would show the ignorance of the political individuals who don't like me as a Republican candidate.

What is it, specifically, that makes me unqualified to run for office? Is it the issues and the solutions? No, it can't be that! I could handle myself in a debate with any congressman. So what is it? I am not a yes man or a political puppet.

God Bless America and all the past and current veterans who give us the liberties and freedoms we have.

- Mark Leyva, Highland