I am, as everyone knows, the last person to engage in any kind of kissing up

to the boss; and I do understand, Rich, your reasons for so gracefully

backing out from the ‘01 New York mayoral campaign after a promising start.

I do hope, though, that you will not be deaf to the call of duty. It’s not

too soon to start organizing. I am ready to go proselytizing in the

mathematical and lucite-obsessed communities, and I think I can get

something started with those NASCAR dads. We await your trumpet call!