the PRIVATE BANK of CALIFORNIA

The Greatest Gift

A Message from Our CEO

10.16.12

I am going to keep this brief and direct. Get out and vote (you can read the rest or not).

We live in the greatest country on earth. And do you know why? Despite all our differences, squabbles, problems and disagreements, we still peaceably go to the voting booth every four years to elect a new commander-in-chief in a free and democratic process. And we have done so for over 235 years. We have come a long way in that span of years, but still have more to go. Our freedom and right to have a say in who governs this country is the reason the United States has excelled, continues to do so, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

The problems of our day are very complex and difficult; probably more difficult and ambiguous than at any time in the history of the Nation. This makes it hard for honest folk to have a respectful dialogue about their differences. Doesn't it seem like respectful political dialogue has become a lost art? We are so polarized. So entrenched. So bitter. So jealous. But no matter who's side you are on - whether you are conservative or liberal, well-educated or not, intransigent or not - I hope we can all agree that those of us who can vote should get out on November 6th and exercise that great right. Otherwise, we abdicate and the gap widens.

So, please, go to the polls this November. The world is counting on us.

David R. Misch