What follows is an e-mail I sent to Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele earlier today:

Mr. Steele,
 
As an African-American member of the Republican Party since 1995, I can certainly empathize with what you are trying to accomplish with the party in your efforts to reach out to new demographics. I have no doubt that the controversy surrounding your statements made on CNN concerning the relevancy of Rush Limbaugh to the party was an unintended distraction to your efforts.
 
I hope that you will find some positive and constructive encouragement from what I am about to say, and that this will help you in accomplishing the very things you wish for the Republican Party —
 
MAN UP, NIGGAH, MAN UP!!!
 
– daveydoug