Welcome back! It has been an interesting last two days, and I am not even talking about the results of the primary election. The phone has been ringing and support in the "Meister camp" is growing!

As a separate matter, I've had an appearance at the Pelican Preserve on August 21, 2008, which was organized by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. I am including a link of the video below. Enjoy the video! Thank you again for your support! - Christian Meister

VIEWING INSTRUCTIONS: You may view the video as is, in its entirety, or, to view the Sheriff candidates, start the video at location 24 minutes and 58 seconds (to view candidate Meister) or at location 20 minutes and 4 seconds (to view all three Sheriff candidates). VIDEO: The Candidates at Pelican Preserve, August 21, 2008 [click here].

P.S.: Compare what Meister ACTUALLY said in the video segment with what The News-Press REPORTED about Meister! - Biased reporting? What do you think? (See below)

Betty Parker - Special to the News-Press.com - August 23, 2008

Opinions refreshing

So much of challenger Rod Shoap's campaign against Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott has dealt with issues like crime reports and financial matters, it's refreshing to hear opinions about law enforcement matters, such as their responses to a question asked at the chamber forum this week.

Moderator Cole Peacock of Chico's asked the two primary candidates, and no-party candidate Christian Meister, who's on the Nov. 4 ballot, what they thought of a group of university presidents from across the country who suggest lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. The college presidents say the higher age creates "forbidden fruit" appeal.

Scott said it's not a bad idea. People are asked to fight and die for their country at 18, he said, so being able to drink legally - as long as it's responsibly - seems reasonable.

Meister referred to his Austrian heritage, pointing out teens there can drink legally with no problems, and said something to the effect of keeping the age at 21 might be OK because younger kids will find ways to drink anyway if they really want to.

Shoap's response also was hard to follow, and left listeners asking each other what his answer really was. Afterward, Shoap said while he believes the younger age is a bad idea, the decision should be left up to individual states and local governments.