Romney argues his case in CNN commentary

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney says he's offering "real chance and a real choice" for Americans in next week's presidential election.

"Let us remember our history. We have accomplished so much, both in the world and at home," Romney said in a commentary published by CNN Friday. "We've defeated tyrannies. We've lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. We've transformed our own society into a more perfect union. We've created a land of freedom and prosperity. The problems we need to overcome now are not bigger than we are. We can defeat them. I am offering real change and a real choice."

He recalled how he began his bid for the presidency June 2, 2011, and has carried his message across the country since.

"I said then that our country is a land of freedom and opportunity," he said. "I said then that 'I believe in America.'"

America is the land of opportunity but for many Americans lately "opportunity has not exactly come knocking," Romney said in the commentary.

"We've been mired in an economic slowdown that has left millions of our fellow citizens unemployed. ... It hasn't always been this way. It certainly doesn't have to be this way in the future. We're all in this together. And together we can emerge from these troubles."

He repeated his five-point plan for creating 12 million jobs in the next four years if he and running mate Paul Ryan are elected.

Romney wrote of working with a Democratic-led Legislature when he was governor of Massachusetts.

"As governor of a state that was overwhelmingly Democratic, I was always ready to reach across the aisle and I can proudly point to the results," he said. "I've learned that when we come together to solve problems in a practical spirit, we can accomplish miracles."

He said he would ensure "our military is strong enough that no adversary dares to challenge us."

"America is a place where freedom rings," he wrote. "It is a place where we can discuss our differences without fear of any consequence worse than criticism, where we can believe in whatever creed or religion we choose, where we can pursue our dreams no matter how small or grand. It is a place that not only cherishes freedom, but is willing to fight to defend it. These are the qualities that define us."