we have set the highest standards of conduct and practices in the industry. We have the responsibility to let the rest of the world see this and know it as well. That's why we are releasing a full corporate responsibility report this fall. It's a strong beginning. Where we are going. My aspirations for Nike are simple: I want Nike to be "the best company it can be." I want it "built to last." It must sustain beyond any team or any individual, including. Especially me. I won't say achieving these aspirations will be easy. But, they are the right ones for a company with our position, our brand reputation, our industry, our influence, and our capabilities. I believe we have the potential to do it. We've done it before; we can do it again. It won't be easy. There are a million reasons why we won't succeed. There will be challenges and road bumps along the way. Some will lose confidence. The Street and the media will be licking their chops. And the stock will fall, and the stock will rise. We have to be prudent and manage a tight ship. But, if the time comes to choose between managing our short-term earnings and creating long-term success, I choose the latter. If that means taking another hit with the stock, then I'm willing to live with that. If we are to succeed, one universal truth is clear: We need to go through a re-commitment process. It's one I've had to go through over the past year, and I can tell you, it's not easy. We are building the leadership team that will help Nike succeed in the long term. We will be honest with you and work through our challenges. We will have bad times. But then we will have better times and, soon, great times. We can do this. We will do this. One last constant thought: As we step into the future, there is an important piece of the past that we take with us. It is the memory of a singular man who passed away in his sleep on Christmas Eve. Strategically eccentric. A natural motivator. Complete in his under...
