Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Today

Today is a day that many, including myself, did not believe would happen for a long time. Many felt that an Anglo woman would be sworn in as President of the United States prior to the inauguration of an African-American. It makes me really proud to call myself an American when you look back a mere 50 years to the gathering momentum of the Civil Rights movement.

President Obama. Sounds new and refreshing. What this country needs and deserves. However, I must caution myself, and all others reading, that he is but one man.

In so many ways, the ball is in our court. Yes, all of us Americans. Hard times continue to lurk on the horizon. Many of us who call ourselves Americans have grown up with a sense of entitlement. A feeling that we are owed something because of our age, education, marital circumstance, what have you.

The real challenge that faces America, and its citizens, is not threats from around the world, which are undeniably real, but the entrenched belief that it is someone else's responsibility to make our country better.

Despite our current challenges, we need to emerse ourselves in an attitude of gratitude. Doesn't matter your particular set of circumstances, get it. We all need to make sacrifices for one another in the years ahead. We need to look out for each other on a daily basis, not December 23 to December 25th.

This country arose from the Depression of the 1930's not from the skilled leadership of one man, but from the sense that American can do it, can sacrifice and can collectively help all that call America home.

Our country could use another Roosevelt type leader in these times. But more than that, we could really use some Americans who sacrifice, work and persevere to see a successful outcome to our current challenges. Will it be easy? No, not really. But can it be done? It can and will.

Godspeed to you President Obama and to the country you lead. But please remember, he is but one man and we are hundreds of millions.

January 21, 2009 the parties and balls will be over. Now its time to get to work. What are you going to work on that day?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Word for the Day....

Is Mopery

It means exposing yourself to a blind person. Thanks to Revenge of The Nerds through the new eyes of my 13 and 11 year old boys. Funnier than the first time.