| OUR TIMES | | Print | |
| Sunday, 18 January 2009 | |
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Our Times
As we approach Inauguration Day we are inundated with literally reams of words pouring from news media, from pundits, and from policy makers. What has interested me most is what the “common man and woman” has had to say about the state of our times, their hopes and their ever so realistic take on this changing of the guard. The average Joe and Jane is ever so cognizant of the realities and possibilities for our new president. They take it as a matter of fact that things will be tough, that the economic situation will not improve overnight or in 90 days. Many have not lived through the Great Depression but know fully well that their parents or grandparents did and it took a long, long time to come out of it. We Americans are an optimistic, look on the sunny side of things kind of people, but by and large we’re pretty well centered and pragmatic people. Oh yes, there are those on the fringes who are never happy unless they pick at things like picking at a scab and they have already started slinging mud and barbs, but they are so outnumbered these days that even the media doesn’t quote them much. There is so much good out there in our surroundings that when the chips are down, people do start gravitating to the good in themselves. The outpouring of good will and helping of fellow man during the MLK holiday is a clear example of Americans always wanting to help those in need. These times may be tough and tougher on some than others, but what an opportunity for us to come together. Hopefully families will have more time together instead of running from one activity or another, we may actually see family meals again with parents and kids (maybe even grandparents) talking about things that matter to them and hopefully to their community and the world, kids may learn that instant gratification is not a matter of their birthright, parents may learn that saying NO will not forever harm their kids psychologically but may actually help their learn how to work for things, how to save for items they want to buy and that “plastic” is not the answer to all our needs. In the last year, I have started volunteering at our local library. I just about lived there – going two or three times a week for books – so it was a natural fit for me when they needed someone to help out with their book sale. I’ve met a whole new community of people: those who read, those who donate materials, those who just come to be with others while working, those who come to the library for other needs. I’ve come to see how important the library is in the life of our community and it’s been a great learning experience for me. I’ve become a member of board of The Friends, which now allows me to work at raising money for other needs of the library. Our taxes can’t do it all and it is this volunteering spirit which enables America to do so much more than any other country in the world. How many places do you know of where towns are run by volunteers with a few paid officials? We actually do that right here in our state and people don’t think twice about it (except now and then when they excoriate those same volunteers for some perceived mistake). These times are difficult but exciting, they may be scary but we’ll come through them hopefully wiser and better as human beings not just as Americans. Don’t wait for them to happen, be a part of the change! |
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