happy new year 2010: voices carry
Well, 2009, we hardly knew ya!
For many of us, the year that began much the same as any other became one that was slightly more eventful than we anticipated. Millions of Americans lost their jobs and now live a daily struggle to support their families and keep their homes. Our military continues battling to keep us safe in the face of increasing terrorist threats. And, still, as we come to the end of the year, the difficult times seem certain to continue for the foreseeable future.
In the face of all this, though, I can’t help but look back on 2009 as a year of great awakening in our country!
More Americans began paying more attention to our government and the Tea Party movement found its cause and its voice as proponents of common sense solutions to the issues of the day. And, as this grassroots effort gained momentum, they - we - found that there were some notable individuals willing to join the cause. From Jim Demint and Tom Coburn, to Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin, these national leaders gave disenchanted citizens motivation and encouragement to continue to speak out as participants in our republican system.
With 2009 drawing to a close, the voices of the people are as strong as ever. We are engaged, we are informed, and we plan to vote!
We are poised to ring in a new year with the all the hope, excitement, and uncertainty that always seems to accompany this festive occasion. Looking toward 2010, we should be encouraged by what we have seen this past year. I know that the resilient American spirit, embodied in all of us, will lead to monumental events in the coming months: the public debates that have defined the political landscape will go on; and the challenging economic times will lead to innovation and ingenuity as ordinary people seek new opportunities to provide for themselves and contribute to their communities.
Without fail, no matter what I presume to know each year as December 31st becomes January 1st, the only thing that is certain to happen is that the new year will bear little resemblance to what I had in mind. So, my pledge for 2010 is to continue to do my part as a responsible citizen by living out the Providential plan set before me - whatever it may be.
Finally, as the end of the year seems to be the time for poignant quotes, I will summarize it all with what I think is my favorite of 2009, taken from the final page of Governor Palin’s biography, Going Rogue. For me, it captures the events of the last twelve months and state of our nation in the simple and succinct manner that is the trademark of its author. Indeed:
“By His grace, an American life is an extraordinary life.”
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Happy New Year, fellow Patriots - many blessings to you in 2010! Make it count!
- tdc
