Wednesday, November 23, 2011

GIVING THANKS

Yes, there are many things for which to be thankful:
* We have somehow escaped another 9/11.
* Despite the floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters that have reeked havoc on many corners of the world, planet Earth and the humans who inhabit it remain
. . . for now
* The Republican field for President has managed to implode, one candidate at a time.
* Participants in Occupy Wall Street have at last given voice to the real "silent majority" in this country. Some folks may not like the tents, the drumming, or the lack of one grand leader, yet the majority of Americans support the issues of inequality and want to see something done to level the playing field.
* The Arab Spring and Summer have reminded us how much men and women crave freedom and how they are willing to put their lives on the line to secure it.
* Greece and Italy were rescued from the brink of financial collapse.
* Italy's Prince of Debauchery has been booted from office. It will be harder now for him to summon his harem and party on down.
* The thugs at World News Corp are getting their just due.
* With the economic mess has come a renewed appreciation for the importance of family and friends. For some, it has afforded a chance to reinvent. For others, it has taught the valuable lessons of financial budgeting and restraint. Still, we'd all be happier if more people could go back to work.

MY WISH LIST FOR 2012 INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
* A return to sanity among at least 51% of the American voting public
* A new discussion about election reform
* A renewed emphasis on alternative forms of energy
* The dismantling of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy
* A health care law that covers every American
* Fiscal responsibility for the social programs like Social Security and Medicare that keep millions of older Americans afloat
* A decrease in weapons of mass destruction
* A revived American and world economy
* Legalization of marijuana
* Continued passage of laws to enact gay marriage
* Improved educational systems that reincorporate art, music, dance into the curriculum

Gee, I could go on, but you get my drift. We are blessed to have the opportunity to make meaningful changes to save ourselves, our kids, and subsequent generations. Do we have the will?

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