Local Call

Some of you may have listened to Barack Obama tonight address Congress. He spelled out some MAJOR objectives for his term. I understand his frustration, impatience and desire to push forward, but sitting listening to him (which hasn't happened in 8 years) I realize that he will not achieve what he wants.

I am not a pessimist but I know how politics work and we cannot sit like we used to. So I am calling to everyone to focus LOCALLY and figure out how you can improve your own community. If everyone focuses LOCALLY, then as a collective, we WILL achieve his objectives. The Congress and the President cannot do this...we have to take on our own destiny. If not, we will receive the consequences.

Be realistic. Can you help local businesses by buying from them? I know we are all watching our monies, but I want certain local businesses and farms around when the recession ends so why not support them? Can you be more environmental? Can you reduce your emissions (i.e. driving less) or use less plastic to reduce our landfill usage? Can you volunteer an hour or two at a locally sponsored institution...for example, your school or local park?

I understand some of the Republican rebuttal on less government intervention; however, while less government spending happened on local programs during the last candidate, it spent a s**t load of money overseas in wars and jobs. We have borrowed money from other countries. I and some of my friends have stated that if our taxes paid for something I can see, i.e. local improvement, I don't mind improving my community and environment. I get annoyed when my taxes are spent on programs that while affecting me abstractly, do not reflect my interest in focusing on my community, my family, my friends and my students.

To provide an example, my SIL with her family sponsor, embraces and promotes less use of cars by BIKING in Manila, Philippines. If you have never been there, imagine driving on a two lane highway with 3-4 lanes of cars, who may or may not want you there. They have worked hard to encourage others to pick up a bike before wasting money on gas in a car and the fever has spread. To see more: http://www.fireflybrigade.org/ What can you do?