Light and Shadow

Amazing how quickly the shadow side of America can be brought into such sharp focus. We have a great opportunity right now to change the direction the train is going. Not just "stay the course." Not just slow it down, but turn it around. While striving for a higher standard, holding a vision of America returning to greatness, reversing and repairing the damage to Democracy the last eight years have wrought, we are continually distracted by the small mindedness of republicans who seem to value the worst of what America represents.

I was disgusted to hear a Vice Presidential candidate and a former mayor of NYC belittle the great contributions community organizers give wholeheartedly to the benefit of so many people. It's pure hypocrisy to utter such words at a convention whose motto is "Service."

So many times we've given in to such pettiness and negativity. Let's really be mavericks and try something different for a change. Let's be inspired to shift away from non-renewable energy, regardless of whether global warming is "man-made" or not. Let's be inspired to seek peaceful solutions to differences. Let's admit that there are some things that a well-run government can do much better than the "marketplace." Let's tell the truth and let the community be the "decider." Let's stick to our ideals. Compromise is one thing, but trying to be all things to all people just to get elected is going to cause problems down the road. In light of the storms that have hit the southern coast, can't we all agree that offshore drilling for oil there is still (and even more so with more frequent and more intense storms) a really bad idea?

With the storms that are clouding up the issues of this presidential campaign, we each need to hold up our own bright light. Get involved. Do something. Knock on doors. Here's a great campaign: Million Doors For Peace.