An odd combination but they have something remarkable in common… The American People.
Both have served to show, that when it comes down to it; Democrats, Republicans and Independents, there is a lot we share as Americans. The media, in pursuit of the every important rating point (dollars but the Liberals don’t like to admit it), will continue to accentuate the differences and polarize the American people. Politicians, in pursuit of reelection (let’s not kid ourselves that is money and power as well) try to convince us that crossing party lines and.or that “other guy” will destroy the country. Haiti and Scott Brown tell us otherwise. They tell us that we as Americans have far more in common.
A disaster in a foreign country, during a global recession, cannot stop the American people from donating millions of dollars or their ever-shrinking savings. Thousands give even more through their time and sweat. No political lines, no borders, just people helping people in need. It is what makes America (and the free world) special. It is what many fear is hampered by government control, mandates and heavy tax burdens. Haiti shows us that even with all that is against us; keeping us from buying a new car or a new TV; cannot kill our spirit and love of our fellow man. It took a disaster in a foreign country to break through the media and political spin and remind us of it.
That spirit lives on in all us, even in Massachusetts. Even there where a Republican public official is a rare as a Yankees fan, people came together. They came together to shatter the political spin and media love affair with all things Obama. They came together to tell Washington and the rest of the country that we are all Americans, we are still in charge and we are still free.
Those whose livelihood depends on their power in Washington will continue to fight. But I am heartened today. Today is a new day. We have taken two great steps in the direction of our founding and begun anew to walk the path destined to us. 2010 has indeed brought us a new beginning and Washington can definitely hear us now.
