The First 100 Days

Good manners are essential in armchair politics. People are much more inclined to listen to what you have to say if you say it nicely. Resorting to name calling and getting involved in an argument rarely solves anything. You have to keep in mind that the object of armchair politics is to solve the problems, not create more problems.

It is customary in polite society to give a first time, incoming President the common courtesy of 100 days in office before passing judgement. Experience has shown that jumping to conclusions usually hurts one's feet. Yes, there is a lot at stake here, but panic and hysteria usually don't solve much either.

While I did not vote for Barack Obama, I am going to give him his first 100 days. So far, he has stepped up to the plate. He does seem to be giving it his best shot. I may not agree with his politics, but I certainly cannot fault his performance. He is trying to fix what he can, the best way he knows how, with what he has available to him. Can you say the same? Are you stepping up to the plate? Are you giving it your best shot? Are you trying to fix what you can, the best way you know how, with what you have available to you?

People who complain about the problems but don't do much to help fix them need to take a step back. Your responsibilites as a good citizen don't end with voting. If you didn't vote, then go and register to vote now. It's never to late. That would be a contribution to solving the problems. If you voted, then you have a right to complain, but you also have a responsibility to be part of the solution.

Right now, things are bad all over. Charities are being hit particularly hard. Find a local charity and help them. Maybe you can't give money but you could donate your time somewhere. Help your community, your friends, your neighbors. Be creative. Bathe dogs at the pound. Do something to help. We all got ourselves into this. It will take all of us working together to get ourselves out. The more people that don't do their part, the longer it will take to recover. Those who don't want to do their part are part of the problem.

A government of the people, by the people and for the people can't work without the people!

Copyright © 2009 Annette Fortunato

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