Optimism for America's Future

Photo by Tracey Porreca

The following letter to the editor appeared in my local newspaper this week.

We are living in a New World Order. Our economy no longer produces anything. Manufacturing has been sent overseas in the name of making a quick buck. Our economy has been floating the illusory bubble of finance — artificial Wall Street values, debt-financed housing — short-sighted actions that have seen the wealth of the few expand greater than any time in history and the wages of the poor grow weaker year by year.

There are more homeless people in America now than at the height of the Great Depression. Food networks are stressed by unprecedented demand and Congress is cutting aid because they cannot seem to tackle the wasteful elements of government.

Matters are getting worse. There is no “American Dream.” The middle class is disappearing. Children who apply themselves and earn a college degree struggle to find employment. Hope, it seems, is fading.

On first reading, I was astounded by the author’s gloom and doom outlook. Hope is fading…there is no American Dream…this is a very pessimistic view of life. But I quickly understood what would cause a person to express such negativity. You only have to look to the weak leadership of President Obama and the incredible amount of damage inflicted on society by the left wing agenda since the 2008 elections. It’s an understatement to say that Hope and Change was a lie.

The writer goes on:

What do we do in a time like this? Society is changing. No longer can we hold to promised hopes and the dream of becoming wealthy. All too often it is a struggle to survive. Our children are suffering the highest poverty rates in generations, and, in a society that demands two to three incomes just to raise your children, they are lacking the emotional and educational development of the home.

This new American standard demands we change our habits and lifestyles, not just in the wallet but in the heart. People need to stand up for one another, communally, whether that means helping your friends when they need food, watching the neighbor’s kids after school or giving someone a ride into work.

The only way we will survive this new America is by standing together. We have no political power (money), no politician represents us. If we want a better world, we have to make it for ourselves.

Yes, it is…and always has been…important that we help one another, respect one another and learn to be self-sufficient. And the author seems to be touching on the basic conservative tenant of personal responsibility, which I think is sorely lacking in our culture. I disagree, however, that ‘no politician represents us’. We desperately need the leadership and policy changes that Sarah Palin will bring to national office.

In January, Gary P. Jackson wrote on the website A Time for Choosing:

As we look ahead for a new leader, for someone with the strength of character, as well as clarity of vision, I’m reminded of the horrible events of a few weeks back (the Tucson shootings). The Democrat party, aided by the corrupt media, worked hard to blood libel the 30 to 40 million Americans who are members of the Tea Party, trying desperately to tie the acts of a mad man to the group, as well as Sarah Palin.

Only one leader stood up and defended the honor of these millions of Americans. As she has been doing for the past several years, it was Sarah Palin who stood up to the left. Others hid out, still others, including many Republicans, told her to sit down and shut up. None had America’s back.

Time and time again Sarah has shown that she is the only leader with the strength and conviction to stand up and be heard. The only leader who will fearlessly take on those who seek to tear America down.

It’s easy to feel gloomy about the future with the current state of the economy and the conflict that we see all around us in our nation and abroad. It can be overwhelming at times, but we shouldn’t let go of our optimism. I believe the leadership, principles and values of Sarah Palin will guide the nation to a brighter future.