The election is now over. Some suffer from withdrawal. Others are simply giddy from relief. As we think about what
has happened in our country in the last few years, I think it is important to put this election in perspective. I believe
it is clear that people are tired of gridlock and politics as usual. People are ready to move forward.
We recognize that each
of us must do something. At the same time, we realize one person cannot do it all… not a president, not congress, not
ourselves. I propose that we take that first step.
On November 4, President-elect Obama said, ““We are not red
states and blue states, we are the United States of America.” I believe if we refuse to accept the
labels and resist the divisive influences we can come together to make a difference.
I propose that on the evening of January 20, a new
day in our country, we join together to commit to making a difference. In social events of all kinds
(unofficial inaugural balls, parties, religious services, etc.), I propose we join to celebrate the color purple, red and
blue coming together as a symbol of all of us (republicans, democrats, whites, Latinos, African-Americans, gays, straights,
conservatives, liberals) working together to make our country and our world the best it can be.
The ticket for each
event will be a commitment that in 2009 each of us will volunteer or increase our volunteer time by at least 30 hours to a
cause which reduces suffering, protects the environment, or betters our country or our world in some way. We will agree to
share in our efforts to support each other in those commitments. I see events taking place all over the country.
Now is the time for
each of us to step up and make the difference we want to
make!
Lyn Boyer
Leadership Options, LLC
