The elections are over and hopefully we're on a new track. However, now that the intense energy that was generated by President Obama during his campaign, has calmed down we are confronted with alarming headlines. My fellow New Yorkers must assimilate the fact that Mayor Bloomberg plans to fire 3,000 city employees( information he dropped on election day). Nice try Mike but, the city never sleeps. Remember?
am New York's cover story was almost as scary as DC Comic's Final Crisis, bleak images conjuring memories of soaring crime, legions of homeless folks and mucho graffiti. From the 70's through the 80's New Yorkwas a tale of two cities; the glamor and decadence of Studio 54 and crack smoking on subway platforms. The days when the average citizen feared Bushwick and Bensonhurst. Dickensian times that made us tougher than leather and stronger than dirt.
Reagan's trickle down economics were stagnant and we stood on the precipice of class warfare. Perhaps after the last eight years of Bushenomics, Reagan may be recalled with affection. He and Nixon really were brilliant thinkers.
Fast forward into the 21st century; Americans are ready for change. We want better schools, affordable health care, our troops brought home , jobs and a safe clean environment. Our newly elected CEO, will be expected to rise above the call of duty. He must demonstrate his; diplomacy, world-view, decision making, humanity, fiscal integrity, reasoning, environmental commitment, energy planning, ongoing dialogue and the ability to instill hope and confidence.
Now is the time for the citizens of these United States, to reacquaint ourselves with our history. As parents we should embrace the opportunity to inform our precious children about our collective and diverse cultures, the creation and development of our nation, the environment and how it supports our lives, our ancestors and our community. We probably need to turn off cable make some cocoa and take a trip to the library.
The Internet is a great place to start exploring but , it's only virtual reality. Pick up a few biographies and start a reading club with your kids. They will amaze you with questions and answers. Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington is a classic or The Time and Space of Uncle Albert by Russell Stannard. These books are about men who dared to dream and watched their dreams come true.
Barack Obama has written several books of which I plan to read over the holidays. The first title "The Audacity of Hope" is at the top of my list. President elect has set a new bar for many of us, a standard of reaching for the stars with hope in your heart and trust in your eyes. Until next time.
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