Good Morning and welcome to Alexandria where every elected office (excluding the School Board) are held by Democrats. It did not happen by chance, but rather, by choice of the voters.
Alexandria is a growing city of more than 140,000 people. We are a:
- Caring City, which
- Promotes Inclusiveness, and
- Celebrates our Diversity
We have recently committed ourselves in becoming an “Eco-City” in supporting “Environmental Sustainability”
- Ecological
- Economic
- Social
As a former member of the Alexandria Jaycees, I became attached to the National Jaycees “Creed” which reads:
We Believe
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man (woman) transcends the sovereignty of nations:
That economic justice can best be won by free men (women) through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men (women);
That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality
And that service to humanity is the best work of life!
“Service to humanity” is precisely what we as Democrats are all about giving back to help make a difference in people’s lives.
As we embark upon the close of this Presidential Campaign, particularly with the differences between our candidates and that of the other party, I feel that it is important for us as Democrats to reflect on what are the “Care Democratic Values”, which should all guide all of us to make the right decision in November, and to appreciate who we all are and what makes this election so unique and important.
Fundamental Beliefs
Life: A person’s right to life can’t be violated except if your life or the lives of others is threatened.
Liberty: This includes personal freedom, political freedom, and economic freedom.
The Pursuit of Happiness: As long as you don’t interfere with others you have the right to seek happiness in your own way.
Common Good: Working together for the welfare of the community or the benefit of all.
Justice: all people should be treated fairly in both the benefits and the obligations of society.
Equality: Everyone has the right to Political, Legal, Social and Economic Equality.
Diversity: The differences in culture, dress, language, heritage and religion are not just tolerated, but celebrated as a strength.
Truth: They should expect and demand that the government not lie to them and the government should disclose information to the people.
Popular Sovereignty: The power of the government comes from the people. The people are the ultimate authority over the government.
Patriotism: The people or citizens show a love and devotion for their county and the values.
“Our Challenges”
Call it what you want-but I am convinced that for the past 8 years, America and this world have been lied to, hood-winked, blind-sided and America has lost its respect around the world. I know that because I have traveled outside the U.S. at least 10 times for the past 6 years.
- We have an economy in “Flux”
- Fuel & oil prices at an all-time high
- A housing market collapse
- Spiraling Food Costs
- A war-which should not have been engaged in the first place with no end in sight
- Additionally-we have our own internal wars on:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Affordable Housing
- Crime
- Unemployment
- Fractured Infrastructure
- Environment
I feel that we have been ”Bush-wacked”. I say no more-no more. This is the moment and we must seize this opportunity.
I don ‘t know about you but I am an “Hopeful” person. I believe that dreams can become a reality. The sky is the limit.
We must have:
- Hope v. Discontent
- Faith v. Despair
- Inclusiveness v. Racial Divides
- Prosperity v. Financial Collapse
- Peace v. War
- Respect v. Hatred
- Jobs v. Unemployment
- Housing v. Homelessness
- Diplomacy v. Fear mongering
- Clean Environment & Climate Control v. Global Warming
Within our own party, we have the outstanding candidates, and despite their differences, either one will make a great “President”.
However, too many people feel that the campaign (struggle) between the two is hurting Democrats, and that we are losing our focus.
As I reflect on these concerns, I recall a famous story by abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and I paraphrase:
“I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs” (in other words-take action into your own hands—do something positive).
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. People they want rain without thunder and lightning.” “The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.”
“Without a struggle, there can be no progress.”
How symbolic, as this can readily be applied to the current Democratic Primary Contest. Thus, thee can be some good to having a struggle.
Yes-we all want to see a dramatic change from the Bush House” policies to those of either a Clinton or Obama.
However, in order to accomplish must all come together and “Unify” to support our Party’s candidate in the end.
I honestly believe that this candidate can be accomplished, if we believe in
- Unity
- Respect
- Hope
- Love
- Faith
- Appreciation and come together as a “One Family”
Our society-our world as crying out for Changel / Leadership / Trust and the Democrats can make this happen.