It's really easy to get caught up in the political invective. And why shouldn't we? We are confronted by a determined foe who oppose the social safety net, job creation, positive government and a strong sense of community.
But I am sat here after Christmas listening to loud pop music with my grandchildren around me and I can't hold on to the anger any more. I am happy with life at this point in time. I have my health, family, job, sanity, hobbies and community. And today I am going to enjoy it.
Tomorrow is another issue entirely. After all, I am a proud progressive. I am going to fight for those people who don't get the start in life they need to succeed.
* For those veterans coming back from useless wars with PTSD and inadequate benefits
* For those in public schools who are having funds sucked away to underperforming, underachieving charter schools.
* For those who don't have enough to eat who lost their food stamps
* For those in gerrymandered districts who will get a heartless Red representative.
* For everyone who drives over potholed road and rickety bridges sadly in need of public investment
* For those who desperately, desperately want to work, but are still labeled the useless 47%
* For those who work two jobs and still don't have enough work
* For those incarcerated for decades for non-violent drug offenses- victims of mandatory sentencing
And what will I do personally for the progressive movement? I will increase the number of shifts I do on our local domestic violence crisis line. I will listen for hours and hours to people with family, mental, drug and/or alcohol problems and I will guide them through the hopelessly inadequate social safety net to get the help they need.
And I am asking you, this wonderful Kos community to do something positive for the progressive movement in the New Year.The country really need us to step up.
And finally I am thanking all of you for what you already do and for giving me a happy progressive home. Thank you for the chance to express my happiness today.
