by Donna Devane

Created on: November 07, 2008

I think we are well on the way. Obama has restored hope to this nation and hope is what dreams are built with. For too long we have been a nation of anger, bitterness and whining. It is not the governments job to provide for us what we are not willing to work for ourselves.

We have in place social welfare enough to help those unable to work. For those who wish to pursue their dreams, Obama offers inspiration to do anything you want to do and be anything you desire.

Hope will motivate us to care more deeply for one another. When families and friends reach out to each other rather than expecting another government, tax payer program to provide shelter, food, utilities, and other things, then we will begin making real progress.
Poverty mentality will not move this nation forward. Only working together to restore belief in one's ability to achieve will. We can not as a nation give away enough free programs to take care of each person. Where is the individual responsibility in all these programs? Yes, we should and do help those most unable to care for themselves. Yet, continuing to offer even more programs for the poor only helps to keep them poor.

My hope is that this nation feels the energy of inspiration that Obama brings to his presidency. If a black man can be elected president, in spite of lies, accusations of being a pal to terrorists, a baby killer and so many other hateful things; then each of us can achieve anything and everything we put our minds to.

This nation was built on hopes, dreams and hard work. Our founding fathers never intended that people not work and live off those who do. Getting back to core values of working to achieve, taking care of family, believing in hope, believing that dreams come true when you put one foot in front of the other each day, this is the foundation of America.

Obama offers the chance for those who wish to work to be successful. His policies on education, health care and personal responsibility provide each American with the tools to succeed. This is all a president or a government can and should do.

We are not a socialists state. We do not desire to become one. A democracy allows opportunity for all to succeed regardless of their race, gender, religious beliefs and past experiences. Anyone can do and be anything in this nation. But rather than holding the government responsible for their failure or success, each person must hold themselves as the creator and determining factor of their own life.

Get involved in your community to help care for those "less fortunate" than you. There are many programs already in place to feed the hungry, house the homeless, care for foster children. Visit retirement homes and take them shopping. Read to children in hospitals, volunteer for any of the many programs in communities across this nation. You can make a difference in these people's lives.

It's up to us, one person at a time to make these changes, to be the difference we wish to see in the world. It's just not the President's job.

The economy will recover as hope fills individuals across this nation and the world. When we move forward in spite of fear, braving a new way of doing things, things will change.

Change happens when we do something different. Be the change that you wish for the world.

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