It won’t be long and we will be saying 2010 in conversation and printing it out on forms and documents. Looking back over these last 12 months brings both happy and sad memories. I suppose it would not hurt to say that there may also be a few that elicit a little anger. But, never the less, those days have come and passed. To be fair I would say that many Americans can probably sympathize when it comes to telling our stories. Truly I am once again amazed and proud to be an American. 
       Even with all the ongoing drama and last minute thrashing by our Government to help jump start our economy and show sense of urgency, we as a nation have remained united and civilized. Recently, I have even seen people stopping to help other motorists change a tire or offer assistance. I have witnessed a shopper unknowingly drop some money, and a person behind them pick it up and give it back. People seem to be saying thank you and you’re welcome. All of these are truly remarkable given the circumstances. An irony is that many of our governmental leaders seem to be doing the opposite in many ways. Bipartisanship has seemed to disappear, and egotism is noticeable on many levels.
       It might make one wonder who the actual leaders of our country are. Truth be known, we as a people of the United States are the leaders, and through continued conversations can solve any problem or puzzle. Conversations sometimes may include all parties in agreeing, or some agreeing and disagreeing, but all sides should be heard and for the betterment of the nation, sound decisions and actions be taken. What are some ways that could help make the process any better? Our elected officials are just that. They are not fixers of all, but hopefully voted in for their particular skills and specialties. Communities and neighborhoods and towns are filled with tremendous thought power and ideas. 
       Now is probably the best time if there is one, to contact your elected officials and offer what help you can. Just like the motorist stopping to help change a tire, or an honest person returning money to another, because they know they value of the dollar, you too can help. When someone asks me what I think about the coming of 2010, I just tell them, that “I think 2010 will be a year of ups and downs, but a year where citizens bond  together too move America out of it’s recession”.