The Most Sought After Christmas Gift …..Hope!

“Ask not what your country can do for you …ask what you can do for your country.”
–   John F. Kennedy

There was once a time when these well thought out words, vocalized by a young President Kennedy, inspired a nation to bite the bullet and take up arms against a sea of turmoil and trouble and strife and attempt to do its best to work hand-in-hand with the government to solve or resolve problems and issues that were plaguing the world in general and the country in particular.

Throughout  the years the country’s finest and bravest  have  responded admirably. Our brave men and women have tackled whatever situations confronted them with valor, integrity and optimism. The clarion call was always heeded and met with a sense of duty and bravery and outstanding resolve. Throughout the many differing political administrations the American people were always there to support the downtrodden and bring hope and optimism to the world’s economically destitute and politically persecuted.

The days of optimism and hope and good cheer have now been replaced by encroaching clouds of doubt, fear and uncertainty not only in ourselves and our efforts but also in our belief that delayed governmental intervention can or even will effectively stave off economic disaster and ruin. Economic disaster for the country. Financial ruin for many of the country’s working poor who are now struggling even more these days to make ends meet. Cynicism about the market place and the country’s future is growing on a daily basis.

There is a growing perceived loss of faith in ourselves to enjoy life and the fruits of our labors. The glory days of Camelot are now logged in by historians as a mere historical footnote. The nation as a whole is hurting and the bullet can no longer be bitten. Some type of immediate governmental intervention is needed to bring hope to the country.

The buzzword today is “bailout”. The word itself connotes negative feelings of failure, rejection and loss of self worth. Anyone coming to the marketplace with cap in hand these days requesting financial assistance is viewed in the most negative light. Surely their own incompetence, greed and avarice has placed them in this situation. Their own lack of resolve and morality has condemned  them to financial ruin and social criticism.This summation may be true for the larger players in the market. The executives who lost their way and let their fund managers’ greed and over optimistic anticipation of stock market performance govern their course of action.

Joe Average is the true loser in this scenario. He is the true believer in the scheme of things. He graduated high school and fulfilled his military duty when required. He put his life on the line in combat and fought for principles of freedom, democracy and integrity. He totally bought into the concept of the American dream. He wanted decent employment, a house he could call home and a chance to raise his children in a free and safe environment. Sadly this dream has turned into a definite nightmare. His worst fears are now broadcast daily in living color on CNN. His job, the means of his livelihood , and happiness are now threatened. Confusion and doubt plague him daily.

The country now lacks an acting  president. The current  lame duck administration appears to be sitting on the proverbial fence. The president elect seems to be hamstrung by political protocol. Despite his good intentions and planned future programs of financial assistance he and his administration are somewhat powerless to do anything. The programs are supposedly in place and the country is breathlessly awaiting the official inauguration of President elect Obama in January 2009.

Can the country survive this  interim period while the administrations change hands?

Is it not time to change President Kennedy’s statement to read : “Ask not what you can do for your country…ask rather what your country can and should start doing for you?”

Christmas has traditionally been a  time of hope and peace and optimism. These days that sense of hope and serenity has been replaced by rising doubt and fear and pessimism. The nation is turning its sights to their elected representatives to offer them a semblance hope …a  sign that the future will be bright for themselves and their children. It is time for our leaders themselves to heed their own clarion call and commit themselves to saving the nation.

Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours!