I generally steer clear of politics in this here e-rag. But I just got back from the Democratic National Convention and I gotta say a little something.
I was inspired, to say the least. I've been to three conventions and I've never seen such a unified and motivated group of people.
These folks are excited --we are living in an historic time in America. We demonstrated in 2008 that America can live up to its promise of diversity and now we are going to show that we will finish the job.
Nobody was under any illusion that we are anywhere near finished with the task. But we have made progress. Are we better off today than we were four years ago? Yes. Yes. Yes.
This time four years ago we were LOSING 220,000 jobs per month. Our economy was in free-fall. There were many reasons for it (realtors played a roll in it --luckily I was not yet a realtor). We inherited a growing debt, two wars and a general malaise.
While I don't like the idea of adding to the debt, President Obama put in place a system to reduce that part of the debt which is attributed to health care costs. He identified ways to cut the deficit and debt, which Congress needs to enact. These steps will be painful for all of us, and I am willing to accept that --cuts to social spending, wasteful parts of the defense budget and unnecessary tax cuts to the rich. If we address the debt, we will make a stronger economy and increase opportunity for the middle class.
But what inspired me more was the optimism, sacrifice and tenacity of our President. Barack Obama demonstrates every day that he cares about those in our society who need the help and that he sees a way forward which challenges and trusts the American people's strength and resolve. Our best days are not behind us.
In Arizona, it is a long-shot that Obama will carry the state. However, I do believe that Kyrsten Sinema will go to Congress in CD 9, that Ron Barber will represent southern Arizona, that Ann Kirkpatrick will take back Northern Arizona and that Richard Carmona will be our next federal senator. Carmona, in particular, is the embodiment of the American dream. Be sure to check out his biography.
I intend to spend my time helping these folks. What can you do?