We are all connected.  This is a simple fact that remains constant; however, in times of national crisis this fact is amplified.  Last week, we recognized the anniversary of September 11, 2001.   In the aftermath of that crisis, there was no white or black, poor or rich.  We were all simply Americans uniting to defend our country.  Now, with the current economy we are recognizing our interdependence once again.  As before, the only way for us to fight through these challenging times is to band together.

The recession has clearly demonstrated our connectedness.  We have witnessed the domino effect that was caused by the fall of some of our largest economic engines-our housing market, our financial institutions, our auto industry.  These hits have not been isolated to certain demographics.  Every spectrum of the American fabric has been affected.  People are losing their homes.  People are losing their jobs.  People are losing their hope. 

 

Now, with the recent budget cuts at the state level, our connectedness as a City is abundantly clear.  State cuts have already added $35 million to our deficit while falling tax and other revenues in our City has added $25 million.  As Governor O'Malley announced yesterday, there will be more.  These budget cuts translate into tough decisions that will affect all of us all, not in the future, but now.

 

What we face today is not a burden that we can pass on to neither the next generation nor any one segment of the population.  We have to deal with these budget shortfalls head on and we must all share the burden.  That means all of us must sacrifice: each city resident, each city worker, and each city official.

 

I ask that, as we go through these tough times, that each of us keep this perspective in mind.  We have seen the first signs that the recession is over; however, it will be some time before individually that will be fully realized.  
 
To make it through the storm, and we will make it through, we have to support each other.   All of us, myself included, are going to need encouragement.  Our most effective strategies will be our hope, our trust, and our giving.  Have hope because after years of a bleak situation, we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Trust in the resilience of our country and our own inherent ability to grow stronger from our darkest moments. Give your time and talents to your communities. Though your budget may be strained, much of what your loved ones and your communities need is what you already have in abundance: you.