The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Guest Column: Rich Robinson
2008 is a year of great opportunity
PUBLISHED: February 7, 2008
It's been a couple of weeks since we swept up the confetti, but the promise of the new year shines like a beacon into the future. This is the year when we will determine who replaces George W. Bush in the White House. As of this writing, we will finally be rid of someone who many believe to be the most incompetent person ever to sit in the Oval Office in 11 months, 15 days, 21 hours, 12 minutes and 34 seconds... 33... 32... 31... (but who's counting?).
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It will be a year of great opportunity for change, and that notion was reflected time and again at the Western Washtenaw Democrats' annual meeting a couple of weeks ago. Inside the historic depot in Chelsea, the large group listened to inspiring words from local party leaders. State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, was clearly pleased with the turnout and the optimism in the room.
"I'm so happy in the way this thing has evolved," Byrnes said. She was part of a group who founded the WWDems in 1999. "The grass roots support is really what keeps us going. And you know what? We're just the tip of the iceberg - there are many, many people out there who share our beliefs. It's amazing how many we hear applauding the Democrats in the parades."
I've walked with Pam in some of those parades and I can verify the claim. I can also see in the eyes of people that something needs to be done and change will be coming. State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek), looking to make a change of his own by sending Tim Walberg packing in the 7th Congressional district this fall, said at the meeting "Aggressive, volunteer-centered, energetic, dynamic, targeted, grass roots campaigning isn't just the best, most fulfilling and important form of politics, it's the only way to win in these tough districts." Schauer should know. He represents a Republican-heavy state district that includes Calhoun and Jackson counties, yet he has served three terms in the state House and two in the senate.
And while there are those who still support this president, there are many more who have become horrified, disillusioned and finally turned off by the constant cascade of scandal and incompetence. At the WWDems annual meeting last month, congressional candidate Sharon Renier said Washington needs some light on it. That would be a good start, but it will take more than light to clean up the mess in our nation's capital.
This country is ready for change. We need leadership that will bring us together and not use hot-button issues to drive wedges between us. The country faces pressing challenges in the coming years, from trying to revive a sagging economy to coming up with an energy plan that will finally address the serious problem of global warming. We face real threats from people who wish us harm. We need a sensible means for defending ourselves, including a renewed effort for security here at home, instead of forcing "democracy" on the world from the barrel of a gun.
I'm optimistic that together, we can achieve great things. We need to let go of the past and work toward a better future for our children and our grandchildren. Don't tell me our divisions are too great, that we can not come together for a common purpose. We live inan historic time and we have an historic opportunity. Together, we can all help make America the shining beacon of hope that it always has been. Yes, we can.
Rich Robinson is the Communications Director for the Western Washtenaw Democrats
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