Change

I am known to be a helper and a volunteer. I gladly give up personal time to help those in need and see it through, despite the project. I joined an organization, the Jackson Jaycees, to help save a chapter from certain doom, in 2004. I remained with the organization because I saw opportunity, and now there was a team of friends to help, as we all, for the most part, had a common goal.

In November, 2008, we elected a person preaching change, and the hope of it. Although I didn't vote for him, I pray for his success, as it will seriously influence the direction of the country, in which I live. Despite this reluctant support, I still see more problems that would overwhelm just one man, in a high position.

Today, I attended a meeting for another organization in my community. After listening to the key speaker, Dr. Salah Huwais (Executive Director of JCEG, Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth), and Robert Rando, Blackman Charter Township Supervisor, I now am starting to actually grasp the opportunity shown.

We have a chance to make a larger impact on the community of Jackson than I first expected. There is an opportunity to reverse the economic depression we have been experiencing for the past five years. There's an opportunity leave a mark, in time, with which I will have been a part of. I am looking forward to working with JCEG, the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and the QUESTIONS organization in making Jackson a community of leaders and professionals, both young and old. I see the opportunity to help the citizens, in the community, actually be proud of their hometown. I see an opportunity to make a difference; and right now is the time to act.

I invite questions and suggestions from you in how you would like to see change occur. I invite your input of what changes you would like to see happen and your involvement, for it is with great numbers and constant vigilance that we can make a difference. Please comment and/or contact me directly with how you would like to become involved. This is where it starts. Help us make a change in our community.

Hope

I will be the first to step forward, in this day of history, to admit that my vote did not count toward the man standing before us, on television, the internet, video-caster, and radio, saying that solemn oath as he steps forward as the next President of the United States of America. No, my vote went to his opponent, John McCain.

Am I ashamed of my vote? No. Maybe my conscience is secure in the way things were, not wanting to change or waver from what, in my mind, seemed stable. Change to me was unnecessary, and despite what comments come, questioning how I could think that way, my stance on that was resolute and "unchanging." I offer no answers or comments on my behalf.

No matter, though, because the man that is now our President is preaching change. He is preaching Hope. I'm not sore because he is there, but rather hopeful that he does a good job. I watch, from a distance, with anticipation that he will follow thru on many of his promises, and await the proof that things are changing for the better.

President Obama has excited me with his words and his actions. I see a young man in a position to create a positive change in America, although I remain skeptical. It's not a bad position to be in. So I didn't jump head-first into the Obama excitement. So I didn't place my vote for him. If the common result is the same, and we all arrive in that spot of support, despite our different paths, wouldn't that be the complete goal?

As a former McCain supporter, I would like to persuade the citizens of America, specifically those that read my blog, to support the young man that has sworn to SERVE us in the highest position in our land, the United States of America.

May God bless President Barack Obama, his family, his staff, and our country. He has my support as I hope for the change he has promised. He was right, "Yes We Can," and it'll only happen when he has a strong group of supporters.

Thank you,

Dave