“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”
John F. Kennedy’s speech still rings true today yet there are so many people who think because Barack Obama has been elected they can now sit back and let Mr. Obama and his administration take care of all their personal and financial problems.
These people are going to get an extremely rude awakening in the coming months and years. Because no matter who is President of the United States, they aren’t going to give you handouts nor should you want any. We all have to work harder to move our lives and this country into a positive direction.
Here are several ways you can help yourself, your family, and your country. There is at least one thing that each of us can do. Some of these are simple, and others difficult, but all are powerful and will produce change.
Take big risks
Remove money from your thoughts… Taking a big risk doesn’t need cash involved and now is certainly not the time to play games with your money. Nor is it a time to step back, curl up, or push your dreams aside. We need you to pursue your goals. If you want to start a business, bootstrap it and go for it! We need the jobs and innovation. If you want to land your dream job, then harness your uniqueness, work harder and especially work smarter.
Push all fear of embarrassment aside. Stomp on all your thoughts of failure because it’s no longer an option now that desperation has set in.
Drop the negative talk and thoughts about our future
There are people who are worried about the future of America because Barack has been elected, while others have called November 4, 2008 “a dark day in America.” Where are these people looking? Even if you don’t like Barack Obama, you have to admit you’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for a Presidential candidate. When he won, people were dancing in the streets, hugging, crying, and just being happy. How on Earth is that a sad day?
We need this positivity more than ever.
Point out those being racist
I’m shocked by the bigotry I have been hearing lately. I live in New Jersey, a state with racial and cultural diversity, but every week I’ve been encountering people’s racism. It’s beyond ridiculous and pathetic. 45 years later and Martin Luther King Jr’s dream still hasn’t truly been fulfilled.
Because of this election, people’s true colors are showing. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you know is right and call people out on their racism.
Take some responsibility and blame
The mortgage mess can’t solely be blamed on the banks or George Bush. Homeowners know the mortgages were too good to be true, yet they didn’t believe in the old saying. Corporate America did its part but so did you. The quicker you can get the blame game over, the quicker you can get back on track.
Voice your opinions
In the years of Mr. Obama’s presidency there are going to be things that get you angry. Don’t think your voice isn’t important or can’t be heard. Blog, talk on the radio, get on television, write, or even take to the streets in a peaceful protest.
Work harder
It’s time to celebrate the election of a new President but it is not a time to relax. We all have to dig deeper into ourselves and unleash the fire in our bellies.
If it’s a dim flame right now then throw some gasoline on it! The next four years will be full of ups and downs. When we’re at the bottom, we need to remember we can’t skate by, because “You can’t coast uphill” - Roger Crawford.
Understand that it doesn’t matter who is President
McCain, Obama, Bush; no matter who is the President, the opportunity to follow your dreams can never be taken away from you. But none of these people will hand you opportunities either. You have to go create and seize them yourself.
Whether the country is run by democrats or republicans it’s still America; a country where everyone can live their life, appreciate liberty, and pursue happiness if they truly desire it. It’s never been handed to anyone.
Enable the dreams of others
Where would we all be if everyone was told to follow their dreams?
When we are children, people tell us our possibilities are endless. But when we continue to dream into our teens and twenties, we’re told to get our head out of the clouds. Why is that?
As a nation we need to stop belittling the dreamers; it prevents them from becoming doers. Mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters; even your competition. They all have a right to pursue whatever it is that they desire and they deserve to be encouraged.
“Remember in the end, nobody wins, unless everybody wins.” – Bruce Springsteen
Have no fear
We do not have the time for it.
“There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Remember:
The platform needed for us to pursue the American dream has been laid since before 1776. Its supports have been strengthened by The Founding Fathers, countless Presidents, Martin Luther King, Jr., soldiers, and by every other American before us who has done good. Now it is our time to lay a new foundation for the future. A foundation not made of cement; but a foundation made out of hard work, risk, success, positivity, teamwork, creativity, dreams, heart and inextinguishable pride.
Your campaign was unprecedented and you deserve to celebrate. But you know your job had just begun. When you take over in January please don’t forget what you promised.
There’s nothing worse than broken promises and no one is more notorious for them than politicians. It’s what angers voters the most, yet it’s what brings us back in hopes that a new candidate will hold his or her promises.
Let us and Mr. Obama not lose focus on what he has pledged to do. Here are many significant promises he has proclaimed to America.
His promises to families and citizens:
- Cut taxes for working families earning less than $200,000.
- Freeze foreclosures for 90 days to help homeowners.
- Tax credit for buying fuel efficient cars.
- Provide tax credit to cover public college and university tuition in exchange for community service or service to the country.
- Lower healthcare costs by $2,500 a year for the average family.
His promises regarding businesses and the economy:
- Tax credit for businesses hiring new employees in US.
- Eliminate tax breaks for companies moving jobs overseas.
- Provide low cost loans to small businesses.
- Create 5 million jobs in the clean energy field.
- Assist auto makers in producing fuel efficient vehicles.
His promises regarding energy and the environment:
- Invest $15 billion a year in energy efficiencies and renewables.
- Tap natural gas reserves.
- Invest in clean coal technology.
- Expand domestic oil production.
His promises regarding education:
- Reform the “no child left behind” policy
- Invest in early childhood education.
- Hire more quality teachers.
- Provide them with higher salaries.
His promises regarding the war:
- End the war in Iraq.
- Refocus on Al Qaeda and Taliban.
His promises regarding health care:
- Improve information technology.
- Provide coverage of preventive services.
*- Lower healthcare costs by $2,500 a year for the average family. (Stated above)
His promises for seniors:
- Prevent the privatization of Social Security.
- Provide cheaper prescription drugs.
- Strengthen Medicare.
Regardless of what Mr. Obama promises for the future of America, you must do your part. Don’t wait and don’t expect to be provided handouts.
Are you facing foreclosure? Then you need to work harder and do whatever it is that it takes to get back on your feet.
Are you unemployed? Then you need to work harder to get ahead of your competition who are seeking the same jobs. Stand out, be unique.
Work hard, stand out, be creative, and create opportunities for yourself. It’s been the same recipe that has brought America from humble beginnings to the most powerful nation. And the same recipe applies today and will for the future. It’s the American way.
It is now officially confirmed, your possibilities are ENDLESS.
———————————————-
More of Mr. Obama’s promises can be read on his website here: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ and you can also hear him speak about these promises in this video:
Whether it is a rescue for your finances or reform to move your life in a new and better direction, you can perform a bailout for yourself. And it won’t cost you $700 billion or even $1. It’ll take hard work, self-discipline, and patience. But it’s the correct way to do it.
(Just a note; if you’re looking for financial advice, this is not really the article for you.)
How to know when you’re in need of a bailout:
- When you’ve become overwhelmed.
- When you’ve ever felt like saying: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” (From Network)
- You don’t enjoy anything you do.
- Your life is not going the way you expected.
- Every step you take, forces you to take two back.
Firstly, what you need to do is compile a list containing the aspects of your life you dislike. Concentrate only on the most crucial ones though, and don’t just focus on one area of your life; many problems are only the outer shell of something even bigger. You might be having troubles with your finances but the real issue may lie within your attitude.
Next, think back to what got you into the troubles you’re facing and what moved your life in the wrong direction. Were you complacent? Greedy? foolish? You aren’t doing this to get frustrated and want to turn back the clock to start over; it’s for you to learn and move on. But, you don’t want to completely shut out the mistakes of your past.
Now, do a little planning. Think of where you really want to be, what type of goals you want to achieve, and how you’re going to get there. You certainly want to avoid rushing into your bailout like the government did. Sure they had Wall Street, America, and the rest of the world on the edge of their seats, but rushing to implement the bailout bill is going to cause many loopholes and ways for the greedy to take advantage.
Moving on; it’s time to lose some misconceptions:
- Money will fix all problems
This couldn’t be more untrue and I wish the government would realize this. Wall Street’s problems don’t need cash to be fixed. There needs to be reform, new laws that are strictly enforced, and loopholes need to be patched up. Money is just a quick fix. Even if it’s your finances, the real problems are in your judgment and in the way you handle your money.
- It’s pathetic to ask for help
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Ask for advice and ask questions, because the more you do, the more you learn. Just remember to meet those who help you, at least half way.
- Change will be quick
Sorry, but changing the direction of your life doesn’t happen that quickly. And even if change happens fast, sustaining is what takes the most patience.
- Your life is in turmoil
Relax. Just because you need a bailout, it doesn’t mean your life is falling apart. Sure, you’re going through a tough time, but who hasn’t? You’re not alone.
The dos and don’ts
- Don’t play the blame game
Almost any problem in your life has to be a little bit your fault. Don’t bother pointing fingers like the Republicans and Democrats. Just bite the bullet and get back to work.
- Do take responsibility
It’s a no-brainer; but the quicker you do take responsibility, the quicker you can move on in the right direction. Don’t be like many of the firms on Wall Street, keeping things on the “DL” and getting away with it (for now, karma will catch up with them). Read the story about this
- Do live within your means
Sure, it’s a cliché saying, but living within your means is the best way to get ahead and sometimes the fastest.
- Don’t wait for help
You can ask for help but don’t expect it to come. You don’t have time to wait like that.
- Don’t tear other people down
You don’t deserve any of the success you obtain if you do this.
- Do the opposite
Bring people up the ladder of success with you.
A quick bailout checklist
As I said in the beginning of this article, money is not important when you’re bailing yourself out. Here is a checklist for what you do need:
[ x ] Time – It’s already checked for you because everyone has time to move their life into a new direction. I don’t care if you have 2 jobs or 6 kids.
[ ] No animosity – There will be some people who won’t be affected by the economic mess, and some that will even gain during this time. But you don’t want to get too jealous. Some will win, some will lose; but life is fair.
[ ] A critic – You should listen to what they have to say, but you don’t have to follow their advice. Critics are necessary because they can keep you in check.
[ ] A plan b
[ ] Obsession – Changing your life doesn’t take focus, it takes complete and utter obsession.
[ ] Action – Now it’s time to just do it! Follow your dreams, passions, and your heart. This economy has created amazing opportunities. Don’t wait.
Perhaps it was jealously or desperation that forced John McCain to refer to Barack Obama as a celebrity like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. But McCain brings up an excellent point. Yeah, it back fired on him because Barack the celebrity is the greatest thing going for him and for the United States.
Never has there been a presidential candidate like Obama who has evoked so much passion and support internationally; let alone in his own country. It really did look like a rock concert or a rally you’d see in vintage news reels when Mr. Obama was in Europe. The McCain campaign and its supporters are brushing it off and using it as an indicator to show how Barack isn’t ready to be a leader. However, everything points to the contrary.
Here is why Barack Obama the celebrity is great for the United States:
Obama is empowering US citizens
Let’s be honest without ourselves; Presidents do help with leading their countries. But who really makes the most difference? It’s the country’s citizens. Barack is empowering more US citizens than ever before. His celebrity status is getting people talking about this election. In a time when many have almost lost hope, Barack is now the light at the end of their tunnel. People are picking themselves up and dreaming about the future. Mr. Obama is a motivational speaker for the whole nation and the world. What makes an excellent leader? Someone who empowers others to strive for greatness.
International citizens are still behind us
As the speeches and tour Mr. Obama did in Europe show; international citizens are still behind America and are optimistic for its future. You can go on various websites and social networks and see people from Europe and Asia supporting Obama with his logo and slogan. They can’t even vote and they are spreading the word for the Obama campaign. You’d think they wouldn’t care about an election in a country across the globe. Obama’s celebrity status is reaching every corner of the globe and getting nations talking positively about the US.
People follow celebrities
People aren’t going to lose interest with President Obama as much as they did with the current President. People who would normally move on to other things after the election are going to follow him. They’ll want to see what he’s doing and how he’s doing.
The media will shift their focus
The media is obsessed with Obama; which is much better than them being obsessed with the latest antics of Paris or Britney. If the obsessing continues during his presidency then hopefully we will see a shift of coverage from superficial gossip; to more important events and subjects.
He represents America well
I want world famous celebrities from our country to represent the United States in a positive, respectful way. Barack does exactly that. He embodies the melting pot that America is known for. Just about every past US President was older and white. Obama is different; McCain is pretty much the same.
Children have an excellent role model
Children always look up to celebrities and now they have a celebrity who’s successful, eloquent, powerful, and a great family man.
He’s friendly
Obama is very welcoming; this’ll be extremely beneficial when talking to leaders and countries that have be hostile with America and its leaders. We need to talk to work out our differences.
Here is why Barack’s celebrity status will be great for his presidency:
His messages & agendas will be heard
Barack’s celebrity status will help spread his messages and agendas across all forms of media; from social networks to the old-fashion radio. It’s already working extremely well for his campaign and it will sure transcend to his presidency.
He’s already made history
He hasn’t yet been elected President and he’s already left a legacy. There’s even talk about a biographical movie starring Will Smith.
Celebrities help other celebrities
A staggering amount of celebrities and famous people have backed Mr. Obama and have made public statements about their support. They aren’t keeping their political views private like past elections. Celebrities influence people tremendously. When he’s elected, Barack can harness that power for his advantage.
Supporters will stand by him
Celebrity fanatics stand by their idols even during tough times. Like every President before him; Mr. Obama is going to meet periods of resistance and endure a lot of negativity; but many more people will be standing by his side than jumping ship. This will surely motivate Barack to stick with it.
Millions are counting on him
Politicians after politicians have talked the talked but never really accomplished anything while in office. Let’s hope Barack is not one of those politicians. With the positive pressure of millions of people counting on him; it’ll give him the motivation he needs to get things done while in office.
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“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”
Your campaign was unprecedented and you deserve to celebrate. But you know your job had just begun. When you take over in January please don’t forget what you promised.
Feel like you need your own bailout?
