What YOU can do for your country
“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.
Photo by Obese Seagull Productions
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6 Responses to “What YOU can do for your country”
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Please keep your comments positive and respectful. All others will be deleted.
I believe that the majority of people are good; that they are willing to work hard, to be accountable, to help others, and that they are not racist.
But perhaps the majority has been silent for too long. Perhaps they have been intimidated by the laser focus of narrow thought and fear motivated people.
Major change is at hand. This is our time to find our voice.
John — from Canada
Hey John,
I think you’re very right. Fear and negativity usually overpowers positivity in media and in politics but I think people are deciding to be more positive. Which is great for EVERYONE; USA, Canada, everywhere.
-Andrew
Woo hoo, I feel like I helped inspire this post
The bottom line is “you only get what you give” – New Radicals
Sadly, there will be plenty of negativity no matter what, can’t let them drag us down, the only promise that I care about with Obama is the promise of hope and optimism, the rest is up to me to realize, whether he raises taxes or doesn’t reform healthcare and frankly, if he doesn’t it will be OUR faults for not exercising our rights to protest and hold our leaders accountable for their actions!
Hey Clint,
You did inspire the article! Thanks for your insight.
-Andrew
Andrew,
Excellent post and I couldn’t agree with you more. Absolutely nobody has more influence on my family’s happiness than me. Presidents will come and go.
I unabashedly supported Obama throughout the election not just because I agree with most (not all) of his policies, but because the tone that he brings is much needed. It will be nice to have an adult in the White House who values intelligence and has the wisdom to seek common ground. “You’re either with us or against us” has accomplished little more than turning large numbers of people from all over the world against us. BTW- This was the first time I ever voted for a Democrat in a major election.
PS: I followed you here from Brian Cuban’s blog and am glad I did.
Cheers,
RHM
Hey,
I love what you said:
“Absolutely nobody has more influence on my family’s happiness than me. Presidents will come and go.”
It’s so very true!
“PS: I followed you here from Brian Cuban’s blog and am glad I did.”
Glad you found me on Brian’s blog as well. He has some amazing articles.
Look forward to talking to you some more. Thanks for all the compliments.
-Andrew