Seriously, everybody, we've finally reached the final hours of 2008. I won't say it's been a great one or a tough one, I won't count it as a win or a loss, and I won't give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. There will be no list of my "Top 10 things from 2008", but feel free to make your own in the comments section.
However, I will touch upon one thing from 2008. History was made in the United States this past November.
For better or for worse, Barack Obama is to be the next President of the United States. How he acts in office will have an immense effect, both on our lives, and how the rest of the world will see us in the wake of George W. Bush's presidency and all that came with it.
Whether you supported Barack Obama or not, his election still symbolizes a change in our country's path. Whether you will support Barack Obama as president or not, remember that this is still your nation. It is what you make of it, and I urge you to be active in the community, whether it be in your town/city, or in the country as a whole.
I will make no public New Year's Resolutions. And that is how they should be. Each of you should make your own, whether it is paying more attention to your family or finally learning how to play drums. The year's passing, as with all of them, reminds us life is short, and it is our responsibility not to waste it. Use it as best you can, and live it on your own terms.
That brings me to my final point. With your New Year's Resolutions, keep them private as well. This is the test. Do not tell your friends or family, do not let anyone else encourage you to keep them or meet them. It is up to you to be in control of your own life. Don't do it because others remind you to do it: do it because you want to. Don't be satisfied because someone else has taken pride in your success: be satisfied because you have succeeded at something you can take pride in.
That being said, I leave you with two images. One, of the 1978 Times Square Ball, and the other of the Times Square Ball dropped at start of the new millennium. The new ball will remain on display in Times Square all year round.
-brett
Yes, happy new year to all. I agree with your message--we must stand by our new President. I will not make a list--for me there is only one defining moment and that is November 4: election day.
ReplyDeleteAlso I would like to point out that the new year is not "happy" for all of us--I give my sympathy to the families of those killed in the ongoing battle at the Gaza Strip. I hope that the crisis will soon be resolved.
Funny--it's hard to believe it's 2009...but then again, on occasion I still do this:
http://xkcd.com/354/