Comments on: Open letter to America http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:13:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 by: America’s Future is Up to All of Us http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-135900 Sat, 03 May 2008 13:11:33 +0000 http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-135900 [...] Back in August 2005, I wrote an open letter to America where I spoke about the move away from greatness that we’ve made in our country. We can shift the course we’ve been on these last many years. With inspiration and true leadership, we can reclaim our souls and come back to the heart of what it means to be American. “Leadership is not a solo act, it’s a team effort.” [...] […] Back in August 2005, I wrote an open letter to America where I spoke about the move away from greatness that we’ve made in our country. We can shift the course we’ve been on these last many years. With inspiration and true leadership, we can reclaim our souls and come back to the heart of what it means to be American. “Leadership is not a solo act, it’s a team effort.” […]

]]> by: Meryl http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-58711 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:23:00 +0000 http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-58711 I think the "white horse" comment is well made. Author and radio host Thom Hartmann keeps bringing it back to the need to get active. He suggests what matters more than who gets in office, is how active and vocal the constituencies are. Will we have their back when they take bold action? Or will we join with the old guard in picking what they do apart because it may not be perfect? And regarding the Democratic congress, I often feel let down by how they don't represent me - and while I was out of (ahead of?) the mainstream in my views for many years - now when I say representing me, I'm really referring to the majority. But the wheels of bureaucracy and public opinion move very slowly, and when you consider where we were a year ago and where we are now, I'll take now. At least I don't feel like I'm setting myself up as a target anymore when I suggest our bravado should be tempered with compassion. I think the “white horse” comment is well made. Author and radio host Thom Hartmann keeps bringing it back to the need to get active. He suggests what matters more than who gets in office, is how active and vocal the constituencies are. Will we have their back when they take bold action? Or will we join with the old guard in picking what they do apart because it may not be perfect?

And regarding the Democratic congress, I often feel let down by how they don’t represent me - and while I was out of (ahead of?) the mainstream in my views for many years - now when I say representing me, I’m really referring to the majority. But the wheels of bureaucracy and public opinion move very slowly, and when you consider where we were a year ago and where we are now, I’ll take now. At least I don’t feel like I’m setting myself up as a target anymore when I suggest our bravado should be tempered with compassion.

]]> by: Shonnie http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-47082 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:37:45 +0000 http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-47082 Who knows, maybe our belief of the "savior on a white horse" is a remnant of our childhood when we expected our parents to always protect and care for us. Though some part of me would like that to be true, another part is comforted knowing that I have my role to play. I agree with you that opening yourself up and trusting life will lead you to clarity. Thank you for taking the time to read and to comment. :-) Who knows, maybe our belief of the “savior on a white horse” is a remnant of our childhood when we expected our parents to always protect and care for us. Though some part of me would like that to be true, another part is comforted knowing that I have my role to play. I agree with you that opening yourself up and trusting life will lead you to clarity. Thank you for taking the time to read and to comment. :-)

]]> by: Bruce Mulkey http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-47075 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:19:06 +0000 http://shonnielavender.com/blog/2007/09/10/open-letter-to-america/#comment-47075 I too long for a shift toward greater compassion and understanding in our national priorities, Shonnie. And I'll have to admit I've felt hopeless and powerless the past few weeks. I believed that the Democratic majority in Congress was actually going to have the courage to put some checks and balances on those who would manipulate us toward fear and hate of our fellow humans. But I see once again that there is no savior on a white horse riding in to save the day. It's up to me, to you, to us. My path on this matter of huge importance is not clear to me now. But I trust that if I open myself to it, the Universe will ultimately show me the way. I too long for a shift toward greater compassion and understanding in our national priorities, Shonnie. And I’ll have to admit I’ve felt hopeless and powerless the past few weeks. I believed that the Democratic majority in Congress was actually going to have the courage to put some checks and balances on those who would manipulate us toward fear and hate of our fellow humans. But I see once again that there is no savior on a white horse riding in to save the day. It’s up to me, to you, to us. My path on this matter of huge importance is not clear to me now. But I trust that if I open myself to it, the Universe will ultimately show me the way.

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