January 2009 Editorial

It's January and every year at this time we get to say "ah, a fresh start". Well, though that may be true, every four or eight years depending on circumstances we also get to start fresh with a new president. Now, I'm not going to get into what my political views are or what my feelings are, but for better or for worse we get to go down a different path, which if nothing else, its different.

I can't exactly say that this year is getting off to a great start though. Every time I go out I see another business closing down and the same goes for watching T.V. or surfing the web. It's depressing when you see the economic progress of the last twenty years going down the tubes, but what can we do?

The current unemployment rate in the United States is 9.9% which is double from one year ago; and furthermore up dramatically from the average unemployment rate of 2%. This is not to say that the rate cannot be higher in your own town, this is simply a national average.

Living though these times and seeing an ever growing number of people out of work, I am reminded of the song Brother, Can you spare a dime? made famous in 1932 by Rudy Vallee and Bing Crosby. This song was written during the height of the great depression and is written from the first person perspective of a man who was once the part of the working force, the backbone of America, a man who built railroads, buildings and fought for his country, but is now relegated to standing in line for bread and begging for spare change when all he really wants to do is work for an honest days living.

But aside from the doom and gloom that we sometimes find ourselves wallowing in, these are really exciting times to be alive. Technology is cutting edge, socially I believe our county has come a long way, however culture and tradition may have taken a back seat to convenience. Nevertheless we find ourselves living in an age where anything can happen and nothing seems predictable.

Though I haven't exactly done a good job at making this year seem hopeful, don't run out and kill yourself. Things truly do always get better. Sometimes it is just part of the natural ebb and flow, and sometimes you have to go out and make life change for yourself. This year and every other is only as promising or tragic as one desires to make it for themselves. Remember, if you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get what you have always got. You are the only person truly responsible for your own happiness.

-Matt C.-
Editor in Chief