LOVE FOR COUNTRY AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS. That’s what I grew up hearing from my parents—alongside words like honesty, integrity, honor and compassion. But today, these words are losing their meaning in this great land that I love.
For decades, those in power have succeeded at dividing us, while their greed and hunger for power has grown to unimaginable levels. By turning Democrat against Republican and conservative against liberal, our “leaders” have also managed to turn neighbor against neighbor and sometimes even family members against one another … while doing little to help their fellow Americans at a time when so many are suffering.
I believe that 2011 was a year of awakening for many Americans, and I also think there are better days ahead. As I reflected on how we could solve America’s problems, I came to the realization that, instead of depending on our so-called leaders, it’s up to us to make the necessary changes. Sure, we could exercise our constitutional voting rights and replace those in power, as we have done in the past, but is that really how we can bring about true change that will result in a better America for our children? Although that could be part of the answer, I believe we have to go deeper.
Removing someone from public office might lead to a temporary sense of satisfaction, and it might bring about a feeling of euphoria—the kind of feeling that prompts some people to smugly say words like, “You tree huggers, take that!” Or, “You lost, you Bible-thumping neocon!” Or, “You’re an anti-American socialist!” However, phrases like that and the feelings behind them are not going to change anything—and have you ever thought for a moment about how awful, disrespectful and hurtful such words are? Still, you see and hear them all the time in the media. It’s become a daily barrage.
A greater focus on basic values is the answer, the key to bringing about change in our society. We no longer spend enough time helping our children navigate through life, teaching them right and wrong, showing them the importance of respecting other people—and other people’s beliefs. This is happening a lot in our country, especially in homes where both parents have to work to support their family, so we need to make sacrifices to ensure a better future for our children. And, it’s not even necessarily about how much time you spend with your children (or grandchildren)—it’s about the quality of the time. Teach them about America. Tell them stories about what it took to build this great country and the sacrifices that fellow Americans have made. Teach (and show) them the real meaning of words like honesty, integrity, honor and compassion. It all starts at home. Forget for a moment about your political affiliation, and think more about our country. It’s up to us, not those we’ve elected to public office, to bring about the change we need and desire. We are the ones with the power, the ones who are in control. We can start right now, by respecting each other, caring more for others and focusing on those basic values that will unite us all. This is how we will heal America.
MyLIFE magazine shines the spotlight on amazing people who are contributing to our society. My hope is that these stories will not just inform our readers, but also spark conversation at the dinner table and prompt families to talk about important topics that face us all.
Inside this issue, we celebrate Arizona’s centennial and feature some great stories about our state and its people. Please enjoy our first bimonthly issue, and have a prosperous new year!
If you would like to share your comments or provide feedback, please drop me a note at editor@mylifemagazine.com.
Sincerely,
Ed Martinez
Editor-in-Chief
