You've all heard the well known clichés that refer to the circular nature of the Universe in which we dwell . . . what goes around comes around, or what we put out comes back to us, and the ending of one thing being the beginning of something else comes instantly to mind. I'm a firm believer in this boomerang nature and I embrace a Natural Law 'cause and effect' philosophy in my life. It works well in helping me to understand the physical realm, as well as on an individual level in my own manner of thinking, planning events, and charting courses. It serves me most, actually, in the more Spiritual elements of my life. The last few days, though, I've been pondering this premise as applied to an entire culture.

No one can deny that our culture experienced a monumental turning point in history a week ago today. Regardless our individual joy or disappointment at the results of our election, we all greet another new era in America. Personal feelings aside, few failed to be somewhat overwhelmed at the scene emanating from Grant Park in Chicago last Tuesday night. Few failed to be somewhat moved by the words of our new president-elect as he humbly accepted his mandate. Few, too, failed to acknowledge the affable and gracious congratulatory remarks offered by his opponent. For a while, the nation as a whole had truly come together.

For the last few days, I've taken time to let it all sink in and reflect over the last two years; the politics, the incessant rhetoric, the campaigns, the policies and promises. The incredible task facing the new president-elect is still almost mind boggling to me. No doubt a ray of hope has been ignited for the people, and both political parties have vowed to work together to bring solutions to what appear almost insurmountable problems. Yet already, there are the murmurings of discontent in the backrooms of Washington as the new administration is formed. Charges and counter-charges within the campaigns themselves are really getting rude and old to me. More importantly, folks are still faced with unsolved dilemmas that threaten to get worse before they get better. We the people watch and wait and wonder what's next. And, that is exactly what we cannot do. We cannot just watch and wait.

I worry for the younger generations, even my own age group, who really can't relate to the Great Depression of the Thirties. Even though I've heard many stories from my grandparents and parents, ethics and culture have changed dramatically in the last eighty years. Many simply won't know how to cope should things reach that point again. The government is deeply in debt and there are going to be limits in what can be done. One thing is clear; drastic change is going to take time and a lot of help and understanding from each and every citizen.

The time for pursuing the blame game is past. Every element of our culture shoulders some of the blame. Even if through apathy or failing to be fully informed and demanding accountability from elected leaders, spending beyond means and feeding the profit machine, expecting government to solve all problems and corporations to meet all demands of a union,  lack of family planning, lack of ambition, lack of parental discipline and educating our children and ourselves to changing times. Everyone played some small part in the decline somewhere along the line, and everyone is going to have to play a part in the recovery if there is to be one. One president and one congress simply cannot do it without an unparalleled commitment from the people.

We can begin by joining forces in neighborhoods and communities. We can tighten our consumption of energy, volunteer with services presently provided by government so that government spending can be cut and budgets balanced, including our own. Even if we no longer have children in school, we can take interest in our schools by volunteering in after-school programs to allow their continuance. If we have school age children, we can demand less focus on entertainment and more focus on education. Kids are an invaluable resource and usually thrive when given responsibility. We can be a part of environmental and neighborhood cleanup and watch programs to aid law enforcement and fire fighters. There are a myriad of things we can do no matter how small they may seem.

It might be interesting, and fun too, to discuss ideas and share opinions on this topic right here at Fabulously 40. This column originated with a political and current events platform. The election may over, but political current events will be lively for some time to come. Someone commented on my last column regarding discussion and sharing ideas without rancor. By all means, we can do that. By all means we, as a nation, better.  

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE – A Novel
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     **Susan Haley is the published author of two books, several articles and essays. She is an award-winning poet, copy editor and book reviewer for Pepper Tree Press Publishing and reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego. She also contributes a column to "The Florida Writer" the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter. The audio version of her novel "Rainy Day People" was awarded runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines, newsletters and local papers.