Posted on 04/04/2014 9:38:58 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
I am an optimist. I believe that America's best days are still to come and today's children will live a life far better than their parents and grandparents.
The vast majority of Americans are more pessimistic, and it's easy to understand why. Looking at the behavior and performance of our political leaders, there's little reason for hope.
That's why I look in places like Johnstown, Penn., rather than Washington, D.C. Last week, I spoke in Johnstown at the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner. I met many good hardworking people who devote a lot of time, energy, money and talent to making their community a better place to live and work. There were business leaders, a university president, heads of civic organizations, community volunteers, some local politicians and more.
These good people roll up their sleeves and get things done ... and they're not alone. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are 65 million Americans who volunteer their time through a civic organization. All told, they contributed just less than 8 billion hours last year, time worth an estimated $175 billion dollars.
The largest number volunteered through churches and other religious organizations (34 percent), with another large group through schools and educational programs (26 percent).
Volunteer activity can be found improving communities in all demographic groups. The highest level of engagement is among those ages 35-44, followed closely by those 45-54. But a third of the nation's volunteers are under 35, and another third are over 55.
There are only modest differences along racial lines, and women are a bit more likely than men to volunteer. People who live in urban areas are somewhat less likely than those in rural and suburban areas to volunteer, but the differences are small.
There are some geographic differences with places in the middle of the country generally enjoying higher levels of volunteer activity. But the big story is that volunteering to solve problems is a truly all-American activity. It can be found in every nook and cranny of the nation, among all segments of society.
People who volunteer are also generous with their wallets. They are twice as likely to donate to charities as other Americans.
The people I met in Johnstown, and the 65 million other volunteers around the country, fill me with hope, because they are addressing the real needs of our society and solving real problems. Many of them, however, don't share my hope for a simple reason. They are so busy solving one problem after another, they don't recognize that they are shaping and saving the nation at the same time.
In America, change always begins in the popular culture and society. Politics and politicians always lag a decade or two behind. That was true at the founding of our nation when the colonies thought of themselves as independent for decades before the Revolution. It was also true for the suffrage movement, the civil rights movement and other great shifts in American history.
That's why I see a bright future for our country. I recognize that there are 535 reasons in Congress to be pessimistic. More importantly, though, in Johnstown and other communities throughout the land, there are 65 million reasons for optimism.
Sorry, Scott - the crazy people are in charge.
For example, last winter, the farmers burned much of the storage heating propane to dry green, wet, immature corn to produce ethanol, so we could screw up our gasoline supply with it.
Good news, major wave midterm elections coming up!
Whatever he’s smokin’ I want some.
Thank-you for making my day with this excellent article!
We of the 65 million are still waiting for leadership from Washington to get us our country back. We’ll do the heavy lifting if Bone head and his crew will only stand up and be with us. We’re not holding our breath waiting for them.
As I said - the crazy people are in charge.
May 16, 2014, “Operation American Spring” Rally is coming to Washington D.C.
November, 2014 is coming.
He lives in la la land.
For now. November 2014 is coming.
Scott is correct folks. Do not give up!
Bad news. Evidence of massive vote fraud in swing states.
Is this that new math they keep speaking of?
The highest level of engagement is among those ages 35-44, followed closely by those 45-54. But a third of the nation’s volunteers are under 35, and another third are over 55.
I consider myself an optimist, but I am not feeling so optimistic about America. We simply have a population that lost it’s way. I don’t see what will get it back on track.
Sure about that, point out info please! Thank-you!
Aside from the tragedy of all the carnage, I was wondering who would be the first to use it to further the gun control issue.
Good grief, do not give up folks!
The Red & Blue Washington clown cars will just continue bashing against each other in the same old, same old kabuki show.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/03/what_the_gop_does_with_a_supermajority.html
What the GOP Does with a Supermajority (North Carolina)
March 26, 2014
The ultimate party litmus test: given a veto-proof legislature, will Republicans finally start to reduce the scope and size of government? It looks like the answer is no...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3140198/posts
Massive Voter Fraud Discovered in North Carolina’s 2012 Election
PJ Media ^ | April 2, 2014 | Bryan Preston
Posted on 4/2/2014 4:33:31 PM by jazusamo
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has found thousands of instances of voter fraud in the state, thanks to a 28-state crosscheck of voter rolls. Initial findings suggest widespread election fraud.
765 voters with an exact match of first and last name, DOB and last four digits of SSN were registered in N.C. and another state and voted in N.C. and the other state in the 2012 general election.
35,750 voters with the same first and last name and DOB were registered in N.C. and another state and voted in both states in the 2012 general election.
155,692 voters with the same first and last name, DOB and last four digits of SSN were registered in N.C. and another state – and the latest date of registration or voter activity did not take place within N.C.
The second point is key, as double voting is election fraud under state and federal statutes. Punishment for double voting in federal elections can include jail time.
There is a reason the Regime opposes Voter ID.
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