Lean on Me

Title: Lean on Me

June 14, 2009

In these economically challenging days, we all know somebody who is in straits. Jobs are being cut. Positions are being redefined and restructured. This leaves many unemployed or making less money than what it costs to live, as that continually rises. Mortgages and car payments are delinquent and people do not know where to turn for help. Instead of turning to the government, should we not be turning to each other?
There used to be a time when people would turn to family, friends, fellow countrymen instaed of looking to the White House for a rescue plan. With our current governemnt struggling to to reshape it’s role to assist, this is an opportune time to have the average American step forward.
Some have already committed to this idea by agreeing to reduce their own hours in the work week in order to keep another from getting a pink slip. Others have contributed by not allowing their own restraints keep them from donating to their local food pantries. And, more people are donating their gently used clothes and household items to Good Will or consignment shops, allowing others to shop more affordably. On a more personal level, school and religious communities have adopted families to anonymously provide for their needs as a united effort. The network of parents bartering child care with each other is on the increase. With this, parents of both families are able to go to work. Seeing these selfless efforts is reassuring to many. There is a comfort and strength in knowing that when chips are down, we can depend on our neighbors.
Although there is a time and a place for the government to step in and help the citizens of this great nation, we need to have personal accountability as well. We need to tow the line ourselves by spending smarter, saving when we can, while offering what we can to those who are in an hour of need. New government policies take time to be put into place. For some, they come a day late and a dollar short.
Be connected with your community by staying aligned and informed through your neighbors, schools, Churches or synagogues and local groups. Let us do what we can to lend a helping hand as we can instead of waiting for government bail outs. This is what it means to be a patriot. This is what it means to be a champion of the American Dream.