NorthJersey.com
July 1st, 2009
By Paul Aronsohn
FOR MANY Americans, our nation’s birthday comes at a time of genuine despair.
Families are hurting. Soldiers are dying. Small businesses are closing. Viruses are spreading. And our all-too-dangerous world seems to be giving rise to an all-too-uncertain future.
In other words, for many of us, Saturday’s barbecues and fireworks are set to take place against a backdrop of great consternation – personal as well as national.
Yet, despite these challenges, Americans have reason to celebrate, and we have reason to greet this Independence Day with the same sense of hope and optimism on which this country was founded 233 years ago.
The reason is simple: America is getting back on track. We see it in Washington. We see it abroad. And we see it and feel it in communities throughout this great country.
Simply stated, the healing has begun.
After years of mistakes and mismanagement, America is moving forward once again with a renewed sense of purpose and a renewed sense of determination. In fact, over the past year, we have done much to move our country in the right direction and to demonstrate that our democracy is still strong, still vibrant and still able to weather any storm.
First, we hosted a national election that was dominated by women, an African-American man, and a disabled veteran – a testament to the American ideal that “all men are created equal.” Then, we got down to business repairing the domestic damage that had been wrought in recent years. Financial reform. Economic reform. Housing reform.
And now we are setting our sights on three pillars of the American future – health reform, education reform and energy reform.
Restoration of credibility
Abroad, we have begun to restore our credibility and restore our standing. From the halls of the United Nations to the streets of country capitals, America’s reputation – and with it her influence — is on the mend.
No more talking down to allies. No more disregarding international norms. No more fighting unnecessary wars.
As our president and secretary of state fully realize, America is at her best when she leads by example – when she embodies the virtues of decency, integrity and consistency.
Even here in New Jersey, where we find ourselves gearing up for another hotly contested gubernatorial election, we have come together in an extraordinary display of unity and compassion. Elected officials, clergy, concerned citizens ... everyone seems to be pitching in to alleviate the very real pain felt by our friends, family and neighbors.
This is particularly true in the northern part of the state – an area near the epicenter of the international financial crisis. Here, we have seen firsthand the effects of the global recession on our community. We have heard the stories of lost jobs, lost investments and lost dreams. We have watched as “For Sale” signs have popped up — and taken root — on front lawns and in store windows. And we have come to know the people behind those signs – people whose lives have been forever transformed.
But we have also come to know the resolve of families determined to make ends meet...the charity of neighbors helping neighbors ... and the commitment of community leaders working together, despite any differences, to find solutions and provide relief.
Through them, we see the promise of America's future. And because of them – and people like them in towns throughout America — we have reason to celebrate.
Paul Aronsohn is a councilman in Ridgewood.
