Snow, San Diego and the Super Bowl This week presented more than legislative challenges as our state capital was blessed with a foot of snow. The 12-inch snowfall was just one more test for our media and us to overcome. What I mean is the snow was another piece of bad news for media to report. For weeks there has been a deluge of bad news. Financial markets, foreclosures, automobile manufacturing, insurance, unemployment and scandals have been dumped on U.S. citizens with a media vengeance. I agree the economy is sour and presents challenges. This is a no-doubter. On the other side there is a dormant positive environment around us all. Trust me when I say "I'm no Pollyanna." A lifetime on a farm taught me hard lessons about the circumstances that make life tough. However, I am very aware of the great things we have in our country. We have a safe country, safe food, good education, places to live and opportunities. Those listed luxuries are what set us apart from the rest of the world. We need to count them as blessings. It's also our obligation to appreciate them, think more positively and work to improve our current situation. I am determined to adjust my attitude positively. The only way out of our current malaise is to have confidence in our system. Downturns of financial markets are historical. They occur and should teach an appreciation for the good times. Of course they present challenges but can also present opportunities to improve. I view the glass as half full. We should all do that. I was fortunate to be in San Diego for a conference on agriculture and rural issues. There were legislators from all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. It was refreshing to discuss common problems from around the country and to learn possible solutions - some viable and some not. Issues of markets, genetic engineering, animal welfare and the climate were presented. A variety of viewpoints made the program very interesting. I certainly did not agree with all of it but, it gave me a better perspective of the future for the agriculture industry and rural development. This trip was not an expense to taxpayers. Congratulations to the Super Bowl XLIII champion, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are now the first team to be Super Bowl champion six times. I will conclude with this thought: Simply as Americans, privileged to watch the Super Bowl, we're all participating in an activity demonstrating the strength of our system. Our country is strong and by all standards very rich. Regardless of the game's outcome, this national and worldwide spectacle proves to the world that we are not depressed. In the lottery of life, we're extremely lucky. Let's tell the media to change their tune. There is too much good to concentrate on the bad. More later,
WCF |
