When I started this project, it was my objective and still is to keep religion and politics out of it. Even though I am a Christian, I did not want to use this as a platform, nor did I want to use my very liberal views on politics as a soapbox. This project isn’t based on my beliefs. It is based on the truth and how it affects the children, more specifically, the future of humanity. Whether I look at it from a Christian vantage point, Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim, it doesn’t change what needs to happen? Whether I come at it as a staunch Republican or a firm Democrat, it doesn’t change the unfortunate truth about where we have gone and continue to head, not just as a country, but as a world? The upcoming election has brought patriotism once again to center stage, if only global awareness could instead be the theme. Instead of priding myself on being “American”, I take pride in being a global citizen. Instead of dreaming about what I can do for my country, I dream about what I can do for the world.

We are at a critical point where even voting the “right” candidate into office, won’t reverse the wheels that have been put into motion across the globe. We are at a time where we need to stop assuming that someone else has the answers. Instead of criticizing what others aren’t doing, or counting on promises that are being made, we should look at what we are doing as individuals. Sadly it seems, we have lost sight of how important each of us is as a voice, a pair of hands or an advocate for someone less fortunate. We have settled into complacency and a resignation that there is nothing we can do. We tolerate a climate of corporate greed and politics where the two often share the same sheets and drink from the same glass. We surround ourselves with stuff that masks the hopelessness and we busy ourselves with empty pursuits to explain away our indifference. With an election just around the corner, issues that otherwise get lost in the din, are on everyone’s mind. Once Election Day has come and gone, a sadly predictable transition will take place. As the new leader picks up the torch, some will celebrate and relax into a false sense of complacency as if the race has been won, and others will bitch and complain. In either case, the interest, the concern, and the excitement about the potential for change will generally die down as we embark on another 4 year journey where we remain passengers along for the ride. We did our part. We voted. We used our voice and exercised our rights as American’s …for a day. Our job is done, right? Back to work, business as usual. There are jobs to hate, or find, bills to pay or hide from…life goes on. Some of us see the glass as half full; some see it as half empty. Does it matter? How we see it doesn’t change what it is. I say why settle for a glass that is either? Why accept that others, not ourselves determine the level or for that matter what’s in our glass?

Don’t get me wrong, a healthy and positive outlook is definitely more useful than a “woe is me, the sky is falling” mentality. The problem is, the sky is falling and we need more than a great attitude…we need change. We need to wake up, open our eyes and decide that each of us has the ability to be a part of that change. The ways to participate are infinite and the only limitations, in spite of the many arguments I have heard from those who are too cynical to act, is a person’s willingness to act and unwillingness to accept that anything is beyond reaching for. Yes, there are inevitable truths we must face. For example: Whether you are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, is it possible to stop people from aborting unplanned or unwanted pregnancies? No. So why not instead work together from both sides of the coin to improve the economic landscape, the availability of medical resources, education and birth control and the prospects of jobs that allow people to support their families planned or unplanned. In doing these things wouldn’t we be reducing the problem without dividing people in the process? Will we ever be able to prevent wars from breaking out in different parts of the world as politics and the race for power is played out? No. So why not instead work on eradicating some of the issues that wars are fought over. If we poured the same money and technology into renewable resources and alternative fuels that we pour into preparing for and fighting wars wouldn’t we lessen the likelihood of war being the best option? International Security is important but it’s a shame when our enemies are of our own making. In a world where history books are a chronology of battles, it’s hard to imagine the world not fighting…but do it…imagine. Will we ever see human trafficking stop in our lifetime? No, it’s an issue on a scale most cannot comprehend, let alone conceive solutions for. So, should we ignore it, accept that it is inevitable, a force that cannot be quelled? Turn the channel…out of sight out of mind? It is only when we finally decide “enough is enough” without the guarantee, promise or even likelihood of being able to fix all that is wrong, that real inspiration, compassion and conviction are born. From this powerful mix of fuel, one can begin to dream. From these dreams ideas are born and action is taken. At this point it becomes a matter of physics. Think about it.

I know who I will be voting for come Election Day, but I do not and will not relinquish the outcome of my future, the future of my children or the world as a whole, to this person. I have a voice; I have my own two hands, a gigantic heart and an able mind. I also have the inspiration, compassion and conviction I need to reach my dreams. I actually believe we can make the world a better place, a place where instead of debating whether the glass is half empty or half full, we conceive ways to sustain, replenish and increase the contents so that finally it isn’t about a healthy attitude, it’s about a healthy world.