Kerry: Take heart, better times ahead

[globalvillage]

Thursday, December 22, 2005

In 2005, as our world was battered by earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, we were reminded both of our life’s fragility and the real strength of our nation. Unprecedented suffering was matched by the sacrifice and generosity of countless Americans who rushed to do their part. Here in Massachusetts, families and organizations have gone above and beyond the call of duty, giving their all to help those in need, reminding us again that what was written one hundred years ago is still true: America is great because Americans are good.

In this holiday season of giving, we should honor our fellow citizens who have given of themselves so others could heal.

I had the privilege to work with the people of Mendon, a small town whose 6,700 residents adopted Waveland, Miss. after it was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Under the leadership of Ken O’Brien, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Mendon sent police cars, emergency personnel, and tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars to Waveland.

Two months later, the people of Mendon haven’t forgotten Waveland. Just last week, Mendon rallied communities all over Massachusetts to send supplies and gifts for the holidays. North Adams donated 100 backpacks filled with school supplies. The William H. Lincoln School in Brookline sent hundreds of books to replenish the school library that drowned in Katrina’s waters. The people of Mendon have done our state so proud. Waveland, Miss. will never forget them, and Massachusetts should never forget their example.

So many others across our state joined Mendon in going the extra mile in the wake of Katrina. From non-profits like the Greater Boston Food Bank - to companies like Timberland, FedEx, UPS, Shaw’s, The Eastern Bag & Paper Company and New Balance - to houses of worship like St. Paul’s AME in Cambridge under the leadership of Rev. Richard Richardson - Massachusetts communities gathered supplies, made donations, and even opened their homes to complete strangers. And it didn’t matter how small the efforts were, because every little bit counted.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=117536

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[Mass]

1. Also published in the Bedford Minuteman as "Kerry: A year of suffering"

http://www2.townonline.com/bedford/opinion/view.bg?articleid=392673

[globalvillage]

2. I saw that.

I posted that one first, but the other title is much better, don't you think?

[TayTay]

3. Oh, yeah, make me tear up already

I mean really, how could you not love this:

"In this holiday season, I also want to thank you for the privilege of serving you in the United States Senate, and wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season and continued blessing in the New Year."

Ah, your welcome Sentah. Massachusetts is exceptionally well served in the US Senate. We are most fortunate to have you there.

[MH1]

6. Me too

And this...

As much as all parents relish the holiday season for the opportunity to spend time with our children, we shouldn’t forget to learn from them as well. Students at Higginson Elementary School in Roxbury and East Taunton Elementary School recently wrote letters of support to our brothers and sisters in uniform overseas. The letters they wrote were just amazing, but what was even more amazing about these kids was that they understood instinctively something as adults we can easily forget --doing the right thing is the best feeling of all.

....

There are countless individuals and organizations across Massachusetts that could have been spotlighted in this column. But in your community, you know who they are. And as we gather with our families this holiday season, we should all take a moment to honor them for all they have given, and to remember that in this year when natural disaster left so many without family members to celebrate with, or homes to celebrate in, there is so much giving left to be done.

Talk about understanding the reason for the season. Truly eloquent and on-target. Gawd I want this guy as President.

[ProSense]

4. Great Senator (President), great state, great people.

Great and inspiring statement. I heart him.

[karynnj]

5. Is he trying to compete with his wife for the most awesome column

What a wonderful holiday message. The only sad thing is knowing that something like this could have been a perfect message from a caring President really calling people to serve the country. If people wanted to vote for values, they clearly had the chance.

[ginnyinWI]

7. A true Statesman

I feel privileged to have worked for his campaign and voted for him, and to be able to continue to "get his back" when I can. Until I learned about Kerry, I never thought there was such a thing as an honest politician. I was wrong!
Not only Kerry, but there are others too--out there working for "we the people"--and for all of them I'm grateful. I've lost my cynicism and regained hope--even in (and possibly as a result of) these troubled times. Cause you gotta have hope.