Happy New Year

To all those who have read and/or commented on this blog; to all those who have helped make the First Berkshire District and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a better place to live; for all those who have reached out to each other with a helping hand or a word of encouragement; and for all those who have exhibited a kindness to the world around them, thank you for your help in 2008. You are the true heroes in our society and I wish each and very one of you a wonderful 2009. As the old saying goes: May the best day of last year be the worst day of this year.
2008 was a tough year. The economy tanked in a way I have not seen in 22 years in office. Budgets were slashed and a lot of people found themselves far worse off than they started the year. It is going to take a long time to turn this economy around, but with this Presidential election this year, we have an opportunity to work together in this nation to make it a much better place. We shouldn't be divided into red states and blue states. We shouldn't get angry if we disagree on issues. We should realize that disagreement is part of the decision making process and the true test of a nation and its people is the ability to work together despite differences of opinion. Let us all pledge, or make a new year's resolution that we will work together with less acrimony in order to advance those things that we all care about. Again, a heartfelt happy new year to all and best wishes for 2009.