There are countless reasons for us to be thankful for what we have as Americans and for the efforts of those who, in their own special ways, go above and beyond to make this country a better place in which to live.
Tonight, I'm hosting a Patriotic Rally to “Celebrate America” at Indian Meadows Country Club in Westborough.
The purpose is to celebrate the winners of my annual essay contest, which this year focused on the theme “Defining the American Dream”, and to honor several influential members of the community for their commanding presence and generosity.
Hosting this event is a great privilege for me. I enjoy bringing the community together in a spirit of patriotism and celebration of the good work that so many of our citizens are doing. We have had a lot of support for this year’s essay contest, and I love having the opportunity to give recognition where it is due, especially with all of the talented young writers and influential leaders in the area.
I hope you'll be able to join me. The rally will begin with dinner at 5 pm and a presentation to follow at 6 pm. The event also will feature a performance by the Shrewsbury Acapella Choir.
For further information or to RSVP, please contact Kaitlyn Sprague at my State House office at 617-722-2230 or 508-845-2300, or Kaitlyn.sprague@state.ma.us.
Showing posts with label American Dream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Dream. Show all posts
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thought of the Day - 11/02/2009
As the economic crisis refuses to loosen its grip on us, it is likely that by now all of us have felt the effects in some way. Maybe your neighbor was laid off from his or her job. Maybe your boss has asked you to work fewer hours or accept a smaller paycheck. Maybe you’re cutting back on extras, such as cable TV, or even essential items such as groceries and medicine.
A report in yesterday’s Parade Magazine shows just how profoundly this recession has shaken us to our core, forcing people throughout the United States to rethink what’s important and to wonder whether the “American Dream” is still within reach.
This must-read article focuses on a poll the magazine conducted asking Americans whether and how they’ve been affected by the recession. The results are staggering. Sixty-nine percent of those polled has lost their job, had their pay reduced, or knew someone who had. Many people said they feel the government betrayed them, and only 52 percent of those polled still believe that if you “work hard and play by the rules” you can succeed.
The poll also found some positive effects from the recession, with many Americans saying they are now volunteering for charities, reconnecting with friends and forming stronger relationships with their families.
I think the part of this story that strikes me most is where the magazine asked people about the “American Dream.” While 69 percent said they feel the American Dream is “somewhat broken,” 68 percent still say they don’t believe the American Dream is out of reach.
I didn’t need the Parade story to tell me that the recession has not killed our sense of optimism. I see it all the time with people in my district who keep finding ways to hold the American Dream in their sights no matter how much they struggle to keep their families and communities healthy and strong during this tough time. This optimism is what our country is founded on, and I truly believe that this sense of hope, along with the ingenuity, hard work and persistence Americans are known for, will get us through this crisis.
Check out the Parade piece if you have a few minutes and let me know your thoughts. Or just leave me a post about your thoughts on the American Dream. Do you still believe in it? What does it mean to you? I want to hear what you think.
A report in yesterday’s Parade Magazine shows just how profoundly this recession has shaken us to our core, forcing people throughout the United States to rethink what’s important and to wonder whether the “American Dream” is still within reach.
This must-read article focuses on a poll the magazine conducted asking Americans whether and how they’ve been affected by the recession. The results are staggering. Sixty-nine percent of those polled has lost their job, had their pay reduced, or knew someone who had. Many people said they feel the government betrayed them, and only 52 percent of those polled still believe that if you “work hard and play by the rules” you can succeed.
The poll also found some positive effects from the recession, with many Americans saying they are now volunteering for charities, reconnecting with friends and forming stronger relationships with their families.
I think the part of this story that strikes me most is where the magazine asked people about the “American Dream.” While 69 percent said they feel the American Dream is “somewhat broken,” 68 percent still say they don’t believe the American Dream is out of reach.
I didn’t need the Parade story to tell me that the recession has not killed our sense of optimism. I see it all the time with people in my district who keep finding ways to hold the American Dream in their sights no matter how much they struggle to keep their families and communities healthy and strong during this tough time. This optimism is what our country is founded on, and I truly believe that this sense of hope, along with the ingenuity, hard work and persistence Americans are known for, will get us through this crisis.
Check out the Parade piece if you have a few minutes and let me know your thoughts. Or just leave me a post about your thoughts on the American Dream. Do you still believe in it? What does it mean to you? I want to hear what you think.
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