Let's All Work Together

Two stories dominate the airwaves today.

The first is the continuing efforts of all the volunteers, people, corporations, non-profits  and agencies who have provided services, comfort, food, clothing and shelter to those devastated by the hurricane.

The second is the strong turnout at the polls on election day.

In today's presidential election, voters are out early in great numbers; voting lines were particularly long at 6 AM in many districts across the country.

So, we are discovering that both the recovery from the storm disaster and today's election  are forcing people to come together. 

But simply coming together does not mean that we are learning to work together for a common cause.

What is the message from these two events?

We, as a nation of people with strong regional and political differences, must demand from our elected officials of both parties--whoever is elected today-- to bury the hatchets.

 We must demand them to cross the aisles of Congress to reach a consensus of agreement on the important issues that face us: the economy, unemployment, education, health care and the environment. (See my recent blog on reducing the congressional gridlock.)

What can we do ameliorate the recurring weather phenomena?

We must demand that our representatives begin to respect the environment and  global changes in weather patterns-- whether they believe in global warming or not.

We must respect the recommendations of scientists and other experts to curb and ameliorate the causes of the strange repetitive weather phenomena.

There will be much pain in the long run to many fossil fuel companies...

But finding and exploiting renewable energy sources is inevitable.

That is the mandate.

As a strong reminder, there is another storm,-- a northeaster that is on its way-- and coastal communities are being ordered to evacuate.

Wake up, America!