Recognize the Good; Work for Better

We have to stop to take note of the good that exists all around us, and then after that assessment, think about how you will work for better.

I've seen a lot of good in my life, good that includes the following:

• hard working mom and dad who made and spent their money wisely to be able to afford a nice home and college educations for my siblings and me.
• education laws that provide support for students with learning disabilities.
• laws that equalized sports funding for girls and boys in public schools.
• high quality public and private schools
• beautiful national parks and public lands
• public supports via social security, medicare, housing, food access, and more--supports that help those that need it
• freedom to be who you are, say what you want, and live as you choose
• positive public health initiatives which have saved lives and made lives better
• good health care and medical advances
• easy access to information, music, film, and more via technology
• multiple transportation options
• readily available nutritious food and clean water

I live a good life thanks, in part, to all of this good. Yet I see opportunity for betterment in so many areas including the following:

• Dealing with guns as a public health issue and finding ways to reduce, regulate, and restrict gun use so that we don't lose innocent lives via unsafe and irresponsible gun use.
• Working to alleviate all kinds of prejudice so that every person can live in ways they choose as long as they don't hurt or harm others.
• Providing greater supports to people who face challenges. I am particularly interested in looking for ways that we can help children who are not cared for more.
• Making environmental protection laws and efforts greater so that everyone is assured clean water, clean soil, clean air, and beautiful, natural lands for recreation and inspiration.

I hate to see time and energy wasted by those who do not do their jobs or live up to the oaths they took to do their best to preserve and protect our country and people. I hate to see time wasted on poor process, ineffective collaboration, no vision, and selfish motives. 

President Trump has exemplified the worst of what leaders can do, and that is to disrespect, demean, and lie to the people. No one is perfect, but everyone can work to be more respectful and do a better job by living up to the expectations of that work.

When we take a close look at the good, it propels us to work for the better too. We can do better, and we will achieve good results if everyone contributes what they can when they can to elevate life for self and others.