This is not about politics. It’s about making a commitment to the future of our country.
That’s what I tried to explain when a fellow Democrat expressed surprise that I’d decided to volunteer for OFA. He asked me, “Why would you want to volunteer for Obama? Congress won’t let him get anything done.”
My answer was, “That’s exactly why I’m doing it. President Obama has our back. We need to have his.”
I’ve always believed in President Obama and still do. I believe he’s more focused on people than politics, just one of the reasons he has my support. You may have a different viewpoint and I respect that. In fact, I welcome the opportunity to talk about it. That’s what the democratic process is all about: speaking up, exchanging ideas and solving problems together in a civilized debate.
Something else I believe in is the power of one person to make a difference. I’m more sure of that than ever after training to volunteer for OFA and meeting a group of incredibly smart, involved citizens.
I’m excited about what our team will be doing to help educate and engage voters. Especially at a time when our country is paralyzed by political polarization, every step we take toward a better future matters. We owe it to ourselves to be informed on the issues — especially those that matter most to us as individuals — and support the people and policies we believe in.
Can one vote make a difference? Yes, it can. Can one person’s voice make a difference? Yes, it can.
As a country, can we put politics aside and focus on a united effort to improve our future? Yes, we can.
I often find myself asking, “Why do some people think their time is more valuable than anyone else’s?”
About four times a year I work with someone who is a chronic rescheduler. The moment we book a meeting I know it will change — usually an hour or less before the meeting time. We typically play a few rounds of this game before the meeting happens.
We’ve all been there. How many of us have waited for hours in a doctor’s office or taken an afternoon off to be home for a repairperson?
Believe me, I realize people get busy. I’d rather my doctor spend quality time with me — even if that means keeping me waiting to extend the same courtesy to other patients. But the doctor who habitually booked three patients for the same time slot and then showed up late? I stopped going to her.
The idea that someone’s time is more valuable because they’re your “superior” just doesn’t sit well with me. Things happen, unexpected delays can come up. If you’re, say, the President of the United States or equivalent, I’ll wait for you all day.
But if you’re simply a chronic schedule abuser, it may be time to think about the way you plan your days and the people you’re keeping waiting. Just because you feel superior (or actually are, literally, their superior) doesn’t mean their time isn’t valuable.
If only I could charge a fee to people who chronically keep me waiting. That would put a tangible value on my time that anyone could understand, wouldn’t it?
Detroit is due for some good times.
Seriously, we’re overdue. Detroit has recently faced some of the toughest times in its history. But Detroiters are tougher than anything you can put in front of us.
High unemployment in every sector, from automotive to what was, for a while, a burgeoning film industry. Urban blight. High crime rates. A struggling education system. One of the worst housing markets in the country. The list goes on.
But through all this, we never stopped fighting. As I said on the day Campbell-Ewald lost the Chevy account after one of the longest professional partnerships in history: “Detroiters are scrappy. We’ll get through this.”
And we are getting through this. Yes, we had some help, but there’s nothing wrong with that. The auto industry is turning around – even reporting profits. Ad agencies are hiring again (and some of the Chevy business has returned). New tech endeavors are taking off. Creatives are fighting to keep the film/TV industry alive while continuing to grow a lively visual and performing arts community. Even the Lions are doing well (I don’t follow sports, but I know this is a big deal).
We still have work to do. But Detroit is proof that smart solutions can work. We were helped by government stimulus, but now we’re moving forward on our own power. Detroit power. Never count us out. Because Detroiters are never down for the count.
