Tough times in America were always like a ball team who finished a difficult season in last place.  The rules of the game remained a constant.  The Constitution was the rulebook.  Even though struggling through a losing season, sportsmanship kept us playing by the rules.  Winning with honor and dignity was the only option.  There was no thought of “stretching,” changing, or omitting the rules for the sake of victory.  Winning at all costs never entered the thought process.  Instead, perseverance became the measure of character and like the American Dream; there was always the hope for next season.  It sustained us.  It motivated us.   We had hope for a change.  But it had nothing to do with altering the distance between bases, granting a batter four strikes, or shortening the distance between the pitcher’s mound and home plate.   Our hope was cemented in the integrity of the game and the idea that if we just work harder and apply ourselves in the off-season, good things would happen with the fresh dawn of spring.

Will this be a new season of promise for America or will we remain locked in the winter of our discontent, isolated  like a lone blue and silver Bud Light can lying forlorn in the gutter.  Will we continue complaining about the past season, bemoaning management, the coaching, the moves made by the general manager?  The easiest and least productive thing to do is to merely complain.  Complaining locks us into a steady state of ineffectiveness.  We must endeavor as in the past to take the measures necessary to improve our game.  We must initiate actions now, both as individuals and as a team to actualize our hope for the next season of the American Dream.

Now is indeed the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.  Many have already done so by involving themselves in the political process as candidates, protesting on street corners, letter-writing and phone calling.  Many have started attending city council meetings, school board meetings, and county government sessions.  But it takes a team with commitment to win a World Series.  All the players must be ready to take up the challenge, not just a few.

America,  will you sit idly alone in a musty locker room, head in your hands, bemoaning the last season while a few others have resolved to work harder and longer toward the hope of next season or will you get out there on the field, in the streets, on the telephone lines and in the politician’s offices?   The opportunity of spring is upon us.

Vet--despite your hard work and efforts, Mr.Kidd's hard work and efforts, and everyone else who has participated and blogged, there has been no result that has had stay power or enegized the public.