Western Tribune column January 21 2009

From Today's paper:

The karma of the nation is changing, and just in the nick of time.

The “miracle on the Hudson,” as the recent jet crash in which all 155 people on board survived has been called, is the latest evidence. The nation is cheering.

The inauguration of President Barack Obama further advances the positive karma of the nation. A strong majority still have positive feelings about the new administration, in spite of all the trouble the country seems to be facing.

Of course I realize there are still those who do not believe. Why, just the other night, I was at a concert in Birmingham, and the people sitting behind me were doing their best to hold on to the negative feelings of the past, and pronouncing the Obama administration as a failure before it even gets started.

And day after day I receive comments on my blog reflecting the same negative outlook.

But most conservatives are cheering Obama on. They realize that the president needs the support of Republicans and Democrats alike in congress to solve the problems we face. They realize that without this support our country may slide into a territory from which we cannot emerge.

Even Cal Thomas, a conservative columnist with whom I rarely agree, is backing the new president.

“Good luck, God bless, and I hope you succeed in the things with which conservatives can agree. And on those things we cannot agree, I at least promise to be more than a naysayer and suggest how they might be done better.”

The time for “naysaying” is over.

After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, president George W. Bush had the support of everyone in the country. While his rush to an unjust war and shredding of the constitution diminished that support, at least he had a clean slate when he started.

Give Obama that chance. Quit complaining when there is not even anything to complain about. Join in the positive feeling the rest of the country is enjoying.

You might be surprised. As your outlook improves, your health will improve. As your health improves, you will feel better and your life with your family and friends will improve.

And you will be contributing positive energy to the karma that benefits us all.