Here & There Column 12-25-07

Is "Politically Correct" The Way To Go?


In seven days New York State, Sullivan County and all of America will celebrate the beginning of the New Year 2008.
This can be accomplished by using two very different types of statements or written words.
Some prefer to say......"please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the turn of our calendar year, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to observe calendar or secular traditions at all.........we also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but now without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures."
The above is the so-called "Politically Correct" way to send New Year's greetings.........we prefer to say Happy New Year and may God bless you and yours in 2008.
We take this approach and say that the New Year is a time to look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead......our country must continue to reach out to the needy in our world and America must continue to stand strong again terrorism.
We all have big dreams. We all want success in our finances, relationships, health and careers so we must set clear and specific goals for every aspect of our lives.
The complicated "Politically Correct" movement in our midst does not allow us to personally be committed to making our nation strong and allow it to grow as our forefathers designed it to do. Here is a 2008 wish list that we can easily endorse.
Spend more time with family and friends......vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.
Keep yourself in physical shape......establish some form of daily exercise.......eat right and enjoy life more......exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.
Enjoy life more, get away from the hectic, stressful lifestyles....this is an important step to a happier and healthier you.
Learn something new.......it could be a career change or learning a new language....challenge your mind in the coming year and your horizons will expand.
Learn to help others.......make it a non-selfish New Year's resolution....volunteerism can take many forms......you could help out at your local library, or enjoy mentoring a child.....there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.
As 2008 comes in the door bring along God as your co-pilot.......this could prove to be one of the best steps you take in the New Year.
Happy New Year and may God Bless You and Yours in 2008.