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Setting Out Together
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Jan 19, 2005 Posted by Rich HarwoodGuest: Diana Aviv, President/CEO, Independent Sector
This week marks the 55th Presidential Inauguration. For some, it is a time of celebration, for others, apprehension. For all of us, it is an opportunity to refine priorities, voice concerns, and begin the important work of shaping our collective future. If you want to be part of history, you cannot watch from the sidelines. You have to make history happen. And how do we do that? By learning about the issues that affect our lives and impact our democracy, by getting involved, by helping set our national course, and by writing the next chapter in America’s history through our words and deeds.
There are some very big challenges on America's communal table: a massive federal deficit in the face of undiminished domestic needs; deep concerns about the casualties caused by our continued engagement in Iraq; and an ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots.
At the core of resolving these issues is our collective understanding of the social compact between the governors and the governed. The answer we seek cannot be determined by a few. An active and engaged citizenry is critical as we move forward, and we are certain to travel furthest if we set out together.