As we celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States of America,

we remain grateful for the remarkable insights of our Founders,

and for our ability to pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness…

…Yet, today, the U.S. is standing at a precipice. We must not look down, or over the cliff. Rather, as thinking Americans, we must not become entangled with the negatives, or be depressed (Yes, it is ALL a bit overwhelming), but, even as individuals, we must find ways to be part of solutions…

Major issues haunt us:

National and International Security – wars/conflicts; increasing threat of homegrown terrorism/ sleeper cells; possibility of long-range missile attacks.

Economic issues – inflation; cost of living; taxes; high interest rates; housing affordability; rising national debt/deficit; effect of trade restrictions/tariffs; product shortages.

Healthcare + affordability – good care/availability in many places, but not so much in others; increasing cost of insurance/denials of coverage; efficacy of medications; transgender ethics.

Illegal immigration – dealing with criminal aliens/deportation, while trying to be fair to the economic sectors that need workers; ugly ICE protests; obstructionist “sanctuary” cities…

Political polarization #1– demonstrations/riots/protests; paid agitators; college disruptions; Antisemitism; young people thinking they are fighting for a just cause, but ignorant of history  (and of what could happen to them, if they actually went to the countries they support).

Political polarization #2 – between and within our political parties. Conservativism vs. Progressivism (which really isn’t progressive OR liberal OR even “democratic”…)

Political polarization #3 – TDS (see below) = rifts between/estrangement of family/friends - often reflect fake news or mis- or slanted info. No desire to question sources or change perception.

Elections Integrity issues – fraud; too much $; non-citizens voting; clean up voter rolls(!)

TDS – new mental illness diagnosis. (No cure!)

Crime – increasing violence/damage; lone-wolf random/targeted shootings/attacks on schools/ religious institutions/events/parades.

Mental illness – plus drugs/homelessness.

Societal breakdown - decline of culture/morals/language/traditional behavior/common courtesy…

Education – substitution of community-defined levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, with non-mainstreampolitical agendas – i.e. indoctrinating the ignorant/opinionated/misdirected youth.

Parental Rights – info. re own children blocked; free speech prevented; custody threatened.

Cyber security – in general, and especially as targeting vital infrastructure…and then there’s AI’s murky future…

Climate change – without proof, but an emotional means of control over everyday life/decisions.

Social Security – and its future viability.  Likewise, Medicare/Medicaid, and the postal service…

Infrastructure breakdown – roads/bridges/water systems; funds redirected to political agendas.

POTHOLES

Etc. etc. etc. - because, of course, there’s much more…

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So, as you sit there and read the endless list, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s depressing…and just what am I supposed to do about ANY of that?  I can’t even have a civil discussion/conversation with my own son/daughter/relatives/or, for that matter, anyone, anymore!” 

ü  You may not be able to directly affect/fix any of what is going on – but you can stay informed.

ü  You may not be in a position to change policy - but you can write to your elected officials.

ü  The groups you belong to may not be as influential as you would like, but at least they represent like-minded people…so…keep up your membership(s) and attend their meetings – and bring another person with you!

ü  You can help out on campaigns - to elect common sense candidates who share your views…

ü  You may only be one vote – but you can get your friends and family to vote!

IT’S 2025 – AND LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER!!!!!

YOU CAN - YOU SHOULD - YOU MUST VOTE!!!!!!

FYI:  THE ELECTION IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025

COME JOIN US!   Become a CCRW member - and be a part of an informed, active, involved group of wonderful women (and some great guys…)

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to CCRW and to our Party.

Best, Dorothy Gotlieb, President, CCRW, 2024-25