The Vision

Written by: Dr. Tim Merrick on May 12, 2006 5:40 PM EDT

For Realizing the Vision of Tomorrow, Our Work is Now!

Dear Friends,

As a successful professional and businessperson for 25 years, I have seen many ventures fold when they failed to adequately plan for the future.

It's easy to react to crises, whether as a business or a government. But when long term vision fails it's only a matter of time before the organization follows.

Have we lost our vision of the future? It's so easy to get caught up in the crises we face:

--- Thousands dying in a war of lies,

--- The high costs of petroleum consumption (economic and human),

--- Lack of health coverage--even when we have insurance,

--- Out of control government spending,

--- The galloping increase in taxes and fees and what we don't get for them,

--- Inability to earn a living wage.

These are serious problems that our State and Federal governments have failed us on. It is a huge reason why we need to elect leaders who represent the People of the North Country and not the interests of multi-national corporations that have no commitment to our way of life.

BUT WAIT!!! If we become reactionary, we will fail to create the sustainable social well-being called The American Dream.

We've got to be concerned with more than just paying our bills. I see us thriving, not just surviving!

I see a future where our resources are spent cultivating sustainability:

---Alternative energy that is affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly,

---Preventive and wellness health care to avoid the need of costlier "Sick Care,"

---Universal health care coverage that guarantees equal access,

---Community growth models that protect the environment, culture, and local business,

---Quality education with access to college for everyone,

---Business structure and support that fosters independent, local entrepreneurs.

In looking to the future, , there is no greater need than the investment in our children. They will carry on where our work leaves off. They need to be healthy, nurtured and educated.

We need a living wage so we can spend more time with our children, not higher salaries for corporate CEO's.

We need real Health Care coverage for every child right now, not denials from insurance companies that increase their stock value.

We need quality in education at every level not the failed promises of the "No Child Left Behind" fiasco.

We need broader access to higher education. Student loans and grants are being cut just when they need to be expanded.

It's a sad commentary of our society's value of education that our teachers have historically been highly educated, and poorly compensated. My father was an educator, I know how hard he worked and what we sacrificed. Yet some still resent the salaries and benefits teachers receive. That misperception needs a makeover big-time.

A rounded education is the basis of "sustainable culture."

We need to rebuild our government. A government founded on values of a just and sustainable world. If you see these values at work in Washington and Albany, then relax. Go shop at Wal-Mart.

If you know our government's values are failing, join us:

Ø Dr. Bob Johnson for US Congress
Ø Dr. Tim Merrick for NY Senate
Ø Andrew Brockway for NY Assembly

Together we can--and must--take back our country. It will take every one of us pulling ourselves--and our neighbors--out of disempowerment; standing up for our values. We know YOU can do it!

Let's get working! Let's get talking! Let's start making the change!

With Zeal,

Dr. Tim Merrick
VoteMerrick@charter.net

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Location: Plattsburgh, NY 12901