A Moment with Mike for December 31st, 2008

As we prepare to embark on a new year, our State and Nation are facing challenging times. Many of us find ourselves struggling to make ends meet, keep our businesses running and keep our families safe and secure. The fear of losing jobs or financial security, distrust of leaders, and uncertainty of what is to come permeates our thoughts.

Peggy Noonan, an editorialist for the Wall Street Journal, in a recent article, states that the most disturbing undercurrent at “the heart of the great collapse” has become “a strong sense of absence” of leadership, of will, of strength and of character. She points out, however, that this is not the time to “throw in the towel” or accept an attitude of “oh well, I guess we will all go down with the ship”. We must now remember who we are. We are the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, the leading industrial power of the world and the wealthiest nation in the world. We are the world’s oldest continuing democracy under an enduring Constitution. People still want to come here by the millions to attend our universities, to work in our businesses and to live in our communities. We are still a very powerful , very charitable and very industrious nation.

Ms. Noonan also reminds us that in times of crisis, pain, worry and fear that we have “an extraordinary, brilliant and enduring base.” We are a nation of achievers, of builders, of innovators, of inventors and of leaders. We have the ingenuity, the flexibility, the strengths of a national economy, a labor force blessed with human talent and resources and an American people that have intelligence, integrity and honor.

We have been living beyond our means for some time. That is why bubbles burst, markets drop and fear sets in. What is needed now is not an attitude of fear and distrust. We must re-awaken the American spirit with the ideals, the ingenuity and that drive to succeed, to build and to create that has sustained this nation for well over 200 years. Right here in the Heartland, we are citizens who exemplify that frontier spirit and that drive to succeed.

With your continued support, advice and counsel I am looking forward to the 2009 Session and to working on legislation that will continue to improve the lives of Missourians. Incoming House Speaker Ron Richard has already outlined a “family recovery plan” for 2009 that focuses on pocketbook issues such as job creation, property taxes and raising living standards, all tangible benefits for Missourians. I believe that we can overcome this crisis and show that Missourians are prepared to shoulder the burden, lead the charge and set the standard.

If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 114B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.