Believe me when I say that we have a difficult time ahead of us.
But if we are to be prepared for it, we must first shed our fear of it.
I stand before you now, truthfully, unafraid.
Because I believe something you do not?
No!
I stand here because I remember.
I remember that I am here not because the path that lies before me, but because of the path that lies behind me.

Morpheus speaking to the people of Zion, from the film The Matrix Reloaded

As we initiate the New Year, ask yourself if you have core beliefs.  Its is easy to lose sight of those amidst the clatter of daily events. Here is a short list to contemplate:

1. Americans are a people with a great past.
2. The challenges ahead are no greater than those behind us. In fact, we need only value what Thomas Jefferson envisioned.
3. The American people always win when we pull and work together. 
4. We are what we envision ourselves to be.

This made me think of a post I wrote earlier this year – “I Talk To interesting People” (It’s true.  I do – all day long).  We have such hope.

“Wind is to Fire as Adversity is to Mankind”  –Anonymous

“Gotta Be Somebody” by Nickleback.

Happy New Year.  Are you with me?

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork