As I gear up for re-election, I want to pass along some thoughts I have. You are all good people and your help has always been a part of any success I have had.
When I look around to see what is going on in the state and the nation, I am shocked at what I see. Day after day we read about crime that years ago was unheard of – people killing people for no reason. The workplace is now a shooting gallery. Men and women are taking the lives of fellow workers and we don’t know why. School shootings are now common. Young men and women who, for no reason we know of, are killed by a person or persons who are part of our society. We ask the question “Why?”
Our economy is growing at a rate faster than we have seen in years. Unemployment is at an all time low. If you want a job, there seems to be one out there for you – then why aren’t we happy or satisfied? Why are we so upset with our lives that we take out our frustrations and anger on others?
Here is my answer. We have lost our moral conscience. We don’t respect one another and the gap between the haves and the have-nots has become huge. Our churches have lost their credibility. Our nation has lost belief in basic values – simple things go by the board. We don’t say “please” or “thank you”. We have lost respect for our leaders. When does this end?
My hope is that we wake up and take a look at what really counts – family, respect for others and a willingness to make a difference. We need leaders who are willing to lead. I have been in the public sector for most of my adult life. My family has paid a price for this and yet we have tried to make a difference. My hope is that more will come forward and become givers, not takers, and will try to make this a better world.
Remember, there is an election coming up. Look at all the candidates. We need to vote to keep the dream alive and well.
Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, a democrat, is running for re-election in District 20.
