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The presidential election of just over a year ago was about change.  Americans were tired of the ways of Washington, and many believed in the candidate’s message of change.  He won impressively, but not with a mandate.  In fact, there was nothing specific laid out on the campaign trail.  Change in attitude, openness and fairness were the recurring themes fed to people hungry for something different.

Change came so quickly.  The vault was open, and money was being shoveled out the door faster than it could be printed.  The Stimulus package, including the takeover of GM and Chrysler. Cash for Clunkers, which sold more foreign cars than US brands.  Cap and Trade, taxes and fees that will put our industries at a competitive disadvantage and cost consumers more for energy.  Plus the now infamous Health Care Reform bill, the legislative disaster that demonstrated how poorly politicians listen to their constituents.  These are not solutions; they are part of the problem 

While those elected by us are following their own agendas, the people of this country are crying for jobs, so we can get the workforce back on its feet and get the economy going, then growing, again.  The simple truth is the people have lost confidence in the government’s willingness and ability to do the right thing.   

Spending is out of control and the debt is dangerously high.  The question is when will the politicians get a handle on financial issues?  Many of us want the government to slow down, examine their priorities and then go about the peoples’ business.  Yet the pleas from concerned citizens continue to be  ignored.  No wonder trust in our elected representatives has dropped so low.  No wonder protests, town hall meetings and grass root movements are so popular with the people but not the politicians.  No wonder incumbents of both parties facing November elections are worried about being booted out of office.

Politicians must start using common sense, forget about pet projects and, for God’s sake, when the time comes to bring up legislation, work together with those across the aisle to bring the people something we can believe in.  In the meantime, Washington needs to create an atmosphere were businesses, large and small, are willing to re-invest in the future of America by putting people back to work.  That’s real change. 

Isn’t this what New Seniors like us want and expect?  We need to let our elected representatives know how we feel on the issues that matter to each of us.  While we may account for less than 15 percent of the population, those 65+ deliver nearly 30 percent of the vote in primaries and off-year elections.  We are the people who can change things.

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This is not a reflection of an over-inflated group ego, rather it is simply a fact that people 65+ have the life experience and the understanding that comes from growing up in more traditional and civil times.  Therefore, our generation can bring some much needed common-sense to the problems all Americans face today.  We know that fighting amongst ourselves is fruitless and tearing down our institutions or ignoring the things that made our country great will weaken us more than any external enemy possibly could.

But many New Seniors are worried more about themselves than ever before.  They wonder why the government is willing to bypass Social Security increases for the next couple of years, even though Congress has voted to give themselves cost of living raises.  And, they find it hard to believe that the Medicare budget is going to be slashed by more than $500 billion with these dollars being spent on other, more important, programs.  There is a growing impression that the legislators have forgotten their promises to us.  They forgot who produced goods and supplied services for the past 50 years or more and paid taxes for all that time.  Is the government ready to turn away from us just when we are at the age of needing more help and more care?

I recently talked with two gentlemen about these issues; the results support my previous observations.  One of them thought nothing could be done.  He believed the “system” is working against us, because we are not earning income and no longer contribute to the tax base.  We are, in his mind, a burden on society.  His somber attitude suggested he had given up. The other fellow became increasingly upset as the conversation continued.  He argued that those over 65 have become complacent, a herd of sheep if you will.  His reaction was to get mad.  Mad as hell, like the old newscaster in the movie, Network.  He didn’t offer a plan, but he sure displayed a lot of emotion.

These fellows represent the extremes of the issue.  The solution lies in the great gray area between these two black and white opinions.  We are not helpless and hapless individuals at the mercy of the government or anyone else.  And, it’s not our nature to sit around and complain while waiting for others to take action on our behalf.

We New Seniors have power.  The power of our convictions; we know what’s right and what’s wrong.  The power of our voices; we must write, make calls and stand up for the things we are passionate about.  And the power of our votes; the products we buy, the places where we shop and the politicians we elect need to be made aware of what we believe, what we want and what we will do if they don’t take us seriously.

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Losing weight would be nice and allow me to get into some of the clothes I have hanging in the closet for the day when I shed those extra pounds.  This would also keep my doctor from delivering his lecture every time I visit his office.  At my wife’s suggestion, I did reduce my waistline last year by cutting back on calories, but I certainly could do more.  Maybe adding moderate exercise, such as walking, to my daily routine and making healthier eating selections will produce results without causing me to center my life on food intake and a schedule of physical activities. 

The truth is I don’t really want to apply the discipline or take on the responsibility to do something another person thinks would be good for me.  I like my lifestyle and I like what I eat.  And, since my overall health is good, why should I want to deprive myself of good food and engage in the kind of exercise I once enjoyed but no longer feel compelled to do?  I guess the answer is, at age 73, to take on commitments that are designed to please me while not disturbing the lives of others – actions that make me feel better and allows those I come in contact with to feel better too.  It’s simpler and provides a greater chance of achieving success.  

So here are the resolutions I made for 2010:
1. Spend more time with friends
2. Make new friends and bring them into the circle of friends
3. Attend every school and sporting event involving my grandchildren
4. Let loved ones know they’re loved through words and actions
5. Get together with family members more often
6. Take a more active role in my community
7. Volunteer to help those in need or might benefit from my experience
8. Learn something new every day by reading, watching and doing
9. Laugh more and complain less
10. Consider eating wiser and engaging in an exercise program.

I think I can keep these resolutions.  In fact, these are promises I will make to myself  and do my best not to break.  The only exception is number 10, although I will at least consider it.

Let’s hope this year will be one of individual happiness, good health and prosperity.  And it turns out to be a year in which our nation experiences a resurgence of tried and true traditions, a return to common-sense solutions to our common problems and the re-birth of the American dream.  Happy New Year.