I arrived in this valley in the early 1970s after searching for a place where my family and I could get away from the turbulent times of the 1960s. We were tired of the city and its pollution of body and soul and sought a home where we could be happy and safe. We found it. We found it along with others who were in similar circumstances.
We quickly discovered that it was going to be a struggle since our past experiences and lifestyle differed greatly from the locals who had been here for years. At first, they mistrusted us—us with our long hair and liberal values. It didn't seem like we would be able to fit in. Then, things changed.
We began working together. We began playing together. We went through hardships together. Our children played together. Soon, Moonhead the hippie and Rolf the skier came together with Joe the plumber and Steve the carpenter. We were different but, nonetheless, we became friends—good friends to this day.
Now, at the end of a bitter political campaign faced with a failing economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and improper health care that costs us a small fortune, we've come to another crossroad. We've arrived at another moment in our lives where we have to pull together. This will be another struggle for all of us and yet, as before, we can succeed.
No matter who will be chosen Tuesday to be in power in Washington, we can rejoice because of our home that we found years ago. We continue to live here with the friends and neighbors we discovered fresh from another disquieting time. We will continue to go through changes in unpredictable times, but we did it before and we can do it again.
Get out there and vote on Tuesday and then go sit down with friends and family and watch the results. No matter the outcome, know that you and your family and friends live in the most beautiful place in the world, your loved ones are safe and we have each other to get us through.
Besides, we have enough to worry about. We have to get through another winter. But, we'll do it together.
Nice talking to you.
