For The "Common Good"

We suspect that you will be hearing a great deal about "The Common Good" over the next months and years from the "new" congressional leaders.

(As a side note, this "national 'vote for change' " translated into a massive reelection of incumbents - as usual. This year's rate is around 96%.)

Hold on to your wallets. This "Common Good" work is code for transferring money to the special interest groups which elect the majority.

It will be a "difficult slog", but if you, unlike the majority of Americans, can hold onto an integrated philosophy of what is best for you, your family, and ALL citizens, you will prevail.

Unfortunately, most voters don't have a consistent, coherent political philosophy. They will pick and choose issues which benefit them and they really don't care about society as a whole. It's a contradictory patchwork; and it works for pandering politicians.

Americans seem to also have a taste for telling other what or what not to do. Referrenda on banning smoking, caging pets, extending zoning ordinances, etc. are more popular than ever - as long as it's the OTHER guy paying and getting regulated. Voters at the local level have tasted using government power to force others to their viewpoint and it makes them feel empowered.

Stay the course and do not be seduced. Stay active locally with your county, school board, lobrary board, fire district, etc.

Your taxes on a state and federal basis are going to be increasing more rapidly than ever before. Get prepared for it and work to ensure your local taxes are held in check.

Good luck, we're all counting on you.