From the President: A Tough Year but a Time to Give

by Jennifer Little

Twenty-ten was a year of tough economic news and political bombshells at the ballot box. It was a year of miraculous rescues in Chile and exciting Olympic and World Cup sporting events. The year revealed a worldwide spirit of philanthropic giving to the Haitian survivors as well as an alarming crime surge on both sides of our Southwestern border. We saw the largest oil spill in history and its devastating ecological and economic impact on our southern coastline. We saw the five-year anniversary of Katrina and the continuing struggle of those citizens to rebuild schools, infrastructure and homes.

Just as Thanksgiving arrived, a grateful nation watched President Barack Obama present the Medal of Honor for bravery to the first living recipient, Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta. He charged into a “wall of bullets” on an Afghanistan battlefield to shoot down two Taliban fighters carrying away his wounded comrade. The President described Giunta as “humble as he is heroic” and added “when you meet Sal . . . you are just absolutely convinced this is what America is all about and it just makes you proud.”

I like to think that, this year, more Americans have been looking past the material things of life to the profound values and virtues of liberty both here and abroad. Those who criticize America ought to look at the miseries of foreign people who have seen their liberties and opportunities vanish under the heel of dictatorial oppression.

I believe there are concrete signs our President and Congress will begin to tackle the serious task of cutting our huge national debt and budget deficit in order to make our nation economically sound and more globally competitive.

DeKalb County felt the burden of our economic times, and our commissioners and CEO spent much of the year in negotiations to save county jobs while protecting the resources we rely on. Massive retirements and budget cuts, school board issues, CRCT test scores and police corruption cases have dominated the evening TV news and diminished the county’s reputation statewide. But while much of 2010 has been dismal, we have a new year to look forward to. We have a great county in DeKalb and we have much to be thankful for.

Undoubtedly we have all been affected by the recession, but we have the ability to find some way to give, even if just a little. Children should not have to go without a holiday, and there will be children who suffer if we do not find a way to contribute. As in years past, the DeKalb Bar Association is donating to a charity. Our charity for this holiday season is the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club. We ask that you donate an age-appropriate gift with a price limit of $15 each. You may bring your gift to the Holiday Party or submit it to Cindy Harris no later than December 10. The DeKalb County Drug Court holiday gift drive sponsors 30+ children each year. If you would like to adopt a child or make a donation, please contact Kim Brock, 404-371-2703, or kabrock@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Happy Holidays! We are looking forward to a great 2011 with many new events in store.