Giving Thanks and Looking Ahead...

As we move past the election of 2010 and towards the new year of 2011, it is only right that we take a minute this week to reflect and be thankful. While many of us in Connecticut are upset at our election results in what was otherwise a national story, we still have much for which to be thankful. It is critical that we turn towards the future right now, that we do not become cynical, and that we learn from our mistakes and strive to improve in the future.

While our party suffered setbacks at home, we still should be thankful for the work and service of those around us. We are lucky to have business leaders and entrepreneurs, public servants and military heroes amongst the ranks of those willing to serve and work for the values that we hold dear. While it is upsetting that many of these individuals will not be representing us in Hartford or Washington in 2011, they will be here to work with us as we look towards the future, and specifically 2012. The experience and dedication of these individuals is truly something to be thankful for, and something we need to learn from and work with. Wouldn't it be tragic if we blamed our broad setbacks on the individual candidates that participated, rather than on the underlying problems we are all facing?

As we move towards 2011, we should stop and be thankful for the host of new young people that are realizing that the GOP is not a party of the rich, old, white man; but rather one that offers a broad platform with a wide range of ideas and views for shaping a better, stronger, safer tomorrow. These young republicans are the future. They are the energy that will push our ideas to the forefront and they will be the votes that ensure a strong and resilient party in the days to come. It is important that we embrace them, and use the network of schools and universities that call Connecticut home, to reach out and connect with them.

We should also be thankful that the national party has done well. They are continuing to push forward, and we should follow their example. While the Democrats have chosen to stick with the leadership of the past, we are having a vigorous debate centering on changing our party leadership. As we discuss who will run our party apparatus, our elected leaders are making changes to the system from the onset, and that is a good thing. The new Speaker has said he will fly commercial. This seemingly small gesture carries immeasurable weight as our nation looks to take a firmer hand at controlling spending. While this gesture may largely be symbolic, if this sets the tone for how our new Congress leads, I am thankful for it. Congress has also moved to ban earmarks, which is an often maligned process overall, but one that will be ultimately embraced when the money comes to our state. While we enjoy the direct benefits, the larger picture simply makes this process not workable at this time. Making difficult decisions such as these are what set leaders apart and following these examples, among others, will go a long way towards our success as a party and a state in the future.

As we sit with our families this holiday, let us all take a moment to give thanks to those who can't be with theirs because they are fighting for us. Thank each of those who put party and politics aside, who always find the positive, and never stop fighting for the ideals in which they believe. They set examples and that is the beacon for which we should aim in our own lives, service to ones country, an unfailing resolve, and a love of family and friends.

While 2010 hasn't gone exactly as we had hoped, if we learn from our mistakes, recognize our missteps, and work together, 2011 can go wherever we take it. This year has marked the first step towards a brighter future. The next step must come from Connecticut and our ability to reach out and embrace new plans. Stronger methods and wiser policies will take us forward in 2012, and for that let us all give thanks.

Chris Meek