Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Here we are in January and there is no lack of conversational topics. Conversations range from excited to sad, doubtful to hopeful, serious to comedic, and the list goes on. Of course one of the main conversations will be about our new president Barack Obama; the forty fourth President of the United States of America. To many this is an extreme high, they foresee change and betterment. For others, they predict hard times no matter who the President is. Given the state of the economy it’s hard not to agree that we’re in for a struggle, however, for a few hours there will be a sense of optimism and celebration with the installation of Obama becoming a memory we will all carry with us forever.

Another conversation that is gathering momentum is the question on all football fans minds; who are going to be the teams in this years forty third Super Bowl in Tampa on February 2^nd? Fans of the four teams that are competing to become the final two are optimistic their team will survive and enjoy thrill of victory not the agony of defeat which was so aptly put on the ABC Television’s old Wild World of Sports show which aired every Saturday.

The two teams that will play in the Super Bowl stand at the pinnacle of professional footballs biggest event and optimism runs high amongst their fans. For the fans and the players in that game that will become a memory they will have forever.

In a sense these type things could seem insignificant in light of the current status of the world and the struggles people are facing, but without something that brings excitement and optimism like a new President and the spectacle of the Super Bowl, life would be quite grim. Look around, this is January and there are new officials being sworn in to office in cities and towns across the country, the Governor just gave his state of the state speech and it is time for optimism and new beginnings. In Yachats for example there is a new Mayor, Ron Brean, and two new city councilors Annette Howarth and David Rieseck. These are unpaid and voluntary positions that require a lot of time and dedication. Waldport as well just swore in their City Officials.

Now without optimism for the future none of these people would be taking oaths. We all could benefit from watching and learning from these people, things might be tough and it can be devastating at times, but it’s also time to be optimistic and hope for the best. It does no good to just sit and complain!

It’s a new year! Enjoy, be optimistic and think positive!

To reach Rick Schultze email yarick@pioneer.net