By Angela Speir Phelps
November 24, 2010
Change is all around us – particularly at this time of year as we bear witness to the beautiful changing seasons. The recent elections also brought change on the political landscape.
When the 2011 legislative session begins in January, Georgia will boast one of the largest freshman classes of legislators since 2002. I am inspired by our great democracy at work and reminded on Veteran’s Day that millions of men and women throughout our country’s history have paid a very high price so that we may be allowed the privilege to vote. Our veterans, and the men and women presently serving in the military – and their families – have paid a high price for our freedom.
As I write this column, our veterans and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weigh on my mind. We have so much to be proud of and thankful for – our freedom, our families, the beauty and hope of America, and much more than I can enumerate in this column. That pride and hope is a constant for me – as I believe it is for most Americans. Many things may change – but that remains the same.
Our country has fought many battles, and we stand together to fight the economic battle we’re now facing on all fronts – job loss, decreasing home values, increasing healthcare costs, and increasing cost of living including the cost to light and heat our homes.The great recession has made its indelible mark on our lives – changing how many of us handle our finances forever. It has also been the catalyst for change.
It’s been said that adversity introduces us to ourselves. America has faced adversity throughout our history – overcoming it time and time again through the strength, character, and resolute determination of the American people. As history has taught us, adversity also has the capacity to make us stronger and more resilient. There are many changes underway but the constant of hope, strength, courage, and character that makes our country great perseveres.
As the calendar changes from 2010 to 2011 – Georgia Watch will persevere in our efforts to protect Georgians’ pocketbooks. We stand steadfast in our conviction that the power of the people is one of our country’s greatest assets. We will continue to be the consumer watchdog at the Capitol – advocating for greater consumer protections and transparency. We will represent consumers’ interests in the utility cases before the Public Service Commission and we will work hard to educate consumers about their rights.
We are thankful for the opportunity to fight the good fight on behalf of the citizens of our state. We owe nothing less than that to all who paid the price for us by fighting for our freedom. Their sacrifice gave us the right to stand up and speak up for what we believe is right. We will do so and we ask that you stand with us and support us. We are thankful to you for your support and ask that you contribute if you can to support our work. This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for you and we wish you and your loved ones a very happy, blessed Thanksgiving.