Out of the Blue, I got a call at home on Tuesday evening. It was an "800" number so I almost didn't answer. Then I remembered that I'd had a discussion with my insurance carrier about a missing delivery... so maybe it was them?

     No... It was a recorded message from Suzanne Kosmos asking me "to participate in an important call on Wednesday evening where I could even ask personal questions about the issues at hand"! You betcha!!! ;-)  I had already been rolling over my disappointment in her changed vote on the Health Care after all the earlier publicity she put out against it, in my mind for several days! I was also upset about a lack of care from some about "our" cuts to the Space Program and semi-forgotten promises made earlier by others. I thought seriously all evening and the next day about what I would ask.

     As promised, I got the call and was connected on Wednesday evening... along with about 7000(?) other people! That's OK. Others points of view and ways of expressing them were very interesting. By the time I had a chance, my question had been answered so I passed. Aren't we blessed to have a system to be able to express ourselves freely about the actions our "representatives take in our behalf? Think of so many other countries that have no real  voice!

     Okay, so I still am not one bit happy with the Health "stuff" or the diminishing space role of our country. I am happy to be living in a country that lets me express my views and where acceptable changes may still come about if we pull together. I have always been so proud to live in this area, where so many fantastic accomplishments have come to pass, where most people are proud of their jobs and careers and so much good has come to all the world from the "discoveries" that developed from this very industry!

     Happy tears well up and I get goose bumps with every successful launch and shuttle return. Some locals have long taken all of this for granted. Not me.

     We all need to speak up and be heard. It is a privilege and a responsibility. Do your part to improve our area and nation. Talk to your neighbors, family and friends. Ask questions when you don't understand. Act like a citizen!