Summer is finally here and just in time. Everything seems to be rising: the temperature, our eyebrows at the gas pump, mo’ joe at Starbucks, our vibration in the Age of Aquarius…As John F. Kennedy said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Many may worry about our sluggish economy or brace for what may be the next “extinction level event.”

So, what can you do? Try planning some simple fun closer to your home like a picnic, a walk in a park, or game of baseball or volleyball in your own backyard. This is a great opportunity to not only save your money but strengthen the family bond.

America is a great country, where we all can make a difference. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are doing just this with new voters registering to vote and children 9, 10 and 11 years old showing interest in our political process. Times have not been as exciting for the Democratic Party since John F. Kennedy ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The Democratic nomination has been hotly contested and the media has given us a play-by-play countdown of the party process and how it might be a weakening factor for the party. Both candidates, Obama and Clinton, hold the firm belief that they have the plan for a better America and their battle for the presidential nomination is a result of their own deeply held belief that they can make our country better. When the primary is all over in August, it will be each Democrat’s personal responsibility to support whoever wins the nomination. That is what makes us a great nation.

Personal responsibility is also at the heart of the inspiring story of Frenchie Beckum. In this issue, you’ll learn about how he turned from a life of drug dealing to become one of the top car salesmen in the nation and an inspiration to students. You’ll learn about the Hmong and how they came to America to build a better life for themselves here.

In spite of a bad economy and the strain that it holds on our pockets, we know that change is brewing. We also know as Americans that we must believe in our country and that America is still the greatest nation for democracy and freedom. ¶