The World Needs 'Mud Therapy'

Last week was a very difficult week for all of us. With the horrible events at Virginia Tech (my brother and nephew are alumni), another horrible week in Iraq (hundreds of innocent people killed and many more of our brave military killed in action), continued failure on the part of our leaders in the country to lead, inadequate testimony from a fallen Attorney General who "can't remember" more than 72 times in sworn testimony. All of the above saddened me.

But on Friday night I found some therapy in the Mud Season Talent Show. For two hours we were entertained by our local community of men, women and children who all are extremely talented, full of life, hope, dreams, love for what they were doing, full of pride in themselves and the community. The energy, effort, talent, all made my heart sing and my spirit soar. It reminded me of how wonderful it is to live in this town with its wonderful people, wonderful families and wonderful community spirit. Yes, we are going through some hard times, but in the middle of all the sadness this group effort reminded me that there is hope. Hope in ourselves, our families, our children and our community. Hope that rang out from Chandler's stage, hope in the voices, the instruments, the dances that were so wonderfully performed. This "mud therapy" worked its magic. I felt rejuvenated.

What I hoped for as I left to return home was that the leaders of this country could wake up and get it right so that the young people, so vibrant on the stage, can live out their hopes. The Republicans, the Democrats, the Independents all need to work together and not continue to fight each other. In the words of Lee Iacocca, "I have hope. I believe in America" but "You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action."

So, for the sake of the community, the children and families that make up this community, "take action" don't be silent, let the leaders of this country know how you feel about their lack of leadership so that the spirit of "mud therapy" can continue to do its magic for a very long time.

Lou DiNicola
Randolph