"Voinovich's View": In the Season of Giving, Give of Yourself

As Janet and I prepare for Christmas with our family, we find much to be thankful for, even in these difficult economic times. We are grateful for our family, our health, our country and all of the opportunities and freedoms with which we are blessed.

We are deeply aware, however, of the uncertainty that looms over what should be a wonderful time of year.

This year, our nation’s families face the most economic uncertainty they have seen in decades. Many Ohioans are struggling to just pay the bills this year, let alone thinking about buying Christmas presents for their children and loved ones.

This year, if you are fortunate enough to celebrate a Christmas much in the same fashion as in years past, I would like to encourage you to reach out to those around you. People need their spirits lifted, and I firmly believe that the greatest way to bring hope to the hearts of the downtrodden is by serving those around you.

In that spirit, I have compiled a list of organizations throughout Ohio that could use your help or donations this year, and I hope you will look to these, or similar organizations, to help make somebody’s Christmas just a little bit brighter.

South[west] Ohio: Two of the most obvious needs of those struggling to make ends meet are food and clothing, and food banks definitely could use help and donations this holiday season. Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank is one of Ohio’s largest, serving about 160,000 people and providing holiday meals for more than 37,000 people annually. They provide food and clothing to 450 non-profit agencies in 20 counties across three states, which then distribute the goods to people in need throughout the year. The Freestore Foodbank even has a Kids Café program that provides evening meals for hungry children. Those looking to donate food or volunteer time should visit their Web site at www.freestorefoodbank.org.

Northwest Ohio: By volunteering through the Meals on Wheels program, you can deliver food to hungry families and bring cheer to those with whom you visit. The Toledo branch in particular is looking for holiday help through the end of December. This is the perfect service opportunity for a family or small group. For more information, visit www.volunteersolutions.org/toledo/org.

Central Ohio: The Marine Toys for Tots program has established the collection and distribution of toys in communities where a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. They collect new, unwrapped toys each year, and distribute them as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. And this year in particular, the Toys for Tots program has been in need of donations. More information about how to donate can be found at www.toysfortots.org.

Northeast Ohio: If you’re looking to lend a hand in improving the lives of the sick and their families, the Lutheran Hospital, a part of the Cleveland Clinic system, welcomes volunteers interested in a challenging and rewarding experience. The hospital relies on its volunteers for clerical support, fund raising, patient transport services and more. Additional information can be found at www.lutheranhospital.org.

Southeast Ohio: The “Share-A-Christmas” program in Tuscarawas County has come together to serve more than 4,300 residents during the holiday season, and they’re looking for last-minute food donations this year. Donations may be dropped off at Tuscora Park pavilion December 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food will also be accepted December 17 and 18 as the baskets are prepared in the pavilion. On December 19, more than 600 baskets will be distributed to needy families. Cash contributions for meat, produce and clothing vouchers are being accepted as well, and can be delivered or mailed to Share-A-Christmas, 1458 5th St. NW in New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663.

I hope the suggestions I’ve shared have ignited an awareness of the needs in your community and a desire to help those around you. All of this information is available on my Web site as well, http://voinovich.senate.gov, under “News Center” and “Sen. Voinovich’s Columns.”

Oftentimes, it is simply a matter of seeing a need and realizing that you can help fill that need. Believe me, you can truly make a difference. Please help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter by lending your time and resources. After all, it is the season of giving.

To receive Sen. Voinovich’s e-newsletter, sign up at http://voinovich.senate.gov

Is The Sky Falling?

I have to say that I am perplexed. Anxious even. In my entire life of political involvement I have never seen such levels of negativity. Going through earlier presidential campaigns as a volunteer, beginning with Goldwater, my memories of earlier political skirmishes are mixed with nostalgic memories of 'the good old days'.

It has also been a very active season out on the trail. This week we have seen blistering attacks bombarding from everywhere. Anybody want a little cheese with that whine? For me, it has a week of great highs with Sarah Palin sweeping in and energizing our base and then a bummer of start with Colin Powell turning on Senator McCain. Of course, General Powell is entitled to support anyone he wishes but his lack of loyalty to his party will not soon be forgotten. The whisper campaign that nobody talks about, coming from the Obama side is just as caustic and their smug sense of 'we've got this one in the bag' is annoying. I don't care how smooth the messenger is, isn't anyone listening to the message?

The message is pretty simple. A vote for Obama is vote for socialism, it is that simple. And his brand of politics of 'spreading the wealth' or reallocating of assets comes down to taking it away from those who have earned it to people who don't. If you think this economic crises is all the fault of "W" then you are grossly mistaken. When Obama and the army of taxmen that will accompany him to power will definitely change our American Way of Life. Are you ready for that? Is that really what you want? I predict that our taxes will grow so high, that your take home pay will shrink to 50% or less. Wait and see.

Of course true conservatives have seen this nightmare scenario in their dreams for years. Some of us have wailed the cry. Some of us have stood up and said enough is enough. For me, I am not quite so sure that B. Obama has it all wrapped up. I believe in my heart of hearts that there are people like me out there who will go the extra mile to protect our way of life.

With only 16 days left, we have time to spread our message, and get our people to vote. We are always looking for volunteers and our phone banks are jamming! Every time I visit HQ or call, they are really hopping so I know that the volunteers we have in Butler County are working with every last strength in their bodies. I know we will cross the finish line exhausted but I think that with the help of everyone, divine intervention and work, John McCain could be our next president!

A Call To Action

As the political seasons starts to heat up, now is the time to gather up the harvest and go to work. If we Republicans don't take this threat serious then we are going to find ourselves questioning what we did or did not do. One the aspects of leadership is to find what it is that motivates people to action. Or, as Denis Waitley, puts it, Mode of Action. I get asked the question, what can I do to help the party or how can I make a difference, I am only one vote.

There are numerous ways to help other than giving of your money which is always appreciated but it is the engagement of the talent pool that really puts us over the top.For the first time, in many years in Butler County, we find ourselves facing a serious threat. Of course I have always had the opinion that if someone places their name on a ballot, they should be given all consideration as a competitor and should never be overlooked or taken lightly, because on any given election....

So, what can we do to make a difference? First, get involved. Pick a candidate or issue to love and pour your energy into it. Tell your friends and neighbors why they should vote for that person or issue and that takes an effort on your part to really know why you should vote for somebody other than their party affiliation. That is not enough. Most candidates today have web sites and some even have My Space so getting information is relatively easy if you know how to browse the Internet. There are concentrated phone banks, door to door opportunities and some need help chasing the absentees, that start next week.



Engage the candidates, talk to them and find out why they are running. What is their burning desire to hold this office or be re-elected? Incumbents usually have a track record, make it your business to know what they have achieved and what their goals, plans and dreams are. I will be writing about the contested races in a little more depth as the season goes on and we have a plethora of highly qualified candidates we can really get behind that want and need your help.

The nuts and bolts of grassroots politics are pretty simple. From helping to do a mailing by stuffing and stamping to placing or locating yard signs the work is never ending and we love volunteers. Please feel free to email me at doncarpenter@fuse.net or call the Butler County Republican Party headquarters at 513-893-5292 or visit on the web at http://www.butlercountygop.org/.