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Hi. I'm State Representative Terry Brown. Welcome to my weekly update, "Talking With Terry."

As our state and nation face the toughest economic times in many years, it can be hard to hang on to hope. Some days it seems like there is nothing we can do to get out from under the flood of bad news. But every day, we have a choice.

Will we stay focused on creating good-paying jobs and turning our economy around, or will we waste our energy on negative attacks? Will we unite in our dedication to action, or will we create more division and anger by only talking about blame? Will we move forward, or will we stay mired down in the past?  Will we choose to appreciate the wonders of our state – our beautiful Great Lakes, the uniqueness of each season, our rich farmland, our forests, our vast shoreline – or will we refuse to see the goodness in the place we call home? Will we respond with compassion and more help for our neighbors and friends in need … or will we open our hearts only to judgment and fear?

Here in the Thumb, we have so many assets that will carry us through these times. We are strong, independent people with common sense that is so uncommon in other places. We know how to work together and find solutions to our challenges. We're innovators, with a work ethic that can't be beat. And we take care of each other. People who move here often remark that where they came from, they didn't even know their neighbors.

Here, we have a real sense of community. Our kids and grandkids come back from all around the world for festivals because they want to experience that special feeling they can't find anywhere else. A lot of our strength comes from our agricultural roots. Our farmers prepare the soil and plant the seeds. They water and fertilize and monitor their crops. Then they have to accept that they cannot control everything that happens after that. They have worked hard and done everything they can. They use hope as a bridge to harvest.

We, too, must work hard and do everything we can during this season of adversity. Our harvest of economic recovery will not come overnight. But the seeds we are planting, the crops we are tending, will grow into the jobs and the economic development we need. Hope and hard work will make it happen. Things will get better, because it all boils down to one choice: Will these tough times bring out the best in us, or the worst? 

I have faith that we here in the Thumb will make the right choice.

Thank you for listening to "Talking with Terry."

Make it a great day!