We will soon be crossing the threshold into a New Year, a New Decade, and what promises to be an exciting New Epoch for America.
Having the advantage of my many years on this earth and in political office, I am far from naive. I realize that we will continue to face many challenges, especially those that President Kennedy labeled, "the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war."
But I am optimistic about the future because I have witnessed the wonders of science and the technological breakthroughs that have helped improve the quality of life over many generations. And I know that those accomplishments of the past are just the edge of the realm of possibilities that lie before us.
America will continue to develop the programs and state-of-the-art techniques needed to address our problems and concerns. This will require new visions as well as renewed energies, but, like Americans of the past, we will not deny these responsibilities, we will welcome them.
As we enter this New Epoch, I also urge my fellow West Virginians not to forget the past! More than ever, we will need to hold onto those values that made this country great -- what I call the "old values."
Religious faith, patriotism, family, respect for authority, hard work, and honesty were the building blocks of our communities, our state, and our nation. They must continue to be the building blocks of our future. The Bible says: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (Proverbs 22:28)
These "old values" include our Divine duty to be good stewards of God's creation. The Scripture tells us: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof..." (Psalm 24:1) And, one of my favorite passages reads: "[S]tand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." (Job 37:14)
When I look at our beautiful state, I see the "wondrous works of God."
And when I meet with the people of our state who still hold dear the "old values" -- who are honest, hard-working, patriotic, loyal, humble, and generous -- I know the future will be good.
Happy New Year, everyone!