Well, it's finally 2006! I can barely comprehend that another year has passed us by. I can still remember all the hype that led up to Y2K (the year 2000 for anyone who has so quickly forgotten): people storing non-perishable goods in their basements; buying flash lights, water filters, and battery powered generators ; and still other people building bomb shelters for themselves and their loved one. And all for what? The answer is right their in front of you, just think back 6 years! Give yourself a few minutes to remember it and then continue on reading this article.

By now, I'm sure everyone reading this article is positive they have the correct answer to why people were in such a frenzy over Y2K... Well, if you haven't guessed it, the answer surely is self protection and individual preservation! Well, it is 2006 now and we as Americans have come along way since 2000 and the hysteria of Y2K. We have suffered the first foreign attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, which took place on September 11th, 2001. We have watched the stock market bubble burst, real estate soar to unprecedented highs, and one of America's brand names go belly up. As Americans, we have watched our brothers and siters chased out of their homes by turbulent weather patterns, and witnessed whole state underwater and in disarray. In only 6 years we have seen men and women in our Armed Forces sent over sees as peace keepers to the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East. We have witnessed the deaths of nearly 3000 of our soldiers in the past year and a half alone. But as always, we will rebuild, we will come together a stronger nation, and we will continue to prosper.

Now it's a new year, it's a new time to rethink our values and our old ways and help shape a better and brighter future. We need to take a more proactive approach to our communities and to the large community we call the United States as a whole. We, as Americans, have become used to always reacting to events after seeing the destruction they cause. Today is a new day, and today it is time to grab the bull by its horns. We need to strengthen America so that we can deal with whatever nature has in store for us, and whatever the cards the world deals to us. Even if we are dealt a jack high hand, when our cards are flipped, we will have a straight flush showing! We can achieve a well connected and cohesive America, starting simply by each and every one of us doing all or some of the steps listed below. American can be stronger today and remain stronger for tomorrow. So with out further adieu, here are the 2006 New Year's resolutions for all Americans!

1. When you step out of your house in the morning on your way to work or to pick up the newspaper, take the time and make the effort to talk to your neighbors. You have to live next to them so might as well enjoy their company!

2. When you see trash on the street in and around your neighborhood, stop for a moment, pick it up and throw it in a garbage can. The streets are a part of who we are! So keeping them clean is a must.

3. Read up on one American hero from anytime period. Someone whom you have always been interested in. A biography, a website, a magazine article, anything. Just to gain an appreciation of one: reading, and: two American sacrifices. Pass on the knowledge to your spouse, friends, children, anyone, don't just keep it to yourself!

4. Take at least one vacation this year. We all need time to unwind and rejuvenate our mind body and soul!

5. Ask yourself this question, "Am I happy where I am?" If your answer is yes, then keep doing what you're doing. If your answer is no, then pick yourself up by the boot straps and get where your going! I get tired of seeing everyone so miserable!

6. Make a donation to a worthwhile American charity which you think does good work. Come on, this one is beneficial economically as well, seeing how most charities are tax deducible!

7. Subscribe to one of our nations newspapers. There is a ton of useful information in them. I promise!

8. Invite a few of your neighbors over to watch the upcoming Super bowl. Even though it is no secret the New England Patriots are destined to win another Championship, it will bring your community together!

9. Choose one stock which you believe personifies American entrepreneurship and invest an amount of money it. Just enough to keep you interested in the wheelings and dealings of the company! I hear tech stocks a making a comeback!

10. Write a letter to your local, state, or federal representative expressing your views about what you believe needs to be accomplished in 2006. It easy to sit back and complain that the country is going in the wrong direction, but maybe getting involved with help change things!

The strength we need we will find in ourselves and in everyone around us: friends, family alike!

Happy New Year America!