Dear Sedona Times Editor: Today, I stood with my little group of Organizing for America volunteers on the street corner across from Bashas on 89A in West Sedona. These committed people braved the cold temperatures, threats of rain, and wind gusts just to let people know that not all Arizonans are anti-immigrant “birthers.” Some of us actually have a positive message about recent accomplishments, including America’s improved standing as the world’s leading democracy, productive efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons and secure loose nuclear materials, the winding down of the war in Iraq, passage of health insurance reform, concrete actions to help veterans and their families, and legislation to help ease the lifelong burden some students suffer because of the middle man in student loan programs. We also can celebrate the huge effort the country’s leaders have put into reigning in some of the worst abuses of American financial institutions.
There is much for Americans to celebrate these days, even during our economic downturn, yet all we seem to hear from the media are reports of racist, mean-spirited — even threatening — rallies from the so-called “tea partiers.”
Last year at this time, remember, we were on the brink of another Great Depression. Rather than fear-mongering and finger-pointing, our organization decided to go out and celebrate our accomplishments and the hope of more to come.
The next time you pass us on the streets of Sedona, at least give us a honk and a thumbs up, as so many people do. Or do what a few others have done: park your car for awhile, pick up one of our positive signs, and join us for a few minutes. It will lift your spirits and help to counter some of the negativity that is so prevalent throughout our society these days.

Yuma Michaels, Sedona, AZ