With the finalization of the 2012 national election, we have almost the same composition of government as we had before the election.

I expect all elected officials to work together to address the issues facing our country. If these people are not able to come together to do their job, I hope that every American will consider taking to the streets to march and protest.

This form of involvement brought an unjust war to an end and encouraged integration, two positive changes that continue to benefit us.

Sitting on our duffs and complaining about “those people in Washington” isn’t going to accomplish anything. We have to be much more involved.

I hope and pray that federal elected officials will work, at least five days each and every week, until we have a long-term plan for our country.

To them and all of us, I say, we need to get to work.

James “JJ” Jurdak

Oakland