Madison+main’s Weekly Report – March 4th, 2016

Hey Folks,

I was born in the “Flower Power 60’s,” grew up in the “Feel Good 70’s,” and survived the “Excess 80’s.” I became fascinated with communications and technology in the “Networking 90’s.” At the dawn of a new millennium, I found unity and strength in the “New Age 2000’s.” Together we turn the corner on the first half of this decade and I can’t help but think the 2010’s might be the decade of “Mediocrity.” Americans are frustrated with “The New Normal,” and many people I see have very little motivation and seem to keep themselves busy doing virtually nothing… virtually. As a nation I feel that we have less desire to achieve, less achievement to tally and less enthusiasm for long-held ideals. Today we seem to aim low and celebrate the fact that we hit the target at all. Why do Americans now settle so often for mediocrity? Mediocrity isn’t something we’ve historically been comfortable with. We used to reach for the American Dream, propelled by the American Spirit, and did things the American Way. People no longer believe in American Exceptionalism. In a Gallup poll conducted last year only 28% of Americans believed that the US is that “Shining City on a Hill” described by President Reagan 27 years ago. We no longer reach for the stars, and until we do, we’ll be culturally, economically, and politically mired in mediocrity. Sorry this week’s email is not that funny, but the recent erosion in culture and civility – especially in politics – is no laughing matter. 🙁

From left to right: Myra, Art, Kaity, Court, Lindsey andKaitlin take time away from their drinking to pose for a photo.

Conference calls are always better with donuts. Village Bank’s Jen Merritt brought donuts on Employee Appreciation Day!