Like breathing, change is a necessary function of life

Contrary to what I thought, this is not the easiest editorial that I have written. When I first sat down to write this I thought I would breeze through it in less time than it takes to watch a good movie. I was wrong, really wrong.

After a great deal of thought, I would like to start by saying we all know that change is an inevitable part of life. Yet, not all people look forward to change. Rather than seeing change as a building block, some people see change as a threat, something that weakens their ability to succeed.

Perhaps it’s a generational trait or just a change-of-heart that comes with age, but for me, change is a good thing. It creates an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Truth be told, I’ve been looking forward to doing some things that I really want to do, but could never devote the necessary time.

So, beginning this month, I am relinquishing my responsibilities as editorial director for Aerospace Manufacturing and Design and will begin taking on more responsibilities as associate publisher with a strong focus on developing conference and seminar programs for the Industrial Manufacturing Group of GIE Media Inc.

I must admit that this is a bittersweet moment for me. While I look forward to these new challenges, I will also miss the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions with you on a variety of subjects. I will especially miss exposing what I believe to be misguided government intervention on a host of complicated issues that either directly or indirectly involve manufacturing. Furthermore, I would be remiss in not mentioning the encouragement and enjoyment I received from reading your email responses to my editorials. Yes, there is the occasional naysayer to my comments, but the vast majority of readers stand right alongside of me. For this, I thank you. May you never abandon your dreams for a better America, a better tomorrow.

In this, my last editorial, I would like to leave you with this thought: If you look at the back of a one-dollar bill, you will find the Great Seal of the United States. The seal was designed by the founders of this country only a few months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

On the back of the seal is a pyramid. This pyramid is unfinished. It only goes up about two-thirds of the way. The founders of this nation wanted our country to be seen as an unfinished pyramid.

Despite all of our strengths, our wealth, and our influence, this nation is far from complete. Indeed, our founding fathers had a vision, a vision that requires each and every one of us to remain vigilant. Keeping the ideals of freedom, justice, and peace alive requires each of us to speak out against those who step over the boundaries of government for the people, of the people, and by the people in an effort to support their self-interest objectives. The future of the United States is in our hands. We need to be careful and wise in how we craft it.

I thank you for following me all these years and wish you all the best. If time permits, please send me an email every now and then to let me know how things are going. My email address remains the same. I promise to get back to you.

Sincerely,

tgrasson@gie.net