This Time/CNN story got me thinking.

There's a lot to feel down about this month: the subprime mortgage crisis, stormy, unpredictable weather, rising gas prices, presidential primary free-for-alls. So, it would be easy to believe the theory set forth by Dr. Cliff Arnall, a researcher from Cardiff University, that the third Monday of the month (Jan. 21, this year) — a day he calls Blue Monday — will be our most depressing day of the year. Arnall bases his yearly prediction on a formula he developed, which factors in the weather, consumer debt from holiday spending and failed New Year's resolutions and arrives at that conclusion that we'll hit rock bottom on Monday the 21st.

From a Democratic perspective, if this is rock bottom, imagine the view from the cheap seats in the Grand Old Party. I wholeheartedly disagree with the good Doctor's theory of today being the most depressing day of the year, and in fact draw hope from it.

This 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month, I'd like to take a moment to thank our brave troops for their sacrifice, and remind everyone why we celebrate the solemn occasion of Veterans Day. Celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918 falls on this day, proving to all, including this Administration, that wars do end.

But Veterans Day is intended to celebrate more than that. We must honor all our veterans for their service, including those who served and returned to us safely, for having done their duty. And we must not forget them.

As most of you know by now, Ambassador Joseph Wilson will be headlining an event for my campaign in Charlotte this Saturday. I hope to see you all there.

What you may not have seen yet, however, is the wonderful cover story in today’s Creative Loafing on the Ambassador’s visit. I hope you’ll read the entire article, but some of what the Ambassador says deserves mention here, as it serves to elaborate on why I’m so honored to have this patriot join me.

Teaching full time while running for Congress in North Carolina's 8th District has it's moments, but it has endless possibilites too. Next week the graduating class of 2011 will begin high school and we have an opportunity, even a responsibilty, to get our Country back on track before they head out into the world.

Our next generation deserves so much more than mine has left them, but with your work here, and in communities like it both on-line and off, we will rise to the challenge.