A Common Citizens Interest
As a young man, well aware and anxious of the Vietnam War, I felt that our country had lost a little something. We had lost our confidence and our ability to believe in that which our forefathers had laid out for us. Our fathers were from the greatest generation and had come home to build lives of promise. They returned to find a country that truly loved and respected them that was ready to grow while reaping the rewards of victory. But a few short years later we had no faith in our executive branch what with Watergate and shortly thereafter the taking of so many Americans in Iran to be held hostage for what must have been a life time for them. Yet I was still enamored with being an American. I still lived for the red, white and blue. This was not something that was hereditary but it was something that was taught. My father served and for this reason I learned new cultures. My sister served and for this reason I learned stamina. Finally I served albeit as a reserve because there quite simply was no real agenda at that time in the country but I put a physical action to my patriotism. The bottom line is that I come from a family that cares about where this country has come from and I most certainly care where it may be going.
Many folks look to the Statue of Liberty as an iconic figure of what it is to be American. All of the pomp and circumstance of “you’re weak, you’re hungry and etc…” was provided by a foreign government to meet certain political and financial agendas. This statue as glorious as it is was provided to us by the very country that would not support us in most, if not all of our times of trial. These are the very same people that we liberated in the Second World War who now treat us as if we seek world domination. The truth about history is that America once she was recognized as a country never played the ground acquisition game. We have fought battles to liberate not populate.
I am offended by foreigners that call us warmongers. I am offended by citizens that hate our soldiers without providing any real dedication or sacrifice to the country that has allowed them to speak freely or march in protest. I am angry that this happens on the left coast and the right coast and that the rest of the country remains comfortably quiet. I am offended that most people (at least those that are heard) have allowed our Federal Government to take prayer, civics and real social studies out of schools. I am offended that our schools prepare our children for “safe sex” and not real world opportunities. I hate the fact that my Grandchildren know more about the worst of man and copious behavior than I knew about Algebra I.
Enough! What do we do about it? I know that everyone out there feels about the same as I. Even though I vote as often as I possibly can I am not being represented and that is probably true. I would still say by all means vote! Vote as often as you can, vote your conscience and hope that he or she will truly represent you. If that does not happen and it is safe to say that for most of us it won’t, remember that every one of those elected officials is your employee (that’s right, you and you and you over there!). You hired them for a job and you should certainly expect to get that which you have commissioned. The simple truth is that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and because most of us just don’t want to get that involved, well, we lose with higher taxes and ridiculous laws. All it takes is an email, a phone call or a letter to your elected official to make your voice heard.
So think about it. When was the last time you really got involved in your country’s future? When was the last time that you asked why and directed that question to someone who was responsible?
Can you work for just a couple of years and secure your retirement? Can you take a part time job and get the best medical insurance available? Can you miss-appropriate your taxes and not get audited? Can you take a private jet across country at someone (everyone) else’s expense at your very whim?
This is a call to every true American. Not the naysayers or the ridiculous right or left, but a call to the people that really believe in this country. The folks who really get out and vote and take a true interest in the future. Speak out those of you who know beyond any doubt that the United States of America is a republic and that regardless of party lines or moral values that each and every one of us deserves to be represented down to every district, those who understand that a two party system does not represent but in fact destroys the very fabric of this country and those that want our elected officials to be held accountable. Speak out!
When they say “well no I didn’t read the whole bill but my people went over it” we should say we didn’t elect your people so get the heck out of here. When they say “ I feel a socialized medical system will provide health care to all” ask them if they and their families will be subject to the same system. When they say “we must all be responsible for our own carbon footprint and pay accordingly” ask them if they flew coach, and when they say “We have provided a magnificent amount of money to keep Americans working and the majority or American businesses in business” ask them who is the majority because regardless of my ethnicity I have seen no growth here.
What is the bottom line? Am I a right wing yahoo, a bigot or just another nut? Well I certainly hope not. But I have watched this country over the course of my 50 years and I am astounded at how far we have come…What you say! At 50 I knew the travails of civil rights because I saw situations (RIOTS) in Florida and California on TV. Please keep in mind that this was not news happening now but previously recorded footage. I watched young men in their twenty’s, Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and American Indian get off of airplanes and get spit on and ridiculed by the very people that said “love not hate” and “peace not war”.
I bet right now my whole diatribe is touching home with a bunch of other baby boomers that didn’t realize that at some time in their life they would procreate and have to protect their own. If so do not fear and certainly do not pass on the remaining read, especially if you have gotten this far as I tend to go on.
You want the best for your children and hum…dare I say Grandchildren. You didn’t think this planet would survive our onslaught. Damn Jane Fonda for scaring us like that and face it, Mr. Moore is making a fortune on festering fear amongst those that are receptive. If you are my age or older you remember “duck and cover” in order to protect ourselves from an atomic blast. Later we learned about the neutron bomb and biological/chemical warfare and yet we survived. There are folks right now that wish to take away the very roots of our political system. They wish to undermine free speech, the right to assemble, the right to bear arms and state sovereignty to mention a few. It is important that we understand how deep reaching and socially destructive this agenda is. This is not a call to arms nor is it a radical rag to be thrown down on the street. All Americans should and must understand that your RIGHTS and FREEDOMS as called under the Constitution of the United States of America are at this very moment under question and the very fact that I can see the threat and feel the need to let you know is a wakeup call.
DON’T SIT THERE! ACT…PUSH FORWARD THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOU’RE CHILDREN. OWN YOUR GOVERNMENT RATHER THAN LETTING THEM OWN YOU. IMAGINE IF YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER GAVE YOU AN ASSIGNMENT AND YOU COULD NOT FULFILL THE TASK…THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
I am not a special person nor am I well versed. When in high school I was a non-entity but I have since come into my own. I finally realized that simple folk such as us could really make a difference. When, you probably are asking? Well I will explain. The first time I wrote a letter to my congressman and expressed my personal ideals and why she was in office (due to my vote) and asked for accountability I got a return letter explaining the very issues I had concerns over and further more she or her office personnel provided me with a list of the votes made and what was the outcome over the past few months. I’m thinking that this has got to be some kind of form letter but when all was said and done the letter addressed my specific concerns and outlined future objectives focusing on the example I sent in.
I was empowered knowing that a little nobody like me could make an impact.
If you are not writing your Congressman, Senators, Governors and other representatives do not complain about the outcome. More often than not they get voted into office and the constituency disappears leaving ample opportunity for the lobbyists and specials interest groups.
All in all this is brought to you in my very humble opinion. May your better angels guide you and God Bless America!
Onlyamerican!
