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Edited on Fri Aug-17-07 01:23 AM by NanceGreggs
Having recently browsed a number of websites, I am struck by the fact that we are not as separated from our friends on the other side of the aisle, as it is so often phrased, when it comes to the basics of being American – what we want, what we need, and what we expect for ourselves and our children.
Like it or not (smooth-talking politicians aside), we all share the same American Dream. Our ideas about how to achieve that dream may differ, but when all is said and done, there is Basic Citizenship 101.
To my fellow citizens on the other side:
Do we not agree that the news as presented on TV networks and in newspapers should be free of bias, the personal opinion of the newscaster/writer, and the political views of the station/newspaper owner? There are numerous TV stations that offer “opinion shows”, and newspapers that have Op/Ed pages – do we not agree that news reportage should be just that?
Do we not agree that our voting process is sacrosanct, and should not be vulnerable to manipulation by anyone? Do we not agree that having someone from the opposing party take office as a result of capturing the majority of votes is preferable to a candidate of one’s own party being sworn-in as a result of a questionable voting process?
Do we not agree that whether you believe in global warming or not, the increase in world-wide pollution – whether caused by unregulated spewing of toxins into the air or water-table by industry, or the over-use of gasoline in our cars – is a threat to our health, and that of our children?
Do we not agree that regardless of your stance on what health care should or should not be provided and to whom, the aspect of profit-making by insurance companies should be expunged from the process?
Do we not agree that “Supporting the Troops” means their being well-paid, well-equipped in combat, and well cared for should they be disabled in service to their country?
Do we not agree that the outsourcing of American jobs and the relocation of American factories to cheaper labor markets in foreign countries hurts our nation’s workers, while the profits to corporations who engage in this practice constitute theft from our national economy?
Do we not agree that US corporations who set up offshore headquarters – which are often nothing more than a mailbox in a tax-free haven country – are doing nothing more than avoiding paying their fair share of US taxes and, by so doing, are not contributing to the financial well-being of their own country?
Do we not agree that soldiers currently serving their country should be paid at least enough to be able to focus on the task-at-hand, free of having to worry about their families back home struggling to make ends meet while they are away?
Do we not agree that the average US soldier who is fighting on behalf of his country is worth a higher salary than the average mercenary gun-for-hire who is willing to fight anyone, anywhere as long as the price is right?
Do we not agree that corruption is unacceptable in our elected representatives, and anyone caught accepting bribes, or funneling taxpayers’ money into the pockets of their friends and relatives, should be immediately
Do we not agree that accusations leveled against any office-holder should be backed up by facts and evidence, and not be repeated and publicized based on rumor and innuendo?
Do we not agree that the expenditure of taxpayers’ dollars should be duly authorized and supported by irrefutable documentary evidence, rather than being handed out without strict accountability being part of the process?
Do we not agree that patriotism lies equally in the support of government decisions we agree with and in criticism of decisions we disagree with?
Do we not agree that being American means being a good citizen first, and being a good Republican, Democrat, Green, Catholic, Jew, Muslim, rural-dweller, city-dweller, should come second in terms of the considerations that define good citizenship?
I realize that there are a myriad of things we do not agree on, from pro-choice, to gun control, from the war in Iraq, to the death penalty.
But surely there are things on which we all, as Americans, agree.
Let’s not forget those things, for in them lies the backbone of our unity, and therein lies the foundation of our strength.
Do we not agree that without that unity and strength, we have but a number of warring factions, groups of screaming fanatics trying to out-shout those of an opposing view, gangs of thugs ready to fight over meaningless talking points and mindless phrases incubated in think tanks supported by focus groups – but alas, we have no country?
As a citizen, and as a Democrat, I am willing to stand up and fight for what I believe. And where my beliefs differ from that of the opposing party, I will strive to make my voice heard, as should those of an opposing view strive to have their voices heard.
What is most important, however, is that we confine our arguments to the topics on which we disagree, and not be led (by either party) into fighting each other over points of contention that don’t even exist.
I am tired of the endless fighting, of being encouraged to see one's fellow citizen as the enemy. I am tired of the vitriolic rhetoric that seeks to divide rather than unite - and the endless waste of money, lives and resources that go seemingly unnoticed while political games are played for personal gain and party one-up-man-ship.
I, like millions of citizens, just want to be a part of the UNITED States of America, and not part of the division that only serves the purpose of putting the wrong people in office, or power and influence into the wrong hands, while we are made busy fighting amongst ourselves.
I don't think I'm alone in my thinking, and I don't believe such thoughts are not shared by my fellow citizens -- Democrats, Republicans, Independents, et al.
When all is said and done, if we don't, as unified Americans, put the "US" back into USA, we might as well fold up the tent and call it a day, because the American Dream is already dead.
‘Nuff said, rant over, flame-suit on – fire away.
TCBWIA3
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