My purpose

I am just an American. But by saying that I am an American, I gratefully acknowledge great power and responsibility in that title. Americans have the freedom to think, express themselves, create and pursue happiness. We also have the responsibility to be aware and involved in what is going on in our government. I do not pretend to have all the answers to the problems we are currently facing as a nation, but I do feel it is important to make my voice heard. I'm certainly not the only one with common sense in this country, but what was once "common" sense has become "uncommon". That is why I chose to title my blog as I did. 

It is my hope that I can be thought-provoking and non-partisan. Those of you that know me, know that I have deeply held political positions. But I no longer affiliate myself with any particular party.  Politicians of all stripes were originally purposed to be public servants. The government was established to be "of the people, by the people and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln). It has become instead "of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians". Politicians (not all, but almost all) have forgotten that they represent us. Instead, they spend the majority of their time pursuing personal power and profit. They make decisions, all too often, ignoring the will of the people who put them in office. It is time that Americans re-assert themselves and remind politicians who they serve--and it is not themselves.

The founding fathers were adimant about the fact that the powers of our government be both limited and divided. This was not accidental. They lived through the corruption and oppression that resulted from living under a king and not having a voice about how they were to be ruled. The rule of law is essential to civilized society, but when the laws become so cumbersome and limiting that we cannot pursue happiness in our own way, then we are no longer free. Our freedom is being taken away, a bite at a time and before long we will be left with something that is unrecognizable. We can still fix it and still stand for freedom, but we cannot sit idly by and let this happen without a fight. That fight will involve raising our voices in a peaceful and respectful way and making ourselves heard. It may mean gathering at peaceful rallies, it may mean calling your representatives regularly, it may mean many things and perhaps we can share ideas here. But it will most definitely require all of us to be aware and to be involved in the political process and the actions of our government.

I believe in America. I believe in our imperfect system. I believe we can have a bright future. But ignorance and apathy are luxuries we can no longer afford; we will become prisoners of our own foolishness. I don't want that future for me or my children.

When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence of the Constitution? Please read them this week and re-familiarize yourselves with our founding principles that are essential to our freedom, our happiness and our future.

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html