What America stands for is not defined by constitutions or other documents but by the documentation of elections. Who the majority votes for tells you what the country is about. Who the majority reelects tells you even more about their basic beliefs, thus their future actions.
We live in the world we vote for.
If the majority of Americans wanted things to change, things would change.
How quickly we ban together to create a furor and protest over airport screening procedures despite the reality of their necessity.
Where is this outrage against what passes for food, against housing crises, against inadequate education, against the exploitation of nature, against obese governments and against anything that makes a difference for every American at the fundamental, we-hold-these-truths, level.
Americans must like the death, maiming and psychological damage of their sons and daughters over bullcrap. Why else vote for massive destruction the second time? Americans must not appreciate what it takes to change the entrenched and unrepentant “good guys.” Why else not vote for giving change a decent chance at breaking through these barriers? Americans must like unemployment since it has been caused by the longstanding slow leak that has siphoned the air out of opportunity only to cushion corporate bottom lines. The workforce merely serves as insulation to keep the superstructures on Wall Street nice and cozy. Thank you Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. Good looking out.
Other Americans will often warn me, “Careful what you wish for.” Not once have I heard, “Thankful what you vote for.”
Everything Americans have gotten over the years, we've voted for - every opportunity, missed opportunity, celebration and many calamities. If Americans wanted their unemployed neighbors to continue to get extended benefits they would not have voted for those who continue to block these extensions under the guise of a budget that can't be balanced unless Americans vote for stripping the government naked so it can get a thorough cleaning.
If Americans wanted an end to bipartisanship (as polls mislead you to believe) they would not tolerate the dishonorable Senator from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell, and anyone who supports his un-American promise to destroy the President at the expense of millions of Americans.
If Americans wanted foreclosures to stop or slow down and their own property values to stabilize they would hold anti-tea party-like rallies against banks and suggest, via the blogosphere, airport screening-like boycotts. Come on! Banks don't have to foreclose as hastily as they are. Leave the people alone. Charge interest on unpaid balances and give the people at least a 6-month payment deferment so folks can regain their footing. Seems like banks are in a hurry and trying overly hard to be in the “owning real estate business” by unmercifully making homeless more Americans during these extra shaky times.
The vote of a righteous American availeth much. Have faith in prayer but focus on the vote. Eat together tomorrow but vote for better tomorrows for hard-working and eager to be working again Americans. Americans ought always to vote so no American today has to face the same uncertainty of survival that faced the Pilgrims. What will our next vote say about what we are really thankful for?
