America is still the greatest country on earth, not because we are smarter, carry the biggest stick or are the most moral. We are the greatest because we have allowed ourselves to dream (and pursue) the greatest collective dream. God put a dream in everyone. However, American citizens are guaranteed the right to pursue happiness. What is going on in Iran now is a prime example of why we should be proud to be Americans.
This pursuit, however, takes work. It has been a work in progress since exactly 232 years ago when America declared that all are equal under God. I highlight the phrase “work in progress” because we all know all men did not have equal rights in 1776. Some would say all men still don’t. My point is that the ambitious dream and audacious hope of America is incomparable.
The war for Independence was fought not just because America was being mistreated and disrespected by the British. The Declaration of Independence was not just written so that American colonists could get out of paying taxes. It laid down a blueprint for the pursuit of happiness. The forefathers devised a plan for a government like no other. We would be a government run by the people. We have never had a king. The design of our government is that we should elect people from among us to represent us. Then we are to hold them accountable, making sure they are really representing us well.
Here is where we drop the ball. First of all, a pitiful amount of us even vote. Then those who do vote just vote based on what politician is talking the loudest or has the most money to throw at a campaign. Then when they get in office we just let them do what they want until it’s time for them to run again. They come back to our churches and festivals, with their flyers, signs and empty promises. Then we send them right back to do nothing. Of course, there are some elected officials who really work for the people. But how would we know it? We’re not paying any attention.
I know our lives are busy. We often don’t have time to research every issue in depth. However, we can do something. If each of us takes just a little time to do what we can, we would see a change in American politics.
When Barack Obama became president, it was proud day for many Americans. We weren’t proud just because he is black. We should also be proud because Barack Obama was the most democratically elected president in the history of our nation. Until 1965, many were prohibited from voting. Still, years later, there are reports of voter tampering. The most painful realization though is many just don’t vote. However, during the election of 2008, there were record turnouts all across the country. Let’s not stop the momentum.
President Obama is not King Obama. We still have a government of the people, for the people, by the people. I’m reminded of the Bible story when the Israelites begged God for a king. God gave them what they wanted. The results were war, chaos, scandal and oppression. The Bible also says we are to be subject unto the higher power. In America, guess who that is. It is us. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Economic crisis, war, health care reform. The list goes on. This is not all up to President Obama. He didn’t start this fire. His professed goal was to lead a truly democratic government with all the people giving input. In fact, President Obama set up Organizing for America for just that purpose. However, we're being silent and waiting for “them” to fix this thing ASAP. Get involved, read the paper, don’t just depend on the politicians to do it. It’s our job. We are the higher powers. Let us use it to make a change.
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