We Need To Re-Invent The American Community

In the midst of this high stakes political season there is something missing from mix that desperately needs to be added. We as individual Americans need to take more stock in the political personalities, and policies that help define our individual lives, and communities. So many people have disengaged from the political process because of its inherent dysfunctional nature. The fact of the matter is we as a people, as a national community, need to be engaged now more than ever. Some of this comes from an unwillingness born of frustration, but more often than not, is the result of a general inability to comprehend the issues in a way that they can see the effects in there daily lives. As increasing cuts to education across the board contributes to an already wanting educational system nation wide, it begs the question of what this portends for our future as a nation? In the era of political polarization, where black and white has considerably shrunk the gray areas of our political discourse, now more than ever we need to abandon our labels of left or right, conservative or liberal, and simply be Americans again. There was a time when the primary label people associated with themselves was "American" not Republican or Democrat, those labels were secondary. It was in this era that compromise was possible, and the work of the people was the foremost imperative. It wasn't that long ago, but the increasing influence of rich and big money interests has undermined this. We need to be an American community again, and we need to do it now.

Is it to late? Honestly, I'm not sure. Like global warming the actions being taken now, may be to late to avert a major disaster in our future. If we use history as our guide, the prospect does not look promising, I'll give you some examples. Several of the current or former Republican candidates who are running now, or had run in the past offer this. Sarah Palin thought Paul Revere rode to warn the British. Michelle Bachmann thought Lexington and Concord was fought in New Hampshire, and that the founding fathers abolished slavery. Rick Perry thought the United States was founded in the 1500's. Ron Paul thinks the Constitutions sole purpose was to restrain the Federal Government. How do they get away with comments like this, even after media attention? Because the bulk of the American electorate doesn't know any better. These people are/were running to become President of the United States, don't you think they should know the basic fundamentals of our history, and the proper interpretation of our Constitution?

This week on the news I watched as some iphone service provider held a contest for pre-teens on who could be the fastest texter. There were several contestants, but only one winner, a young lady from someplace in the midwest. Her prize, $50,000. What a fitting commentary to prove my point. We give young people who travel through the world with their heads down, tapping out how they just arrived at the mall, $50,000. In the meantime, Republicans block time and again, the Presidents Job Bill which would hire more teachers and other public employees. We are raising a generation of social media savvy intellectual illiterates. Is this the best we can do? There are thousands of jobs in this country right now, that can't be filled, because they can't find the people with the skills needed to fill them. The American community we need, needs education. Without it the American Dream will continue to slip away from the increasing ranks of people who don't know, or worse, don't want to know. John F. Kennedy said "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all." Stop, take a look around, become aware of what others would do to obstruct your life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, your country depends on it.