We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…
Two hundred and twenty seven years ago, our forefathers created a document designed to guide our country to greatness. I believe that these savvy men realized that our country’s journey would be riddled with challenges. As such, they recognized that a broad diversity of intelligence and talents in addition to a governance system based on a separation of powers would be necessary to create a sustainable future for our young country.
The heart of a democracy lies in the grassroots involvement of its citizens. These citizens engage their government leaders and consequently have an important impact on the direction of the country. There is a responsibility that goes along with the privilege of living in a democratic nation — this responsibility begins with voting but extends far beyond this influence. It is a two way obligation between elected leaders and those that they represent.
Leadership of the people, By the people, and For the people…
The framework of our government allows for three branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) and, provided these branches operate within their given authority, a separation of powers offers protection from individual abuses of power. On paper the system works, and it provided our country with an effective framework for many years.
My parents raised me to value many of the same things that I believe motivated our forefathers: personal responsibility, integrity and hard work. I carry these principles with me each day as I raise my children and my cattle on our farm. I look for those values in the politicians that lead our country, as well as the governmental framework that they operate within.
While today I strive to be a proud American, I struggle to find pride in the bastardized form of democracy that is currently running our country. The unprecedented growth of our federal government and its arrogant overreach into the lives of grassroots America leaves me saddened and frustrated.
While my crystal ball is not perfectly clear, I worry that my children will live in a land:
- Where the federal government is the largest employer in our country…
- Where the eternal flame of entrepreneurship is extinguished by regulations and bureaucratic red tape…
- Where activist groups and a handful of politicians who cater to them rule with little care for the wishes of the vast majority of citizens…
- Where the democratic government laid out by the Constitution is nothing more than a façade under which the President of the United States and the Majority Senate Leader rule with total power as they defy the system carefully laid out by our forefathers…
It is time for Americans to engage — the behavior of some elected officials in Washington DC mocks the cornerstones on which our country was built.
Our system is broken and abuses of power are rampant. We all have the opportunity to engage:
- Contact your Senators and Congressional Representatives.
- Offer comments to President Obama and the regulatory agencies that he uses to implement his selfish platform.
- Vote on November 4th.
- Uphold your responsibility as a citizen of the United States of America.
It is time to once again have a government:
Of the People, By the People and For the People…
Political engagement letters by Feed Yard Foodie:
https://feedyardfoodie.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/the-best-letter-that-i-never-had-to-mail/
https://feedyardfoodie.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/did-you-know/