Occupy

Here in Washington, DC, like in several cities in America, and even overseas,we see a group of people trying to force the ruling entities to listen to their voice. Frustration with how things are going in our country is not a new thing. The impression that politicians, who promised to fix the problems, are themselves part of the problem, is growing. The everyday news that portrays our government leaders as a glorified group of middle schoolers adds to this impression. Why do the politicians from one party spend more time trying to shoot down ideas from the other party, just to "make the president and his party" look bad? These people are supposed to be looking after the country's interests, not playing stupid games. They seem to think that the American people don't really know what is going on. Reality check. The people outside with their Occupy signs are not just poor, ignorant people. There are doctors, nurses, engineers and a plethora of other professionals mixed in with the homeless, under-employed, and the young. This is more than the sit-ins that occurred in the Sixties, where the protesters were portrayed as hippies, and naive college students. The politicians give the impression that if they ignore the Occupy people, that they will get tired of protesting and will go away or winter will come and it will be too cold for them to want to hang around. Even if they do go home for the winter, don't forget politicians, next year is election year.

1. Let's look a bit at exactly why these people are protesting, shall we? The American government has bailed out the car companies and the banks. Fine. There is a bit of a rub when the typical American can barely feed their family and many are losing their homes and jobs, only to see on the news that the very banks that were bailed out have given their top executives bonuses in the millions of dollars. I'm sure that a share of the wealthier population see the protest as one that would take their wealth away to evenly distribute among the masses i.e. communism. I recall that one of the Presidential contenders, Herman Cain, basically has said that the protesters should get off their butts and work hard like he did to get his money. Granted, there are some people that expect to live off the backs of others, but I propose that a good share of those protesting are not asking for a hand-out, but a chance at making a better life. I had a good job, until they eliminated my position to cut costs. Let me tell you, it was not easy to find another job and I have a graduate degree. It does seem awfully unfair that the wealthy get wealthier and the poor get poorer. Okay, wealthy person, if you want the protesters to go away, give them a job and a chance to do well. Don't just hoard your wealth or flaunt it, use it to make the world a better place. Oh, and I think that Congress should share some of the pain. Right now, they seem to be immune to the rise and fall of our economy. Vote in a caveat that, if the budget is not passed, they can be looking at not getting a paycheck with the rest of us. Tie their paychecks to the way the government is going. It has become extremely obvious that Congress is in the pockets of those who hold the most money and influence. "Money talks"--let's let it talk for the 99% of Americans too.  

Republican or Democrat--which is best?

I've been thinking a lot lately about the difference between Republicans and Democrats. As a result, I've spent a significant amount of time Googling the topics. Conclusion?

The Republicans fear change, base most of their platform on moral values, are harbingers of free enterprise unimpeded by government intervention, and feel that "government governs best when it governs least". The Party is notorious for a majority contingent of Conservative Christians, who are considered by some to be gay bashers and anti-choice.

The Democrats are viewed as liberal, socialistic, and wanting government to be intimately involved in our lives, particularly in social programs. This Party appears to be concerned with the environment, social programs for the poor, and equal rights for all citizens regardless of orientation.

I see issues with both parties. The Republicans can come across as distant relatives of the Pharisees that Jesus attacked so often. They could use incorporating some of the social program ideas of the Democrats. They could also use exercising some mercy toward those who don't fit their mold. Just because I do not endorse the gay lifestyle, does not mean that I should go out of my way to make life horrible for them. How many people do you know that would be drawn to a change in lifestyle by being attacked? How did Jesus act toward the tax collector, who was considered the worse sinner by the Jewish outlook? How did He act toward the harlot? If the Republicans condemn the Democrats for their social platform, as Christians, what are they doing to solve the problem? The Democrats would not have a social platform if the Christian base were doing what they should. Are the Republicans feeling guilty about their lack of caring for those on the bottom of society?

So, here are my thoughts regarding the Democrats. They seem to want to fix things without spending as much time as they should in research. Throwing money at an issue doesn't fix it. They also are strong proponents of Political Correctness, which, under the guise of being careful not to offend, limits free speech for one of the parties, and causes them to be offended. Talk about a circular, unproductive way of doing things.

Perhaps the real issue is that we, in America, have lost respect for individuals. It seems that we have become so self-centered that unless everything is focused on us and our interests, that we are "offended". Why can't the Muslim live next to the Jew or Christian? Are they all three trying to change the other into carbon copies of themselves? Where does love fit in this discussion? Remember the "do unto others, as you would have them do unto you?" How would that change the world? If I am right in my opinions, where does that put you? If you are right, where do I fit? Can we agree to disagree on things? Jesus didn't try to change the minds of the Pharisees because He knew there was little hope for that. All He could do is SHOW them a better way. Rather than being known (as Christians) as narrow-minded bigots why not be known as loving, caring, and merciful? Mother Theresa is known all over the world as someone who showed the world what true love in action is like. How would you show love in action?

I'm not saying that one of the two political parties is better than the other. I am saying, however, that they each have good points and where one is strong and the other is weak, by working together, they have the potential to make a lot of positive decisions for our country. Unfortunately, it seems that things boil down to personal agendas and the good of all is compromised.

I believe that, these days, more than ever, we need to be informed voters. We need to endorse those candidates that would speak for us without being easily intimidated.