As we enter the Fourth of July weekend, I can't help but think about how much I love the United States of America. I am also reminded of how scared I am about the direction this great nation is headed.
I have always loved American history. The Colonial period with the American Revolution has always been my favorite time period. How exciting, scary and wonderful it must have been, to be there when America broke free from Britain and formed a new country!
I have so many heroes from that time; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Payne, Ben Franklin and so many more.
I don't agree with every idea or action of our Founding Fathers, but I am so glad they fought for our freedom. And I am so grateful they formed our republic.
It has become fashionable to bash the United States and even our president has felt the need to "apologize" to the world for our deeds, but I believe in what this great country has stood for the 233 years.
It's true we have made mistakes. It's true we have dark periods when we had slavery and mistreated Native Americans, but we have always risen above those moments.
While the true Americans have fought for freedom of all our people, there have been some who have kept rights away from minorities and women. But we have won those battles. America is truly a place where anyone can do anything if they work for it.
Are we perfect? Of course not. But, we have the best nation in the world and we need to fight to keep it that way.
We cannot afford to become a nation of entitlement. We can't accept the idea of "economic justice" that takes wealth away from those who earned it and hand it to those who didn't.
True economic justice is to have every citizen in a position to excel and not have the government looking to take away that prosperity. We need lower taxes. We need sensible immigration policies. We need to protect all Americans with foreign policies and trade agreements that benefit us and not the pals of the government.
Republicans and Democrats have sold out this country for too long. Their actions border on treason for they way they crushed the American people with treaties and policies that hinder our economic growth.
The idea of Government of the people, by the people and for the people is not old fashioned. It is an ideal we need to get back to.
We have a Congress that spits in the face of the people by not reading huge spending bills before they rush them through. Then, when they are asked to actually read what they are voting on, those immoral criminals hire a speed reader to do the job for them.
Our politicians do not care about us. They openly mock the citizens and treat us like dirt. President Obama has lied to us about no new taxes on the poor. The proof? The Cap and Trade Bill! It will be the biggest tax increase in the history of the world, and it will impact every American. The Obama Administration has the nerve to call it a "Jobs Bill."
If it is the same kind of Jobs Bill as the Stimulus Package, he can keep it. That joke of a piece of legislation has done nothing to stimulate the economy. Just as the bailouts of banks, which were started under President Bush, have done nothing. He knew as much about the economy as Obama does, which is very little.
EVERY politician that has resided over the current economic crisis needs to be replaced. We need total reform of the government. We need to rescind the golden parachutes these jackals have voted for themselves. No full pay and health benefits for life. Those clowns deserve nothing.
I started this post by saying I love this country - and I do. I am just angry with the failed leadership that we don't - or are not willing to - get rid of.
We need to get back to our founding principals. We need to unite together as Americans and stand for something great. We need to stand for true justice and not some bastardized Liberal or Conservative idea of it.
We need to remember that our neighbor's well-being should be as important as our own. We need to remember hard work pays off and the government should not punish those who work hard to prosper.
We also need to remember not all people want to work hard, and that's okay. We just can't reward them by giving them handouts. If someone is truly incapable of providing for themselves or their families, yes, by all means we must help them. But for those who think they are owed a free ride, we have to remind that is not the American way.
As we embark on a weekend of BBQs, picnics and fireworks, let's remember we can do those things because of freedom. Freedom that was won by brave men and women who gave their lives for this country.
Let's remember those in the armed forces who continue to provide a defense for our freedom.
Let's also remember there are people out there who want to take that freedom away. We have enemies of freedom all over the world - AND some in this country as well.
Happy Birthday, America! May God bless you and all of your people!
