THE POLITICAL GAME OF KICK THE CAN
The toughest game played on American soil is the game of politics. In
the political arena there are no penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, and
there is no referee to prevent punches below the belt. The only rule that applies is ALL IS FAIR
IN LOVE AND WAR.
The one word that draws Americans to the voting booth is the word
CHANGE. However, for several decades Americans have been voting for change but
getting much of the same. An individual who enters the political arena with the
intentions of making major changes must realize that politics in the U.S. is a
dangerous game. Once elected to a political office the official is quickly
tossed into the arena and must swiftly learn the rules of the game. A beginning
player has little or no chance of getting constructive legislation passed for
major change against experienced players who have played the game for many
years.
Thus, American politics has become a game of kick the CAN a little
farther down the road. However, the time
has come that America is faced with major political problems and must recognize
that up ahead the road is forked. The direction in which the CAN will be kicked
is left up to the voters. To kick the CAN to the right means the rich will
continue getting richer, and America will continue to be an oligarchy rather
than a democracy. To kick the CAN to the left means to rebuild the working
MIDDLE CLASS and to reestablish the democratic principles that made America
great.
The creators of American democracy were some of the most intelligent
statesmen the world has ever known. They created a government in which the
power to govern was placed in the hands of the people. In other words, American
government can be controlled at the voting booth. However today, American
voters are faced with some of the most powerful brainwashing techniques ever
used on American soil. A politically motivated and biased media has developed a
cult-like following that presents a dangerous threat to American democracy.
Never in American history have working class voters been so misinformed that
they have gone to the polls and voted against themselves.
For one who loves America and is greatly concerned about America’s
future, I can only hope that very soon Americans will realize that the future
of our country is in our hands. Major
issues—veteran’s benefits, social security, minimum wage, college tuition, and
universal health care—are the issues that will ultimately determine America’s future.
It is the POWER OF THE PEOPLE that must be reestablished in a highly
polarized society in order for that society to remain a permanent global
leader. Americans need to be reminded of the words spoken in the famous
Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858: “A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT
STAND.” And that election to public office is not a game, but a serious
commitment to citizens who deserve to be governed in a fair and honest manner.
