What's wrong the government or the people who run it?

It seems lately that the US Government is finding itself in a whole heap of trouble lately. It's members are involved in everything from corruption to failing to do the basics of their job. I must admit I used to be one of those people who said let them do what they want on Capitol Hill as long as they don't mess with me. I apologized to my fellow Americans because I, and others like me have failed you. My self imposed ignorance and unwillingness to participate in the very basic part of contributing to the age that we live in, has had a hand in the downward spiral we seem to be finding ourselves in. Until 5 years ago I was pretty much uninterested in what our government did. I knew what it did by the countless number of government and history classes that we have been forced to take during our education. However, I didn't care. When people say that the government sucks or is to blame for our poblems, 5 years ago I would blindly agree with that statement without thinking it through. Nowadays when I hear that statment I think it's not the government but the people who run it....US, the people. We have more rights and involvment than most citizens in countries twice as old as we are. Yet what do we do with that power? People complain that Congress is nothing but a Millionaires club who only serve their own interests. What are we complaining for? We put them there. It's not like in the British Government when half the government is composed of people who obtained the position by birthright and may not want to even be in there in the first place. ALL of our officials are elected. I mean we elect County Treasurers for goodness sake. I remember taking a history class a couple of years ago and marveled at at the way our government was set up. There are so many checks and balances in place, so many safegaurds against tyrany that it's uncanny. However a government is only as good as the people behind it and in the case of the United States of America it's us. Yes, we can only do so much against corruption, and those who would take advantage of the system. However, it is our responsibility to make sure that those who do don't stay around long enough to spread their sickness to the rest of the system. In an age, where common decency, courtesy and respect for our fellow men and women have pretty much been replaced by constant bickiring over who gets to share this dream of ours, and neighbors so concerned with pointing out the flaws of each other they don't see how deep the sewage flows through their own home, its not only important but the responsibility of the few of us who hold on to the dream of how great this country can be get out and use the power that people fought and died for to try to make this world a better place. Our ancestors would revolt and fight over injustices imposed on them. I seriously doubt that if the time came we would stand up and fight those who seek to oppress us from WITHIN this country. Forget Terrorism from outside the country, if we don't stand for what's right we soon may not have much for others to take.

Growing Up

Well, sad to say I have tried to put off growing up as much as possible but ala, it has happened. Instead of just reading the sports and comic sections of the newspaper and recycling the rest, I find myself pouring over the front page and dabbling in the business sections as I remember my dad doing when I was young. I watch the news for more than sports scores, and school closings. I vote, not just for presidents but for councilman and wheterh or not I want the city to use my tax dollars to put a waterpark 10 miles away from my house. I scream about billing increases and why I have to pay more to use the same amount for less service.

I find myself longing for the days in which the biggest tragedy in my life was that Optimus Prime died in Transformers the movie. Remember when it was surely going to be the end of the world if you didn't talk to your girlfriend/boyfriend of the week for 4 hours a night? Or when you fought to stay up all night on weekends? (and sometimes during the week as well?) Ask any of my friends and the will tell you they believed I was going to be a kid the rest of my life and happy about it. Your reading a blog written by a guy who religiously collects Loony Tunes DVD's and is pissed they don't come out more often. My favorite saying was my inner adult is trying to come out, but I keep kicking the little bastard in the shins and sending him to the corner for an extended time out.

I am not saying there aren't perks to being a grown up. No one cares how late I stay up as long as I show up for work in the morning. I can eat gummy worms whenever I want without someone nagging me about how they will ruin my dinner. Don't have to beg my parents for money or to use the car. There is also that feeling that I can shape the world and maybe leave it a little better than I received it.

While I grudenly join other adults as we collectively scream over the losses in our 401k's, deal with mortgages, bills, work, and politics. I can't help thinking that if I knew at 5, 10, or even 18 what I know now.....

I would have taken more naps..