politics...not as usual

But the life that no longer trusts another human being and no longer forms ties to the political community is not a human life any longer.

~ Martha Nussbaum ~

O Magazine, November 2003

Trust and politics are two words that rarely go together--unless one of them is formed in the negative. I admit, trust is difficult for me in many cases. Politics even moreso.

I never thought that I could have an impact on the system. Yet, I think that is changing--both my belief about it and the reality of it.

There are some good people who are working for the people in politics. Not all of them are lining their pockets with lobbyist perks. Some of them are truly working to make a difference for us--all of us.

Some of you may remember that Obama was not my first choice for president, though I must admit that by the time the election came around, my mind changed. I must also admit that I am somewhat disappointed that the President (and legislators) haven't delivered more by now.

Nonetheless, I trust. Obama is our leader--not our dictator. He continues to ask us, the People, to speak up and make our wishes known to our senators and congresspeople. Our constitution begins like this:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

We, the People, are the ones who give the government the power to do what they do...or don't do. At least that is how it should be. Over the years--and I won't name any names here--some of our presidents have misused their position to assume unilaterally far more power than I am comfortable with. Obama seems to be giving back...encouraging us to take...leading us into our power.

That kind of paradigm shift takes more than one year.

I have started to speak up. I have called my legislators to make my opinion and wishes known. I have voted my conscience. I have written to my congressman and senators about issues that are important. I have supported my local representatives--even those not in my district--who are similarly working to return the power of government to Us.

Leaders can't do it all. You can't steer a parked car and you can't lead passive people. Oh, you can rule them, but you can't lead them. This leader inspires me to do my part. And I know that there is plenty more that I can do.

I am all for the paradigm shift. It is up to me (and you) to participate in making it happen. It is up to us to insure...

...that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.