Promises Promises

Today is a momentous day here in the US of A.  It's a day when we are given to opportunity to make a choice, and possibly make a change.  Once every 4 years we are afforded the opportunity to decide who is going to be our leader, our Commander in Chief, our President for the next 4 years.  You may imagine that it is an onerous task what with so many people in the country from which to choose, but we manage to pare it down to a handful of choices with 2 people pretty much squashing out any hopes for the others early on in the process.

Here in the US of A we are very enthusiastic about the election process.  So much so that approximately 48% of registered voters actually bother to participate in the process.  It's comforting to know that we can't even muster a majority of the voters to make a choice.  It makes one wonder if we are truly being represented properly.  Most likely, not.

The build up to this day is really something spectacular.  Months before the election, maybe even a year before, potential candidates begin to surface and make themselves known to the masses.  It all begins lightheartedly, and with much celebration, but that does not last long.  Are we given any real information with which to make our decision during this time?  No!  What we are given?  Name calling, mud slinging, half truths, twisted facts, and lots of finger pointing.  That is the information pool from which we get to make our decisions.  Like a butcher breaking down a side of beef, candidates are sliced away without a second thought.  Some left to lie on the political floor like offal that only a handful will ever give another glance. quite brutal

It is refreshing to see how quickly this process can turn otherwise rational people into rabid lunatics.  Swift to move from  friendly discourse to calling each other idiots, morons, and questioning each others mental acuity in various fashions that hearken to the days of elementary school playgrounds. It makes one proud to be a member.  It's a wonder so many people participate in the event.

Finally, the day arrives.  Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.  Not because we have been waiting with the anticipation of a child wanting to tear into their Christmas gifts to see what they get, but rather because it means the end of ridiculous political advertisements and endless phone calls to see who we may vote for.  How many more times can I see one candidate parade around all the Hollywood/Famous people he knows in an attempt to garner my vote?  Is their a corollation between number of celebrities a person knows, and the ability to lead a nation that is flat out broke?  If that is the case, then we need to elect Kevin Bacon and do so right quick.  How many more ads must I watch of a candidate dressed in suits I cannot afford smiling and glad-handing the masses?  If the ability to lead our nation is best determined by the best dresser then maybe we should elect Gwyneth Paltrow as she is "People" magazines Best Dressed Woman in the World!  The entire WORLD, she must be the leader we need.

Much like children following the Pied Piper less than half of the masses make their way to their assigned voting center to punch a few buttons and make a selection.  The Piper plays such wily tunes as:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBupia9oidU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

Personally, I believe we should put on our powdered wigs and march into those centers with a revolutionary mindset that would make our founding Fathers proud.  It's time to dispel the apathetic fog, release ourselves from the chains of rhetoric, and truly make a difference.  Get all of those that promote and support our failing system and let them know who is really in charge.  WE THE PEOPLE!  not We the ones that really don't have anything better to do than vote, not We the easily led by the glitz and glamor of smooth talking/life long politicians, but WE THE PEOPLE who are pissed, who are angry that our country has been taken from us.  48% even bother to make an effort.  Where are the other 52%?  Bullied into believing that they have no real voice? valid.  So distraught with the belief that no matter who is elected that nothing will really change?  on point.  Time to have a revolution of non-violence, a revolution by the people for the people.  Time to take the country back from the politicians and re-engage the 52%.

Just once I would love to see the people make a stand and tell those who force us to believe we have to be a Democrat or a Republican that we reject you both.  We will no longer allow you to play at being a government.  No changes will be made in regards to any of our major problems because it would eliminate "talking points" for the next election should we eliminate any of our problems.  We need people that are willing to make compromises to find solutions.  Not simply point fingers and call each other names. 

Here in Atlanta, our Falcons have a saying, "Rise Up!"  Now if we can get an entire city, maybe even and entire state to "Rise Up!"  for a football team (who happens to be undefeated and well on their way to the post-season), then surely we can get the entire country to "Rise Up!" for themselves.  Can't we?  Shouldn't we?

Now, may I please be returned to my regularly scheduled programming, and have all of the phone calls cease?  thank you, see you in four years.  I may just repost this blog in 4 years. As i drift into the apathetic majority.