Ruskin and surrounding areas, lend me your eyes. As I look at the upcoming presidential election, I have no preference as to a victor. Again I find myself neglecting the right to vote — the right so many gave their lives for — because I hear no voice of the people that can be heard. Then I ask myself, why is that?
The answer is as simple as it is complex: You can not have a voice of the people for a “people” that doesn’t exist.
We have strived so hard for our personal independence and lack of labels that we no longer stand together as Americans. Believe it or not, the melting pot we all cook in was the plan. It called for a recipe of understanding and embracing our differences to enjoy freedom; to not be judged by anyone but who we choose to be our god; to be able to express ourselves without fear of consequence.
Instead, we make a mockery of it, say things just because we can, not because we should. The working class argues over the financial scraps that trickle down and loses sight of what made this country great to begin with — our unity. It isn’t by chance we are called the United States of America.
Sadly, we are anything but united in this day and age. Across the nation, fear of the unknown thrives and causes division among those who have the most in common, the working class.
The working class is still the backbone of the country yet few from that walk of life sit among those who determine policies.
I, for one, am at a loss, I simply can not wrap my head around the fact that we are such a poorly represented populace. I want to know how many members of congress know what it feels like to work a 70-hour week and still be tight on bills. How many of them couldn’t afford holiday presents for their children at one time or another. Most importantly, how many of them realize how much their decisions truly affect us, not just their wallets.
I am furious and assume George Washington is eternally rolling in his grave in shame for what this goverment has become. I do not, however, hold our Senate, Congress, elected officials, etc., only to blame. I point the finger back at myself and every other hardworking American who hasn’t stepped up and started to take back our nation.
Believe it or not, we are still in a position to do something about it; I am not sure how much longer that will be the case, but there is no better time than the present.
I call out to every man, woman and child to become more involved within their community. Small goverment is key; it needs to be stimulated and heard. It is critical that we put aside our basic differences and see our commonalities whether we are purple, crimson, gold, brown, black, white, a combination, have polka dots, etc. We all want to see our children and our children’s children prosper. Our inability to unite is what has led to this drastic inbalance and lack of leadership. We are so busy fighting among ourselves that we don’t pay attention to new policies and how our representatives are voting.
As a free people, we control the economy, we dictate what is bought, sold and traded here. Our so-called goverment has morphed into a satire of its original purpose. The idea was to have elected officials to represent the majority who put them in a postion to ensure we are not taken advantage of by our leaders.
I am not suggesting overthrowing our government by force, but by the infiltration of people who truly represent the majority’s best interest.
The reality is that everyone shouldn’t prosper just because they have a pulse, but those who contribute certainly should and deserve to. Encouraging free trade among ourselves on our soil — yes, OUR SOIL — is essential to revitalizing our sense of community and common purpose, to live free. American-made needs to be the world standard once again.
Trump says he will make America great again. No one person can reform an entire country. Americans need to make America great again. We do not need Federal policy to decide what goods we purchase. The money is in our hands and will stay in circulation in our own economy among ourselves if we let it.
So this year, instead of pondering which candidate makes you less uncomfortable, start looking for when the next town meeting is, write a letter to your district representative, to your senator, to your congressman. Tell our officials they are on notice: We are tired of being misrepresented. Encourage them to increase taxes on imported goods and re-establish the American work force by manufacturing our own products.
Please remember that those with the most wealth and influence only have it because we keep giving it to them. Stop!
District 1 County Commissioner – Sandra Murman
P: 813-272-5470
F:813-272-7046
E: murmans@hillisboroughcounty.org
District 4 County Commissioner
Stacy White
P: 813-272-5740
F:813-272-7049
https://maps.hillsboroughcounty.org/FMEO/FMEO.htm
(Find My Elected Official)
Florida’s 14th Congressional District – Rep. Kathy Castor (D)
(www.govtrack.us)
Florida Senators –
Sen. Bill Nelson (D)
Sen. Marco Rubio (R)
(www.govtrack.us)
The President of the
United States of America –
Barack Obama (D)
(www.whitehouse.gov/contact)
