Why Are Citizens of the United States Not Exercising Their Democratic Rights?

In the land of the free, and home of the brave, citizens are ... distracted. So many things exist to take our minds off of terrible things that are going on. Cable and satellite television, the numerous video game systems, spectator sports, and a huge number of things on the internet are a few of the major distractors. Suddenly, which team won last night's ball game or who did/didn't get voted off whichever 'reality' show is more important than the things that are happening in washington d.c., the middle east, africa, etc...

In our great land, we enjoy the many freedoms of democracy. Only, we don't enjoy nearly as many freedoms anymore. Many of our freedoms have been stolen, one by one, over the past few years; not by terrorists, but by our own leaders! The men who destroy country after country in the name of safety and democracy are destroying our own. How does this make sense to anyone? Instead of setting a good example, regardless of whether or not we are militarily occupying the countries we're establishing democracy, our leaders are turning these United States into a fascist dictatorship. The President and Vice President have claimed that they are no longer applicable where the law is concerned. The system of checks and balances established by our founding fathers is being torn down and spat upon by the executive branch. How far does executive privilege extend? Are no laws applicable to those persons just because they say they're not?

I am aware that a large number of citizens are aware, and outraged, at what has been happening. The internet is a wonderful resource for information and connecting with others. I thoroughly enjoy it. However, how many Americans make television shows, sporting events, and other things of that nature take priority over freedom of speech, and other constitutionally assured freedoms.

What does 'live, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' mean to the average American anymore? To me, it means that I can throw away my television and not be held in thrall by it's glow any longer. I can grow my own food instead of buying conveniently packaged and frozen, mass-produced, MSG-filled 'food'. I can homeschool my children instead of sending them away to be a robot in the public school system. I can speak out about things I feel are wrong. I can freely assemble with like-minded individuals, and form petitions, and exercise my rights within the democracy! I don't need the federal government to hold my hand and tell me exactly what to do each step of the way. I can make my own decisions about what is best for myself and my immediate family. I can disagree and dissent if the President does something outrageous. I can protest the push for an American 'empire'. I won't stand for it. I can, and should, stand against it.

We live in a democracy still. If current trends continue, it won't last much longer; we'll no longer be able to call this land a free country. Exercise your democratic rights. It is the responsibility of every citizen to participate actively in the democracy. Call, e-mail, and write to your senators and representatives. Make sure they know and understand exactly how you feel. It is their responsibility to represent you in the law-making process. That is their purpose.

There are many, many things available to entertain us, to take our minds off stress from work, to enjoy leisurely with friends and family. Stuff is fun, but don't let it distract you totally from what is really important. I have chosen to choose two things. I've given up video games, television, most movies (we still watch documentaries from time to time), and comic books. I read fiction to enjoy free time, and I also enjoy playing silly online games. I don't do these things every day. Most of my 'free time' is spent doing research for articles, staying current on news from around the world, and writing emails to various politicians.

I challenge everyone who reads this to take a good look at their lives, and decide on one thing that is extraneous, something that causes more stress or trouble than pleasure. Plant a victory garden, buy second-hand instead of new, and research the business practices of the places you make the majority of your purchases. Step out of the box, and take a good, hard look at your life, and make a conscious effort to improve it.