This is not a Democracy

This country is not a democracy.  It’s a democratic republic.  I’m not sure that most Americans even know what that means.  In a nutshell it’s majority rule under law, which is supposed to prevent large groups from making decisions that go against our core principles (our laws, the Constitution, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, etc.).  Democracy without the republic piece would essentially just mean mob rule.  I sometimes wonder how far away we are from that happening.  Something tells me that our founding fathers would be grossly disappointed at the current state of the Union.  Both parties seem to be having a death match, and our leader has so far failed to unite.  The gap between parties seems more pronounced than ever.

I didn’t realize that having a difference of opinion, suddenly makes one an ‘obstructionist’.  Isn’t the greatest thing about this country the fact that we are allowed to challenge thoughts and ideas–to voice our opinion?  Isn’t that what happened when independent voters claimed a traditionally democratic senate seat in Massachusetts and elected a Republican?  Scott Brown’s victory was explained as an upheaval of frustration due to our last administration–that people want change.  Washington needs to save the touchy feely rhetoric and start listening.  I hope that independent voters have scared the pants off of politicians.

I’m an American.  I’m an independent.  I am fed up with special interest groups, hidden agendas, closed door sessions (most people would refer to such things as ’secret meetings’), and name calling.  This isn’t the third grade.  I wish our leaders would act like adults and stop pointing the finger.