by Marlene Bricker

Created on: July 29, 2011   Last Updated: July 30, 2011

Is it a wonder that Americans are losing faith in government? Here we sit on July 29, 2011 watching a group of politicians fighting to raise the debt ceiling.  The debt ceiling is equivalent to a house-keeping task that has been raised over and over in our history, including the seven times during Bush's two terms.  Never have there been conditions attached to raising the debt ceiling as it is simply to pay for what has already been spent and agreed on. 

We do need to balance our budget. However, it needs to be done in an adult fashion that takes care of all of us. We need the wealthy to be paying at least the same percentages as the middle class. Loopholes need to be closed.  Waste and fraud need to be stopped. Defense spending needs to be cut. And, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security need to work more efficiently. They should not be cut to the point they hurt the people depending on these programs. These are social programs necessary for our country to grow.

The most successful countries take care of their people. No one should be without health care or food and shelter. It is up to the haves to assist the have nots. If we all did something everyone would at least have their basic needs met. If we are lucky enough to have our needs met, how can it hurt to share with others? If we worked on our infrastructure we would create jobs. We would increase manufacturing. Working people would contribute more taxes.  Unemployment benefits would be cut. Ultimately, healthy people create healthy economies.

We need a government that takes a pledge to serve the consituentcy that put him or her in office. They should never sign a pledge to anyone. Our elected officials need to be thinkers that look at the big picture. The loyalty to the party should be less than the loyalty to do what is right. 

At this time in our country's history, we are climbing a slippery slope. Our infrastructure is crumbling as well as our educational system. Large corporations are operating overseas as we give them tax breaks. Many of them pay no tax at all. What has happened to the great country we once were? What will it take to get us back on track?

It is really quite simple. If each of us would or could think about the good of the country as well as what is good for me, there would be a tremendous shift.  Life is funny. Even if we do nothing, something is sure to occur. We probably would like our choice much more than the one that will be made for us! 

Let us just all hope that someone in Washington will step up to the plate and remember: Of the people, by the people, for the people. We are the employers.  Maybe it is time to fire the whole bunch!

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