In the middle with no representation

An old saying goes: "there are 2 sides to the story and then there is the truth."  This seems applicable in our country today.  There are the Democrats, the Republicans and then the rest of us, stuck in the middle with no representation.

 In the past, politicians have claimed to be elected by those in the middle sometimes referred to as the "Silent majority."  This has never been truer in politics than it is today.  The Democrats and Republicans have proven that they are deadlocked in a struggle over who is right and who is wrong.  They have taken a parent/child relationship with voters of their district versus what they were originally and constitutionally designed to be-that is, the voice of the people. 

Perhaps they believe they are representing the voice of the people.  The problem is they ONLY represent the voice of those who voted for or contributed to their election.  They forget about the percentage who didn't vote at all.  They forget about the percentage that voted against them.  One of the primary motivating factors in the original American Revolution was "Taxation without Representation".  Today, more than ever in the history of our nation, is this principle applicable especially when our representatives levy taxes that work in favor of ONLY those who paid to get them into office.

In the past, the voice of the "Silent Majority" truly was a significant factor.  Most people don't consider themselves to be members of either party. In choosing a candidate, most people look at the person and what they have done and for the most part, vote on issues which are important in their personal lives, rather than political party affiliation.

American politics may be polarized by Democrats, Republicans and their pundits, but America is not.  Most of America, that silent majority, are left of the right and right of the left. In simpler terms, most of America is somewhere in the middle.  Unfortunately this "Silent Majority" is without a Media figure to speak out for them.  Perhaps it is this lack of a representation in what is actually happening in our country that leaves many resigned to hopelessness and apathy, refusing to participate in an idea that can only work when its total population participates.  This silent majority mistakenly believe that their lack of participation has no consequence in the overall scheme of things.  They are wrong.  Their lack of participation affects all of us.  Their lack of participation affects history.  Their lack of participation is as much part of the problems in this country as the corrupt politicians in Washington today. 

The silent majority may not have a voice in American Broadcast politics but they cannot be silenced unless they willingly give up hope and forfeit their right to vote.  It is the single most important thing an American can do as a citizen.  Those who willingly give up their birthright should look perhaps to others who are willing to sacrifice everything just to live in our country.  How can you stay silent and justify the deaths of thousands of military men and women in Iraq if you don't vote?  How can you stay silent and judge an illegal immigrant ready to do anything to have a better life, if you are not willing to vote?  How can you continue day in and day out bragging about the Great Institution we call America, if you stand by silently and are unwilling to participate and vote?  In fact, how can anyone fly the flag in front of their home or pledge allegiance to the flag if they are only willing to be silent and can't sacrifice the time to participate in what they profess to believe in.  How can you stay silent and look your friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors in the face knowing you forsook your responsibility to your country and all the millions of people who have died for your liberty?  How can you hate your neighbor because they have a different political persuasion, when you stay silent and do not even have the courage your own convictions to live by and stand up for? 

It is because I believe this so deeply that no longer can just writing about or advocating for be enough.  I believe God calls us to first believe and then step out and act upon what we believe.  So in 2008 I will forsake writing about what is happening in our country and venture out to do something about it.  I'm not sure how God will guide me in this venture, but I believe deep in my heart that he will guide me in the direction that will be the best use of the talents he has blessed me with.  I will write one last piece for Christmas and that will be that; not that it is some earth shattering news that will make any significant difference in the larger scheme of life.  But I leave you all with something to think about as we approach the coming political year of 2008. 

America is no longer judged the greatest place in the world to live.  It ranks 12th overall.  And I believe that it got that way because its so-called citizens no longer have faith in it.  There is One important principle that I learned a long time ago as a member of the "have nots".  It was that the only hope an individual has in this big political experiment called America, is to vote.  We, as people of faith, understand what it means to believe in something intangible and greater than ourselves.  The time has come for we the people, as Americans, to understand what it means to be part of America.  That means never giving up what we believe for America.  That means participating in and being a part of America by exercising our birthright and voting. 

For when a small percent of its citizens participate in the process, there is a greater likelihood for corruption of the process.  But when 100% of the citizens stand up for and take back their fate by participating in their birthright and voting, then and only then will the voice of the "Majority" truly be heard and the progress of real change will be made.