We (those of you reading in the US, that is) live in the greatest nation on earth, and yet we take it for granted every day. Today, I exercised my rights as a citizen of this great country and I called the United States Capitol building. (The number is 202-224-3121, if you're interested.) As I was on hold, I thought about how truly amazing it is that I can just pick up my telephone and call the government of the United States of America. The people living in Iraq and Afghanistan--who we have been heroically helping to gain freedoms like these---cannot begin to comprehend freedoms like those we enjoy.
When I called the Capitol, the harried operator on the other end of the line indicated that they had been overwhelmed by calls from concerned citizens. Apparently, the calls were 100 to 1, asking senators to vote down the bill. While it would seem that's not going to happen, it's still so very important to make our voices heard. I called our democratic Maryland Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski and politely asked both of them to vote against the current "stimulus" bill that President Obama has proposed. I also called Congressman Roscoe Bartlett's office and thanked him for voting against the bill recently. It took five minutes of my time, if that.
Please don't bury your heads in the sand, assuming other people will handle this. Please, whether you agree or disagree with the bill, call and let your voice be heard. It's a right that we should never take for granted.
If the bill seems confusing (as most things that defy all logic and reason usually are), this excellent graphic in today's Washington Post may help to simplify things for you. Look very closely and you will notice that defense, homeland security, and the state department--all vital to our security as a nation--get the least of the so-called "stimulus" money. Look even closer and notice what gets the most money--health and human services and medicaid. That's called National Health Care, folks. If you voted for Obama, I hope you are prepared to get what you wished for.
If you'd like more information on understanding the stimulus package or on how to reach your state senators/congressmen, check out these sites.
www.readthestimulus.org
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/index.html
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
www.americasright.com
**One final note: please don't leave comments asking me to examine and/or present the "other side" of this ridiculous spending package. This is, after all, my blog and that won't be happening here. If you're interested in presenting the other side, feel free to post that on your own blog!
4 comments:
LOL! I like your final note... good exit :-)
this whole thing is astounding to me... I listened - briefly - to some of the address this evening. Wow... "government is the only way out..." Oh help.
The best way to speak your voice in a republic is with your vote. Which is why I didn't vote for Jim Gerlach or John McCain in November. I laugh when I see John McCain being critical of this stimulus. They both voted for W's version of the stimulus when he was in office. Unfortunately, as long as we only have 2 major parties in this country, both of whom are in favor of federal spending and expensive illegal wars (haven't we spent enough on "homeland security"?) it's only going to get worse. GWB was a thief, Obama is a thief and 90% of our elected officials are thieves.
Vote 'em out. Period.
Sorry, I don't have a blog anymore.
Good grief Adam. There's always Canada--or France.
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