We have an opportunity to change America this election cycle and we need to be very aware of the power we hold as voters and as Americans. It is all fine and good with hoping for change, but anything worth having is rarely easy to come by.
We are all aware of the results of today’s Stalinist administration in such areas as foreign policy, economic development, human rights and education, and although we may have different viewpoints many things can not be denied.
1) The United States, once viewed by the world as democracies torchbearer, is today seen as the worlds bully. Some would say it is unimportant what the rest of the world thinks, but in the same breath tout the merits of a global economy. To this I say you cannot have it both ways, with out respect abroad our economy is getting raped by poor trade agreements. Our global economy is such that China now holds much of our national debt. Will we soon see the Chinese flag displayed above the White House alongside Old Glory? In my opinion, our economy is closely tied to our foreign policy.
2) After September 11th, all of America wanted retaliation against those that perpetrated the horrifying destruction of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and retribution for the crash of the hijacked plane in the fields of Pennsylvania. The Bush administration did the right thing at the moment by going after Osama Bin Laden. They then seized the opportunity to invade Iraq under the pretense of a "War on Terrorism". The result has been less than admirable. Our country is now mired in Iraq, sending billions of dollars each year to finance an ongoing battle in a country that wants us out. While denouncing terrorist tactics, this administration resorted to torture tactics and has stomped on our Constitution by subverting our right to privacy.
3) In discussing education, all I really need to say is "No Child Left Behind", and that would suffice. I certainly do not blame the many fine teachers that have dedicated their lives to a sometimes thankless profession, but instead point a finger at government control. Instead of allowing teachers to do their job, they must focus on making sure students pass certain tests so the school can continue receiving funds. Instead of providing a thorough education to all pupils, the government has lowered the standards so certain minorities can pass those required tests. Where is the logic here?
So what can we as voters and Americans do? Unfortunately there is no easy fix to the problems we face, but we can start by making our voices heard by rejecting the failed policies of the past eight years. We can put a new face on American leadership. Does this guarantee we won’t continue to make mistakes? No, it does not, but it is a start. Each of us holds the power of one vote and by banding together we can make that power felt across Virginia, the nation and around the world.
As a Navy veteran, I am proud to be an American, as a working man I am grateful for the opportunities that have been afforded me. As a voter I reject the philosophies of the current administration and intend to vote for a change in direction.
One last thought about the current administration. I am reminded of a quote from the French activist and writer Voltaire: "Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them."