So how do we solve our economic and government problems in the USA? First, a disclaimer that I do not understand the complete historical perspective of how we got here, but I am learning enough to know that that the flaws are systemic. It seems that any solution I have heard from our Congress are fixes for the symptoms. I like to compare this approach to how our current health care system, which I like to refer to as our disease management system, handles health problems. It seems that the take a pill response is the answer to our ailments. This masks symptoms but does not get to the root of the problem. When somebody is bleeding internally, a band-aid will not stop this. It ultimately requires surgery to find the source of the bleeding. Our system is bleeding internally. Congress and other leaders are suggesting band-aids to fix this, and then fighting over which band-aid to use, the square one or the rectangle one. This is absolutely ludicrous and a waste of time. I have no faith that anyone of our political leaders, either individually or collectively can solve the problems we are facing. Our problems are systemic, and as long as band-aids are being offered as solutions to hemorrhaging, nothing will change. Poverty, unemployment, homelessness,foreclosure, rising health care costs, overcrowded prisons, a failing post office, a failing education system and on and on are all symptoms of a system that isn't working, much like a body whose systems shut down. Corporatism and the desire of some to make as much money as possible at the expense of everyone and everything else, has driven humanity to rise up and fight for a better world. There are many among us who do not get it. But those of us that do have to try to hang on to a belief that collectively we can change our course. For me that is difficult some days. I thank the Occupiers, who I fully support, for at least changing the conversation, and standing up for fairness and equality, and helping us to try to maintain civility in the midst of crisis and chaos. I am trying to hang on to the notion that as more people understand the magnitude of this human crisis, they will join in the effort to rise up for change. Of course, change begins within first. We can not change what another says or does, but if we change what we say and do we can have an affect on others. Let's not let the poison of fear permeate us. That is what others in power want, so we will do anything to save ourselves. It is my humble opinion that we are the only ones that can save ourselves.