Democracy to Some Only Skin Deep

MS. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON

BuzzFlash,

"There can be no 50-50 Americanism in this country. There is room here for only 100 percent Americanism, only for those who are Americans and nothing else." Theodore Roosevelt, Address, Republican National Convention, 1904

It's been disturbing to read some of the comments made by a few fellow Americans during this long Democratic campaign. Comments from those who don't seem to know better, and then there were the comments from those Americans who do know better. American citizens who have the audacity to say that they can't vote for Obama because of the color of his skin when this country is made up of every color of skin found around the world which connects us to all people around the world, can't possibly understand the foundation of a working democracy. It's disturbing because it reminds me of Hitler's Germany and his thoughts on purity in race for the country of Germany, and we know what he was able to get away with. Very little accountability for those horrible crimes.

It's equally disturbing to hear people say that they can only vote for Senator Clinton because she is a woman, when womanhood should be thought of as the motherhood of peace and goodwill. The protector of life.

This old world has a violent history, and America's own history, as young as we are as a country, is strewn with violent acts from our own government. This has to stop, and we Americans can set new rules for our own government. They are called accountability and responsibility.

And, it can only be done through participation by every US citizen who cares about the future of democracy. Democracy can disappear.

The Bush GOP administration has done a grand job of trying to do just that. Violence filters down. Lately, we are hearing reports of attacks on American citizens' right to vote. Take away our votes and our democracy is dead.

Senator Clinton is a warhawk. She voted to invade Iraq. Why would anyone want that type of decision maker in the White House again unless they believe in perpetual war? Senator Clinton has gone to great lengths to prove that she can be as violent as any Bush Republican today.

"Obliterate" Iran? How sad to hear such a statement from an American, but to have to hear it coming from a Democratic candidate for the highest, most responsible office in this country, that remark does a disservice to the Democratic party and its followers today, as well as all of the people who have had their lives taken or ruined in Iraq, Afghanistan, and New Orleans.

All of those monstrous and deadly acts stuffed with the debt, death, and destruction belong to the Bush Republican Party and their followers. And, who do you think they expect to sacrifice and pay for their crimes against humanity . . . everyone except themselves.

I don't know what Roosevelt had in his mind with the above quote. Clearly, not today's Republicans in US government, but the quotes do not tell the whole story. The majority of us Americans don't see color in our lives today, and we don't want a leader who does. The majority of us Americans want the American dream back. Peace without Americans having to pay with their lives and their livelihoods. The majority of Americans today want leaders who can make decisions for the good of this country that takes us into a responsible future and not just for the greed for more power, or going back and reliving the past.

We must move forward. After the last thirty years of Republican rule, we are stuck with many serious problems today, and they will not go away.

Americanism is a brother- and sisterhood. Neighbor looking out for neighbor. Community caring about their community, equally. Like it or not, that's called liberalism and progressive thinking. Those who want to control the masses will preach fear, violence, and bigotry, and when the speech is over, those listening will be left on their own. But, only the willfully ignorant of this country could fall into that trap today. If we Americans do not fight to protect each other's rights, we will be in danger of losing our own rights.

We Americans can't wear our democracy on a lapel, on our cuffs, or as a thin cover like our skin. We have to believe in it and live it. We have to protect it and each other. The Bush GOP started a war with the world, including the American citizens. It's crucial that we Americans understand what can happen if we don't change, and for change to happen, we have to have leaders who are willing to stand up for this country and the rights of all Americans. And anyone who voted to invade Iraq does not possess that kind of protective thinking.

The Bush GOP regime did not and does not represent this country . . . only themselves, and those who were loyal to them. They will be very lonely when justice comes calling.

"In war there are no unwounded soldiers." Jose Narosky

Democracy worn as a decorative veneer will soon wear out and disappear.

Thanks BuzzFlash,

Shirley Smith

MS. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON