“We’ve GOT to do it NOW!”
Chris Spangle is currently the Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. I got to know him in his previous chair, as the producer of Abdul in the Morning radio show in Indianapolis. The following is excerpted from his post on September 26th, 2008:
“… This isn’t a George Bush problem. This is a government problem. Bush may have initiated the policies, but our Congress passed them. They made the policies bigger, and more intrusive. They are the line of defense for the average American. They are supposed to protect us from our government. Instead, they have participated in the policies that have led us to a choice. The choice that America has is either the next great depression or socialism.What makes this more painful is that the average American is crying out, “NO! WE DON’T WANT THIS!” But the choice is not ours. It is Washington’s. Those who “serve” us will be making the decision for us, because they feel we aren’t smart enough to understand the nuances of governing. Here’s what I know: My government is doing things in my name that I don’t approve of. I am not a fringe nut. I am an average American. I am opininated, but not blinded by partisanship. My voice has been cut out.
They lose sight that the biggest nuance is that the people rule. It’s time for us to remind them. If you are for against the bailout, you have to call your Congressman or Senator and explain why.
Let me share a story with you that happened as I was writing this. Sunday alcohol sales is being debated on the show, and two guests were lined up. One is a professional lobbyist, and the other is the owner of a small business. The two men are on opposite sides of the issue. The small business owner did not know the lobbyist would be there (because of a miscommunication.)
The small business owner runs a business. He doesn’t argue for a living, and felt intimidated by someone who could make their point more effectively. The small businessman is passionate about this argument, because if the lobbyist passes his law, the small business own will no longer be able to compete. His business will close, and all that he has worked for will cease to exist. He decided to leave, instead of making his point, despite my insistence that the debate would be fair. He explained that it would not be fair, because he isn’t able to communicate as effectively.
This is the way most Americans feel about their government. They aren’t politicians, and they don’t speak as well as a politician. They don’t know all the nuances of a law.
But Americans know when they are being lied to. They know elitism. They know when they are being fleeced. They know when they are being screwed.
And they will stand up for themselves, even when it is their government knocking them down.”
