We the People vs They the People

Are you disheartened over the state of our nation? I look around at the mess we’re in, and see that Washington DC has “gone rogue”, out of control, drunk with power   and ideology, disconnected and uninterested in the people.  Then I look at the races for this election locally, and see some trying the same old smears and misinformation to get themselves or their candidate elected.

What do these issues   have in common?  It’s an apathetic, lazy electorate.

Oh, I get it.  I work every day, I have people I must care for, I’m old, tired, and terrified.  But, I have a duty, one neglected too long; to be informed, to be accountable for my character AND the character of my country.  And, as in all things, it starts at home.

My father fought in the Philippines and my mother worked in an airplane factory during WWII.  The “Greatest Generation” rose to meet it’s challenges, enduring set-backs, rationing, love ones dead, missing, and just plain not there.  Are we not able to rise to this generation’s challenges?

There are those that say the “social issues”, such as abortion and Gay Rights (same sex marriage), are issues that determine whether a person is a “true conservative”. Whatever your stand on those issues, they are not issues that are going to determine whether the country survives in it’s intended form.  Morality can no more be legislated than charity without infringement on someone’s rights in a free society.  You can’t have it both ways;  equal rights or rights for some.  The moral standards of a nation are determined by the character of it’s people,   and it’s leaders are a reflection of that collective character expressed through the vote.

Have we neglected our duty to be informed and vote?  Have we cared for, and supported fellow citizens in our communities that need our help, or left them with nowhere to turn but a willing, enslaving government?  Have we done our work in our homes and communities to promote informed and moral citizens?  This all comes under the philosophy of “personal responsibility”.  I’ve failed in my responsibility, have you?

I’ve heard it said this week that the Republican Party has all of a sudden gotten “religion” on fiscal matters, at the expense of the social issues.  All I can say is that it’s about time somebody took up the banner of fiscal responsibility! Thank God!  I just hope it’s not too late.  As for the social issues, I don’t see fear, as much as a focus on priorities that must take precedence, all else is distraction.

The Rockdale Republican Party is struggling to stay on message and reach conservatives in our area.  As a volunteer for the Rockdale GOP, we’ve been warned   repeatedly that we cannot endorse candidates while representing the RGOP.  The  people must make their choice in the primary.  We work for the Party that carries out the will of the membership as expressed through their vote and the feedback of the membership and community.  No organization is perfect, mistakes are made, and, as in any organization, there are those that choose not to honor the by-laws, and rules to keep the Party in it’s role,  who become disgruntled and whose bruised egos get the better of them.  I ask that before anyone takes rumor and misinformation to heart, he attend the RGOP meetings and speak directly to the  leadership and active members.

I decided early on for me at least, that this would be an election like no other. Candidates, and their supporters, who sacrifice their ideals behind the scenes, that they so forcibly espouse at the podium, are not worthy.  Imagine what they will be like in the pressure cooker of office. It’s up to us to decide, and you do that by an informed vote, and working in your community to help inform and engage fellow citizens. So, everyone has a choice.  Vote, or sit it out, it’s a decision of We the People vs They the People.   It’s up to you.

Sharon Pharr