The concern should not be party. The concern should be America. What does America stand for? Does the countries’ world standing matter? Does the Constitution hold water? Is the rule of law still something, albeit not perfect, that America wants upheld? Do we want to be a country that our allies can count on and our enemies guard against? Do the American people want to hold dear the values, morals, common sense thinking that enabled 13 Colonies to become the greatest country in the world? Does America want to remain a free and democratic society?
Do the American people want their speech to be free? Do they want their representative to be honest? Do they want discourse engaged with intelligent and respectful disagreement?
Can the American people accept that the monied rule the roost? Can they accept that businesses are more important than people? Is greed valued more than the health and welfare for all?
Is the population willing to accept that the best of us are no longer interested in leading? Those willing to run are not always the most fit to lead. They are certainly not the most qualified.
These questions are not to be answered by parties, but by people.
At night, lights out, kids in bed, spouses in the shower, the dog in its house. If each one of us answered those questions honestly, most of America would share the same understanding. We need to vow to work toward change.
It is not the Democrats responsibility to fix the Republican party. It is not the responsibility of the Republicans to bail out the Democrats. It is not the responsibility of the Independents to get off their fence and make real choices.
It is up to all of us, regardless of race, color, or religion, to look inside. We need to explore what we want for our friends, family, and loved ones. We must also consider how we want the next 100 years to look.
Then with heads clear and hearts aligned, we work towards the America that the vast majority of us want. We strive to be treated with respect. No opinion should matter more than any other. We aim to build a home, a family, and a community where each person is free. Each person can work to be their best. They aren’t swayed by those who think or feel differently.
The reality is, being an American is a pretty easy job. Wake up each day. Live your own life. Treat others as you want to be treated. Work well. Love with lasting intent. Do the little things that make America America.
Things Tom Thinks You Should Think 