Why

I figured it should be included as to what exactly set of this next tirade. So this is the link to the article which began my introspection. People in Iran know the election was unfairly decided if not corrupt, but they are not standing for it. They want change. Real change and many are fighting and dying for it. They believe in their cause and will accept nothing left. America has lost that fire, but I mean to get it back. Those who agree are encouraged to do whatever is in their power to better their communities and facilitate change on a personal level, so that soon we may all bring real change to our society.

Iranian Protesters beaten at Memorial

A Failed Attempt

I find it alarming that the US is a country so open to criticism and accepting of protest but also a country that uses it sparingly. Our bill of rights protects our rights to protest and speak our mind, yet we refuse to exercise them. When Bush won his first term in office, everyone protested, there was a recount, etc. but what really came of it? Independent groups in Florida found many discrepancies in the accounting practices, missing votes and evidence of voting machine tampering. It's been proven that they can actually alter vote counts and change candidates voted for in the machines used throughout the country. 

Yet for as much grumbling as people did what actually came of it? Nothing. No big protests. No civil unrest. No calls to action. I find it pretty pathetic that a country whose constitution demands removal of corrupt governments by an unsatisfied people did nothing for this obvious farce. 

In the second election against Kerry, in the midst of an unpopular war and obvious idiocy, Bush announced victory before the votes had all even been counted. It was a terrible time for America where every possible social embarrassment came to fruition at the hands of our leader. Still, only mild protests and minor unrest took place. People should have been angry! Enraged! Livid! All at the state of our once great republic. But no one cared, once again, no one cared. We have become too comfortable with our couches and TV screens to really look at the society we live in. It sickens me. 

I am not ok with more than half of my country being overweight. I am not ok with a government that does more for politics than it does for it's people. I am NOT ok with a justice system that punishes the ones it needs most and forsakes rehabilitation for a jail cell and shorter sentence. I am NOT OK with my country, my society, myself. I write this not for my benefit, but for the rest of us. ALL OF US. America. 

We need to wake up and do something about our lives, about our Country. Obama is in the White House. Change has come. Right? WRONG! We have made a big step in the right direction, but to truly make change a reality we cannot let this devolve into a minor political stunt to calm the masses. We need to make the change. Everyone! No more stolen elections, no more complacency, ACTION! ACTION!

Do whatever you can to make sure these atrocities of state do not further mar our countries good name. Get involved. Clean a park. Volunteer at a hospital. Feed a person in need. PAY ATTENTION! It all starts with one person, one small act of kindness, one sense of civic duty. The failed attempt is not one of a corrupt government, sadly they succeeded. The failed attempt is one of civic pride. The nation united under the dollar nourished by the burger. No longer will we ride the waves of intolerance into a sea of ignorance. We are here, we are dedicated, and Change will come.

Does Anyone Care?

I find it sad that in the midst of such a severe recession, no one seems to care anymore. I also find this a fitting subject to begin this blog.

People are still losing their homes and falling into deeper debt just to stay afloat. Homeless shelters are overcrowded to the point where people are more comfortable back out on the street. I've seen people asleep in front of huge corporate skyscrapers with giant suitcases, gleaming bright and new in shiny colors with gold finishes. I can't help thinking this is the first time they've ever been used. I've been to skid row, through downtown LA, to San Diego, but never before have I seen so many people out on the street. 

I understand there are many different reasons WHY people end up homeless (debt, forclosure, drugs) but the simple fact is that they are there. So why does no one seem to care? These people are not bad people, they have just hit different degrees of rough patches. I just want people to notice them and treat them with the same respect they would anyone else. No disgusted looks, snide remarks or other social torture. It is easy enough to give a little change if you've got it, or like I do, some food or leftovers you have. Share what you can. If you don't want to welcome them into your home for a shower and shave that is perfectly fine, but don't make life harder than it already is. 

Show a little compassion, a little care, at the very least, a little humanity.