Congress has a duty and so do we

I feel a need to express some thoughts on the futility of trying to explain the ineptness of Congress in managing our nation's needs and future. Having taught and written about American history and other subjects in the past, I would have a difficult time explaining how our government works today. Congressmen and -women have become so involved with their own causes and importance, they have forgotten who put them in that position and what "constituent" means.

It makes little difference which party they represent; they just appear desperate to hold onto their spot, appease those who funded them and provide enough "pork" for the home folk controllers to maintain their seat. While there, they try to ingratiate themselves to the lobbyist groups to guarantee a position when and if they leave their elected positions.

At what point does the American citizen attempt to acquire knowledge of the process and define what he or she can do to make a difference, including voting in every election; writing letters or other forms of communication and insisting on a response; being a member of a legitimate group that can officially represent them and speak for them? Not the rabble-rousers and haters of everything, but honorable groups organized to encourage some semblance of order to a disorganized society that has lost the desire or knowledge to innovate and strive for the future within a democratic republic. We need a "quid pro quo" from our citizens. We have become a nation expecting to be given whatever we want, when we want it, without offering to give something back.

I love this country and what it offers, but I also know it did not come free. We are a great nation of caring people, but we cannot seem to get up and give ourselves the voice and the strength to rebuild ourselves. It is time to make Congress represent "we the people" and really mean it by giving something back ourselves.

 

CAMPBELL WITHERSPOON
Valencia