29) Red Vs. White Vs. Blue

I've always tried to shy away from political discussions, for the fear of reprimand and criticism. However, I feel that recent events have forced my hand. This is no longer an issue that can be avoided.

With the media converging on the Obama administration and their intentions, something darker has been revealed to exist in the heart of the American government and its people. As Democrats and Republicans fight it out, many cannot predict the catastrophes that await this country. The fates of many lie in the hands of the distinguished few.

With the recent approval of Obama's health care plan, it seems only logical that the Democrats have successfully solidified their place as majority power-holders in the Senate. This victory comes as a certificate of achievement that reflects upon the supporters of Obama's plan of change for the United States. It is, after all, "Change we can believe in."

It's only natural that the residing president's political party has a strong say in the government. After all, the president is always the center of activity, and is the main focal point for the masses of America.

The victory comes at a price.

I was more disappointed than shocked when I saw this article spring up. House Democrats were threatened due to their actions concerning the approval of the health care plan. As Democratic House of Representatives majority Leader Steny Hoyer puts it:

“Democracy can’t survive unless we can have a civil society in which debate is open and free and unfettered."

This isn't the first incidence of tempers flaring, but it certainly appears to indicate a breaking point. Racial epithets and shoutings of "Baby Killer" have captured the attention of the media.

Clearly, a government cannot be run effectively if arguments are to transpire at every possible turn. Although debates are encouraged to gain perspective on issues, the concept becomes disgraced when actual threats of violence occur.

The root of all this? The reasons are debatable (Ha Ha), but a plausible explanation is the way people are being represented. Many tapings of town hall meetings show disgruntled, furious, and passionate voters, all who have legitimate opinions and suggestions. But when their ideas can do so little in this democratic America, it is easy to understand their desperate actions of hate and frustration.

More and more, especially for the younger generation, protesting and writing your senators doesn't seem to be enough anymore. As the United States stumbles further down the road to ruin, optimists insist that things will change for the better. Pessimists (like me), say that more radical change is required.

What really worries me is the growing division between the public and their representatives. It might be just me, but I feel that the ideas of the general consensus regarding important issues differs greatly than what our leaders are aspiring to do. The American people are feeling more helpless than ever, especially when they have no job, no home, or no money. If they feel they have no say in the government, it'll be the final straw.

As the representatives instigate change to push along their personal agendas, people will either agree or disagree. For those that disagree, I can only hope they do not resort to desperate measures.

The current health care debate is long from being resolved. More pressing and controversial issues will no doubt appear within the next few months. We will soon see the value of everyday opinions regarding general change that a majority will be satisfied with.

As for me, I hope that I won't ever have to reach for my gun rather than my pen and pad to have my opinions heard. That would be a shame.