"Of the people, by the people, for the people"? Who's kidding who?

I try to keep the articles in this blog positive but, every once in awhile, I get fed up with the way things are going and need to let out a little steam. This is one of those times. I also try to leave my political beliefs out of my comments. This is an exception.

Is it any wonder the mood in this country seems to be getting angrier every day? Maybe everyone is starting to feel the same way I am ~ sick of our government selling us out!

Let's just consider some of the things that are going on this month:

• Gas prices are reaching the stratosphere. Oil companies say they have nothing to do with it and yet they enjoy the billion dollar profits they're hauling in because of it.
• Social Security is an endangered species. However, our illustrious Senators and Congressmen enjoy a retirement program the likes of which we'll never see.
• The Network Neutrality law was voted down by our House of Representatives ~ striking yet another blow to the "little people" and giving big business another shot in the arm.
• We're embroiled in the Iraqi War with no end in sight and where more and more of our troops lose their lives each day. Mr. Bush visits Baghdad for another "photo opp" in a desperate attempt to improve his sagging approval rating.
• Pharmaceutical companies develop drugs that kill people ~ all with the blessings of the FDA.
• Next week, cell phone numbers will be turned over to telemarketers ~ this time WE'LL have to pay to be harassed by those "can't take 'no' for an answer" vultures.
• Our own government is invading our privacy and spying on us in the name of National Security and the "war on terrorism".
• Due to the economic instability of our nation, the American dream of home ownership is becoming a pipe dream for many citizens.
• We open our doors to immigrants from other countries and yet can't provide enough jobs to keep our own citizens working.
• These immigrants receive more benefits and tax breaks than the average American does.

These are just a few of the things that make my hair stand up and my blood pressure rise.

While we supposedly elect our government officials to do our bidding, to represent us, and to fight for our needs and wants; it doesn't seem that the majority of them get the message. Could it possibly be that they're more concerned with lining their own pockets than with helping us pay the grocery bills? Do huge campaign contributions carry more weight than the beliefs and desires of their own constituents? No! That couldn't be true . . . or could it?

Let's forget the economic issues for a minute and think about the way our government is selling out our very culture. This country was founded as a Christian nation . . . "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all". Remember that? Then, why is it now against the law to display the Ten Commandments in public buildings; why is prayer outlawed in our schools; why are churches forbidden from displaying nativity scenes during the Christmas season? In fact, why has the Christmas tree been turned into the more "politically correct" holiday tree?

Since its beginning, the United States of America has opened its doors to those of other nations. That's fine ~ that's where it got its name as the "melting pot". However, it seems that things have gone a bit awry. Now foreigners who come to America seem to have more rights than our own citizens. We worry so much about offending those of different religions that we've watered our own religious freedoms down to the point where they hardly exist.

This is still our country ~ it belongs to American citizens! If other nationalities want to make their homes here, fine! However, they should have to accept us as we are, the same as we accept them as they are. We don't forbid them to practice their religions or their customs. Why then should we be forced to give up our customs?

I received this email a few days ago. It speaks of recent events in Australia. It also reflects my own beliefs about ALL immigrants who come to this country ~ not just Muslims:

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown

Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular State and its laws were made by parliament.

"If those are not your values, if you want a country that has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on national television.

"Immigrants, not Australians must adapt. Take it or leave it. I am tired of this Nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in
Patriotism by the majority of Australians.

However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia.

However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some who were born here, need to understand.

The idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.

This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese or Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you want to become part of our society, learn the language.

Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push but a fact because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

We will accept your beliefs and will not question why, all we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

If the Southern Cross offends you or you don't like a "Fair Go" then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.

We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture but do not force it on others.

This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining and griping about our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom:

THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

If you are not happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.

"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law. That is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option" Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country.

Education minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who do not want to accept local values should "clear off"

"Basically, people who don't want to be Australians and they don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then they can basically clear off" he said. Separately Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

It's about time the American people demanded their country back. It's also time for us to expect our wishes to be reflected in congressional and senate votes and to determine the priorities of our government's actions. Is this thinking too radical? I hope not.