Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Self Reliance

Ah, Election Day. A day that I usually look forward to, because it is our chance as citizens of this country to let our voice be heard from all corners of this country. A day that we get to stand up and let our politicians hear us loud and clear, more so than any other time possible. On Election Day, we have the opportunity shape the way that our government runs and to shape the future of this country. On this Election Day though, I am not that excited.

And I say that not because of Obama or McCain, Chambliss or Martin, etc. I say that because I am scared of the people of this country more than the leaders we are about to elect. I am scared that our vast electorate has somehow transformed itself into a pitiful lot that needs and craves more dependence on our federal government with each passing day. I am scared that we have transitioned from self-reliance to self-pity. No longer are we asking what we can do to improve our situations in life. We are asking now how the government and taxpayers can help us. It seems like a small issue, but it is life-threatening to the sovereignty of this nation and our ability to freely pursue life, liberty, and happyness. And this problem goes across both aisles, Democrats and Republicans alike.

If I could ask every citizen one thing, it would not be to vote for McCain, or here in GA to vote for Saxby Chambliss, etc. I would ask each man or woman to look in the mirror and ask,

"What can I do to make my life better? How can I take more responsibility for my own actions and decisions and put less burden on those around me?"

If we could all take a few minutes and really examine the strengths of self-reliance, this nation would grow and prosper in ways that our generation has never experienced. But sadly, most people cannot even begin to accept responsibility for their mistakes, their decisions, the things that have directed the course of their lives, and instead look to a dependence on others in the form of big government and redistribution of wealth as the easy way out. And the easy way out is going to cost us everything in the long run.