Gotta Wake Up....

From an article on Firedoglake by Christy Hardin Smith:

The nation’s founders lived through the upheaval of a revolutionary war and watched the European continent erupt in petty battles over territories that had been long-coveted by a few monarchs across the continent for centuries. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the nation’s laws were designed as a stop-gap against tyranny. From Scott Horton in Harper’s:


As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, on September 18, 1787, a certain Mrs. Powel shouted out to him: “Well, doctor, what have we got?,” and Franklin responded: “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Like many of the Founding Fathers, he was intensely concerned that the democratic institutions they were crafting would deteriorate over time. In particular, they were concerned—and talked ceaselessly during the convention about the risk that, under pressures and exigencies of war, a tyrant would collapse their system into something closer to the monarchy that they had just defeated. Over the intervening 220 years, the republic has maintained itself, though not without close calls. And today, while we face what may be the gravest challenge in the nation’s history, our media will serve up the next chapter in the life of Paris Hilton.

Near the close of the Second World War, Learned Hand–a man who embodies everything that constitutes a good citizen, a great judge and a patriot–made a powerful speech at the Great Lawn in Central Park. “Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women,” he said, “when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. While it lies there it needs no constitution, no law, no court to save it.” This observation may be obvious, but it is an obvious truth which at this point goes unstated. Our Constitution and values will only survive the present onslaught if we remain conscious of them and recall the great cost at which they were secured. The current events are far more momentous than some partisan political struggle. For the next generation of Americans, they will define what this country has become.

We all need to get involved before our collective apathy has won (has it already? some days it feels like it).

The simplest way to get involved?? Call or email your representative and let your voice be heard. It is simple and easy.....and it is why we have representation.

C'mon now, if you truly like this country we all live in, it is time to become involved. No more excuses.

Are you ready freddy? Great, then click here and start voicing your opinions, frustrations, and hopes for our country.

Ben Franklin double dog dares you.

Peace.