I’m one selfish, apathetic, lazy-ass, mother f’er! At least that’s what I thought as I watched the HBO miniseries, John Adams.
No, this isn’t the first time I learned how America was founded. Nor was I ignorant about the tremendous sacrifices our founding fathers and their compatriots made. I was just too busy enjoying the privileges their blood, sweat and tears has afforded me to notice how little I have given back to this great country.
But even more disturbing than my own apathy was the contrast between our First Continental Congress and the current 110th (not to mention the 109th, 108th, 107th… you get the idea).
Yes it is true; the founding fathers weren’t perfect… certainly slavery attests to that. However imperfect, they did still possess countless qualities that make leaders great. Of these, I would argue, selflessness is among the most important.
Each of the fifty-six Representatives pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in support of the Declaration of Independence and the free and democratic government is sought to establish. And with the British Empire, the world’s most powerful military, positioned to invade, this was no hollow promise.
Contrast this with today’s lawmakers whose political aspirations often place their interests and “special interests” ahead of their constituents’ interests. Desperate to stay in office, Members of Congress have consistently compromised their integrity in order to obtain the necessary big money donations from lobbyists and the “special interests” that hire them.
In making Mr. Schneider Goes to Washington, I discovered that this is nothing most American’s don’t know or believe to be true. Yet, sixty percent of us didn’t even vote in the 2006 elections. Equally disturbing, most of us can’t even name our Congressional Representatives.
And that is just the way politicians want it, after all, apathy is the fuel that Washington runs on. If we want a nation of, by and for the people we must not take our role in democracy for granted. I don’t know about you but I plan on turning off my TV, picking up some newspapers and start holding my Representatives accountable for their actions. Of course all of this is going to have to wait until the John Adams miniseries ends… wait, is Curb Your Enthusiasm coming back on this summer?
I hope to see you there!!! 