RANT
State of the Regime
March 16th, 2006

The American Regime - probably one of the most discussed topics, often in frustration or disappointment, throughout most of the world. It was intended to allow the majority to lead to the benefit of all those residing in the nation, which is why safeguards against tyranny were put in place by the founders. But these safeguards are not automatic – they require the awareness, concern, and action of those who are being lead. The citizens must have an active interest in controlling the path of their nation, as is their right, to a degree, under democracy.

Today we are seeing the majority ruling entirely to benefit themselves; with new bills enhancing the powers of large corporations from which they receive ancillary benefits, laws benefiting the loudest and richest lobbyists, measures that remove, bit by bit, individual privacy in order to fight perceived terrorists. Worst of all, those in power are committing the nation’s military resources to overseas actions that only serve to further the political and monetary causes of their associates and themselves.

The United States is a nation of individuals with needs and desires, and it serves as a means to achieve those needs and desires while protecting the rights of those individuals under a fair and (ideally) impartial judiciary system, answering to a government and to leaders appointed by all. The United States is not some sword to be wielded by a select few to settle personal grudges and to secure personal wealth with a complete disregard for the opinions of the citizens they serve. To lead this nation is a privilege, and the job itself is to serve the interests of the majority – but not in ways that trample upon the personal beliefs and freedoms of the minority.

So why are we not stopping it? Some of us are trying through those aforementioned safeguards provided to us through the laws and the constitution with the ultimate goal of changing the leadership structure of this country to be more in line with a true democracy. There are others, from within and without, that seek to revamp the system through unlawful and often violent means.

The problem lies with the fact that too few are willing to be involved in either cause and instead stay seated on their barstools, voicing their concerns to their drinking buddy or bartender, but never making any effort to hasten change. Perhaps they believe they cannot affect the course of the nations, as if it were set in stone. Or perhaps in their minds they justify their own inaction with the belief that someone else will always be there to take up the cause in their stead so that they can remain within the shelter and relative safety of the politically sedentary lifestyle they have come to embrace.

Paul Nancywood

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