Power Brokers

We, the citizens of this nation, are the true power brokers. We wield our power as the electorate, the market investors, and the consumers of products and services.

This country is in its current state of affairs due to the manner in which we have voted, invested, and consumed. Not happy with the direction in which we are headed? Want to create a shift? 

While the political, economic, and social issues we are faced with can often seem insurmountable, overcoming these issues can actually be addressed quite simply, beginning with the man/woman in the mirror. Our actions have meaning, and our consent is implied if we fail to take the appropriate actions. So, be honest with yourself when responding to the following:

• Are you a conscious participant in our democracy? Do you participate with your vote in EVERY election (despite any personal feelings you may have about the candidates or even the electoral system in general)? Do you ensure that you fully understand any referendums on ballots prior to casting your vote in favor or opposition? Do you regularly contact your local. county, state and federal legislators to provide direction on issues?

• Are you a conscious consumer? Do you purchase from local providers whenever possible? Do you purchase only foodstuffs that are non-gmo, anti-biotic free, growth-hormone-free, etc.? If you disagree with the political, economical, or social actions of a business, do you make it a point to avoid purchasing their products/services? Does your monthly income exceed your monthly expenses? Do you purchase items on credit ONLY when you know you can pay for them at the end of each month?

• Are you a conscious investor? Do you invest locally first (locally owned and operated businesses, local real estate, etc.)? Do you make a point of investing ONLY in corporations that are politically, economically, and socially responsible?

The manner in which we, the electorate, consumers, and investors, exert our power can provide a strong impetus for a shift in direction. We, the citizens, are a formidable force in our democracy, and a shift will be stimulated ONLY when we assume responsibility for creating that shift. If we are conscious, active participants in the manner in which we engage in our government, consume products/services, and invest for our own and our children’s futures, we WILL create the desired shift and overcome these seemingly insurmountable issues.

The power is OURS! The time is NOW! Take the appropriate actions!!

Introductory Article

The purpose for creating this blog was to promote discussions concerning issues that are (or at least should be) of extreme importance to citizens of the US and, potentially, other interested parties around the globe, as many of these issues encompass a sphere of influence well beyond our borders. Ideally, these articles will spur thinking and dialogues resulting in exchanges of useful ideas that will lead to real solutions to at least some, if not all, of the issues that plague us today.

While a single individual cannot change the world, it has been repeatedly proven that even a small group of motivated people can provide the foundation from which the potential for real evolution becomes possible. This great country was constructed on the backs of such individuals: immigrants originating from nations across the globe, who were willing to throw caution to the wind, take great risks with their very lives, and summon the resolve and determination to create a better life in the “new land.” This is the true spirit of America: pioneering, innovative, visionary, dynamic. The greatest documents in the history of the world are those from which our democracy arose: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Sophisticated yet uncomplicated, drafted by a small group of insightful people, these documents spurred the evolution of civilization through the liberty, and the resulting responsibility, of each individual citizen of the nation.

Which brings us to the political, economical, and societal issues that plague us today and continue to erode our liberty. While we place blame for these issues on various parties (elected officials, Wall Street bankers, and mega-corporations, to name just a few), in actuality, we have no party to blame but ourselves. With liberty comes responsibility, and, by and large, we have shirked that responsibility and abdicated the throne that is rightfully ours as guaranteed in the founding documents of our nation. We have become complacent, leaving a leadership void that is rightfully ours, and/or complicit, contributing to these problems through direct and/or indirect action (or inaction). We have failed to provide the guidance necessary for a desired change in course-direction and thus have encouraged continuation along the current path. A democracy is unsustainable without the active participation of its constituents, and, if dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, the constituents can only rectify the situation by accepting blame and re-assuming the mantle of responsibility for the nation.

In the coming weeks (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending upon response), I will post articles surrounding a single issue and seek input from readers on methods for solving that issue. If we’re not part of the potential solution, we remain part of the existing problem. So let’s take this on, not as blue-state-Americans or as red-state-Americans, but simply as Americans. United we succeed; divided we fail. Failure is NOT an option!!

We got this!!