On Ideology vs. Personal Responsibility

Given the unprecedented support our forward-thinking president has, it's hard to miss the sharp contrast given by entrenched opponents to Democrats and liberal values. Still, I am quite proud of my country-men and -women, for despite the focused and consistently negative nay-sayers who squawk so loudly every day, public opinion is still firmly behind our president, a man we elected to solve our problems and who has only just begun to at least try to fulfill his mandate.

This is one of those times in history where the collective consciousness of an entire nation can either choose to evolve, or to remain mentally fuzzy on the reality it is in. For it is not the government that is the problem (as Republicans would have us believe), nor is it free enterprise that is the problem (as Democrats often try to convince us), but it is people who create problems and it is people who choose not to police their own behavior.

Sticking to the notion that "our" system is inherently good and "their" system will lead us all down the road to hell only allows us to ignore the fact that corruption is a personal choice, and we should question those who benefit from the obfuscation. When conservatives behave according to their values, the world benefits; when liberals are open to all views - including "unenlightened" conservative opinions - we are all enriched. When people in government do their jobs conscientiously, we have better, more efficient services and oversight. When people in business treat their customers with honesty and respect, we have a functioning economy that improves everyone's lot in life.

So let's abandon our entrenched positions that demonize liberals, conservatives, rich, and poor. Let's focus on what choices we've each made to contribute to this mess, and what we can do to get ourselves out of it. Let's be constructive, and do this right for once!