Trying to Get "Fascinated" with the Apathetic

After a terrific meeting last night where Tim Cox of GOOOH led us in a dynamic effort to consider our values, I came home very charged up and ready to attack this problem we have in our country. The problem is our government thinks we are so stupid that we will fall for the power .grab they have disguised as health care, cleaning up the environment, etc. Just pick a problem and they will fix it for you, then turn around and tax individuals and businesses into oblivion, making us completely dependent upon the government and too financially limited to break away from its hold. But Tim showed us how to combat this and I felt re-energized in the cause, ready to continue the good fight. Many people stayed and participated, and perhaps things will start to change; these were my thoughts.

Then tonight I got on Facebook to post about my thoughts, and immediately became discouraged. Why? On my wall are posts after posts from friends. Anyone saying, "sorry I missed the meeting but I really care about the issues"? No. Did anyone even notice my prior post that the meeting was coming up, encouraging them to attend, making them aware of the date/time/location? Nope. And that's ok because I realize people are busy. They have families and households to run, and life sometimes gets in the way. But it isn't that simple. What do I see instead? Farmville, Farkle, etc. Somebody got an award for planting the best virtual corn. Someone else got the "high score."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? If I have one more person tell me they can't stand the government, are afraid of what it is doing to their kids, and their grandkids (including those that aren't even born yet), and the foundation of this great nation, and turn around and spend their evening playing Farmville or Farkle, or some other stupid online game that results in NO personal gain, NO mental growth, NO spiritual gain, and instead just wastes brain cells and electricity, I am going to GO OFF!!

People it is time to GET REAL. Get educated about the true meaning of the Constitution. Get educated about how bills are passed in our legislature, and what the voice of the people can do to influence the outcome. Get a clue about who our leaders are, not just by the pretty speeches they deliver, but the true character they possess reflected in the people they surround themselves with and the groups they cater to. Get your butt out of your computer desk chair, and your mind on something that matters. Make a difference! If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your kids. Show a little leadership in your own household by example, that when something isn't right we fight it - we don't just roll over and wait for the inevitable, then complain after it happens.

The apathy in this country and this community, even my own circle of friends, that remains is infuriating to me. Stop doing nothing and expecting your neighbor to fix the problem. Stop looking to leaders who can't lead. Stop complaining that your lifestyle and finances are getting worse every year, and go directly to the source of the problem - bloated government! - and do something, ANYTHING. Get on your knees and pray if nothing else. Not everyone can contribute money, time, or some unique skill to bring about a better result, but you can spend your time wisely seeking God's direction in these matters. HE is still in control! And those of us who are trying to do something need your prayers daily. My God was the only one who could have created this country, and now it seems He is the only one who may be able to save it, as mortal men are failing us.

Steve Huffman always says "don't get frustrated, get fascinated." Steve, you know I love you like a brother, but I'm having a hard time getting fascinated. Perhaps my calling is to create a computer game that can interface on Facebook that people play to find out how much their part of the national deficit is. Maybe that would clue them in. I don't know. But for now, I'm not fascinated; I'm not even frustrated anymore - I'm just $#@@#$ pissed off!!!

The health care bill cleared the Senate Finance Committee today. For those of you who are clueless, by choice, about how legislation works, the next step is for a final draft of the bill to go to the full Senate for a vote. Then it goes to the House. Then it goes to the President and it's law. This could happen within weeks. No more arguing about it at that point, we are stuck with it. So telling our Senators NOW that we do NOT believe universal health care is constitutional is IMPERATIVE. We must encourage them to vote against it. They may ignore us, but we have to take the step of letting them know. Otherwise we are not performing our civic duty. So PLEASE get a piece of paper or a post card out, dial the phone, send an email, anything to tell them how you feel. THAT can make a difference. Building a fence for your virtual cow in Farmville WILL NOT. Wake up!