In our democracy every citizen holds an office with responsibility...

[Model35mech]

At least according to John F Kennedy:

"For in a democracy, every citizen, regardless of his interest in politics, 'holds office'; every one of us is in a position of responsibility; and, in the final analysis, the kind of government we get depends upon how we fulfill those responsibilities. We, the people, are the boss, and we will get the kind of political leadership, be it good or bad, that we demand and deserve."

And he reminded us that the goal of that responsibility is to create a nation that seeks to advance the condition of every citizen:

"For one true measure of a nation is its success in fulfilling the promise of a better life for each of its members. Let this be the measure of our nation." --"Special message to the Congress on National Health Needs," February 27, 1962

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Today we are forced to watch news that reports the Republicans are taking away opportunities to move every person ahead. This really is not the end off our nation. But it most certainly is the point at which we all must ask our selves "What Have I Done To Fulfill The Expectations Of Our Country?"

The Republicans are out to destroy the Federal Government. Their approach is to strip the Federal Government of resources necessary to fulfill our goals, and to leave citizens frustrated, and disappointed by it's failures to address the needs of our fellow citizens. This they believe will make America Red, although that may be in tooth and claw in our social relations.

[Irish_Dem]

1. I was taught these two concepts from a very early age.

From my Dad, a first generation Irish American who adored Jack Kennedy.

My dad was career US Air Force. He always said he was in the Air Force but he
worked for the AMERICAN PEOPLE. They were his bosses.

This concept made a big impression on me. We The People was real
and it was sacred. My dad was willing to die for it.

He risked his life for American freedom and to ensure every generation
did better for their children. He flew combat in three US wars and was proud and
happy to serve.

My Dad's Irish parents immigrated to the US as young adults. In Ireland for 1000 years their families had been subjugated, controlled, starved, denied their religion, the ability to read or write, own property. They were enslaved by the British.

So when my Irish family got off the ship and stepped foot on the ground in Boston Massachusetts, it was the first time in one thousand years my family had been free, truly free. (Most Americans cannot even wrap their heads around this idea.)

This fact was not lost on my father, he was proud and honored to serve the country which had taken in his family. When my military uncle was killed as a member of the US Navy in WWII bringing supplies to the marines on Guadalcanal, our family was devastated but understood we owed the United States.

Every day I post my heart on this and other forums. Standing up for what is right, defending democracy and the ideals of JFK and my father and uncle.

It is the very least I can do.