“The Owners”
By Lucas McCain
02/11/08

A comedy bit from George Carlin's dvd “Life is Worth Losing” sparked the fire that became this article. At the bottom of this page is the audio clip from that dvd. Please keep in mind this is a vulgar comedy routine and no one under the age of 18 should listen to it without a parent or guardians consent.

 

We want the leaders we "chose" to be honest with us and work for the greater good of the American people. We may not expect them to be honest, but we would like them to be honest. The people want those leaders to represent them and make decisions that will bring the nation safety and prosperity. Some of us think that WE decide the direction in which our country goes, simply by voting. Some voters get upset about those that don't vote and say “It's people like that, that don't vote that are the problem”. The most commonly heard opinion is “If you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain after the fact.” It is our freedom(s) that we should value the most. Our freedom to vote, and freedom of speech and choice. When we vote, it gives us the feeling that we contributed to one or more decisions. Whether it be to have more police officers patrolling the streets or to elect a president we exercised our freedom of choice and feel that we made a difference.

It is important that the people of this nation express how they feel about the direction the United States is going. One way is to vote, another way is to form a public gathering or send letters and petitions to the men and women we elect into office. Sometimes it takes longer than others to be heard on certain issues.

But are we heard? And are the people we elect really running the country or are they too busy fulfilling the promises to other politicians and returning all the favors that they called in to get where they are today? Are we going to settle for the way things are? The more important question is, are you willing to make some waves and stand for something?

I feel it is safe to say the majority of Americans cling to the security blanket they call their 'day to day life'. They like the idea of positive change but are not willing to act on the idea. It starts with "Well a community center would be great”, or “someone should do something about the crime around here”... and ends with, “no I'm sorry I just can't take that on right now”... “I have a full time job and two kids”... “I'm too busy as it is”... “it would be nice, but it will never happen”... or “it can't be done.” Another thing people do is defeat themselves with the idea that there efforts will not make a difference in the end. I am guilty of this myself when I feel that my words will fall on the ears of people with their head in the sand and a security blanket around their shoulders. So then I think why take the time. That is why most positive change fails. Because it is never given a chance.

George Carlin has an older comedy bit where he explains something he calls N.I.M.B.Y. It stands for "Not In My Back Yard." Most people would support the idea of a home for the mentally challenge or a drug and alcohol rehab center. “Ya know that's a great idea, let's build a brand new facility, BUT NOT HERE, not where I live.”

It is important to act on our own words. We may talk a good game and have good ideas. But it doesn't mean much at all if we don't back it up with our actions. Are we not hypocrites when we complain about the false promises of our elected officials, only to be unwilling to take action when the promises go unfulfilled. If you want something done about the crime. If you despise the peddling of drugs in your community. If you want the graffiti covered up go get some paint and do it. Go to the police or your county office or township building and get their help. If you don't get help from them, which shouldn't surprise you, the time for asking for permission has passed. Go out there get it done yourself. Sometimes positive change comes from begging for forgiveness, instead of asking for permission.

En masse and as individuals we need to look out for ourselves and our future and not expect anyone else to do it for us.