Millions of Americans are casting their vote to determine who will be the next President of the United States and across this great land, friends and kin will gather to await the outcome of today’s democratic process in appointing a new Commander-in-Chef.
Recently, someone sent this text, “Do you think our vote really counts?” I was a bit stunned to I read this. It was all I could do to keep from screaming. Okay, maybe I did scream, as I shot back this response, “WE ARE STILL A FREE NATION, ARE WE NOT?” It’s beyond my comprehension why anyone would deliberately cast aside their responsibility to vote or at least consider doing such a thing. When we grow complacent in society then this makes it easier for a socialist government to gather momentum in completing its mission. Then who is to blame? You, the voter! No-no, not me. I love this country far too much to allow this to happen. So… yes, each vote counts (just as long as it’s not rigged)!
It’s upsetting to hear people complain about the horrible election campaigning when all I can think is they should really be grateful. Why? Simple, because we can support our candidate of choice even when they wallow around in the mud. This election has been a bit un-classy and even ugly, but we could be living in a communist country where we have no say so on who runs the country, OR where we live, OR what course of studies to take, OR where we work, OR what doctor we see, OR a whole lot of other restrictions we are not accustomed to. It’s a blessing to live in a grand country where we are still in control of our future. Don’t be a whiner, be a shinner!
I couldn’t refrain from adding my two cents today. I make no apologies for the way I feel nor should you. Thanks to our constitution and the freedom of speech I can say (just like you) what’s on my mind without fear or much persecution for voicing my opinions. I know you didn’t come here to listen to my political musings this morning. So, let’s get to why we’re really here…to share a cup of coffee and a wee bit of random socializing amongst friends.
This morning, Les @ Time Out for Mom prompts Tuesday Coffee Chat participators with this question, Who’s the person who has had the biggest influence in your life?
There are a number of people who have influenced my life. My parents and grandparents have been prime examples of living by faith. We didn’t have much, but I saw God’s handiwork early with the simple act of blind trust. My in-laws are a positive influence on my life, as well. I modeled many of my SAHM qualities after my MIL. During the years I dated DH & then in our early married years, my MIL worked outside the home and I gather she has worked most of her adult life as a mother. I was always awestruck by this woman’s ability to bring everything together as if by magic. Never have I seen a woman who did as much as this woman did for her family all in a location where there was no fast food restaurants, no such thing as a microwave, or many of today’s conveniences. She cooked, cleaned, baked, sewed, and worked beyond her four walls all for her family. She made the time to do special things for her children creating forever memories for them. This is what I wanted for my family, as this is something I lacked from my childhood. However, if I had to choose a single deciding influence in my life then that would have to be my DH. He saw the best in me and brought it out. He’s my self-esteem builder. He showed me I was smart and not stupid. He told me I was beautiful when I thought I was not. He made me feel special when I felt ordinary. He believed in me when I doubted myself. He’s incredible is all I can say. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.
I’ve noticed several bloggers mentioning the NaBloPoMo November 2012 Writing prompt hosted by Melissa Ford and while I have not officially joined in I thought it would be great fun to try to participate as often as I can. Today’s question is, If you were President of the United States, what would be your first act in office?
My first act as President would be to change how to play elected government officials in Washington, DC. I think the American people (not the politicians) should vote on the pay raise or cut for elected staff.
For all newbies coming into office, then I think they should start at a base salary and then re-evaluated after 3 months just like you or I would be with a new company. From that point forward, evaluations can be done on a yearly bases to determine if a pay raise should be given.
When a politician isn’t re-elected, then that means job terminated. For most of us, when we are let go from a job then it means our funds end, too. Why should government officials be any different? It doesn’t matter what elected position a person holds, if that person isn’t re-elected then all financial ties to the American people’s tax dollars are completely severed. They will be responsible for finding new employment elsewhere with his/her own benefits.
Unfortunately, this act wouldn’t blow over too well with Congress. That being said, I don’t know how successful I would be in actually executing my plan. I think it’s something that needs to be done. It’s up to every American to look at each candidate who is not only willing to take a personal cut in pay as the newly appointed or re-elected representative and who will work hard to reduce government’s wasteful spending. Elected government officials are leaching the life from Americans’ through every hard-earned dollar with the continued tax raises to pad politicians wallets now and after they leave office. It’s time to stop this nonsense!
It’s time now to link up with a few of my favorite bloggers in today’s random musings. Why not grab a second cup of coffee and join me as I visit the Tuesday hangin’ crowd you’ll find under Daily Blog Hops at the top! Have a terrific Tuesday!