Hello Everyone:

Currently our Federal government based in Washington, D.C. is trying to negotiate a budget compromise that will guarantee its continued operation for the remainder of the fiscal year. The clock is ticking and both parties controlling Congress have apparent differences regarding how key spending cuts should be allocated. This isn't the first time such an impasse like this has occurred and it won't be the last. Usually the party which has the least "humanistic" approach (Republican) will live to regret it in the upcoming national elections in 2012. Too many people who belong to this party don't seem to be the “sharpest knives in the drawer” regarding how the vast majority of people will perceive their actions. Economically, too many people are still reeling from the global recession that began around 2008 and any actions that will “throw a monkey wrench” into the U.S. economy's recovery efforts won't be taken graciously. As we say in the “hood”, 2012 as of today is “on and popping” campaign wise. At the rate, our Federal government is going, a repeat of the 2008 elections wouldn't surprise me at all. When people are hurting economically, they will send a very clear mandate to initiate change for the better. Patience is a virtue and I'm patiently awaiting November 2012 because nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the Republican party losing in major national elections. Lately oppressed people have been revolting against their “insensitive”, “unresponsive” governments all over the world and now certainly isn't the time to be angering the “oppressed masses” in the United States just to make an “ideological” point.

Democracy is defined according to Webster's Dictionary as “government in which the “POWER” is vested in ALL THE PEOPLE" which reinforces every citizen's “equality of rights”. The beauty of the democratic process is that all people in this country have a right to voice their opinions whether we all agree or not and to “officially weigh in” via the ballot box concerning how our government shall function in accordance to the amendments ratified within our U.S. Constitution and individual State Constitutions. Just because one political party may have won a majority of the popular vote in an election, it doesn't lessen or mitigate the rights of the losing minority. In order for a democratic based government to effectively function, compromises have to made on a regular basis regardless of the ideological differences of the opposing parties. Of course, there are “special interest” or “lobbyist” groups who represent various industries that are constantly attempting to “hijack” the democratic process to suit their own very “self absorbed” financial interests. However, in the end, all the elected officials these lobbyists have “bought and paid for” can only remain in public office by “the will of the people” they represent which isn't always guaranteed. Modern day elected officials simply don't have the luxury to completely ignore the masses who didn't vote for them. To do so is political “suicide” because enough defectors from their established political base may be enough to cost them an election. In my opinion, “not voting” is just as detrimental as a “no” vote. It only strengthens the opposition's position.

The democratic process in the United States isn't without its challenges but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. This process has been so beneficial to the development of our country because it enables the infusion of “fresh” ideas and perspectives within our cherished societal institutions. Too many people “live and breathe” based upon their somewhat "narrow" interpretation of “tradition”. Not all traditional practices are worthwhile due to the evolution of mankind’s empirical understanding. Contrary to what many believe, “change” is the only constant in life. Nothing remains the same. The pendulum of existence swings both ways and will always seek “balance” when any situation becomes “out of sync” with the universal Laws of Karma. Courage, compassion and faith have always been tremendous equalizers that have guided our wonderful nation in the most uncertain of times. Yes, I still believe! Don't you?

May Peace Be With All of You,

Sistah Selah