Soap Box

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

I write this letter, laying aside any partisan political preferences I may have, any animosity I may feel toward either major party or individual member of any governing body, federal, state or local, as I would like to address you from the view point of a concerned, patriotic American, who has been blessed to, first of all, be born in this nation, to have experienced its unique opportunities and freedoms, and as one who is seriously concerned that our political process is about to go off the rails taking the greatest nation the world has never known with it.

I know that there are those who will say that my attempts are feeble, impotent and unrealistic as they perceive those of you in high elected positions to be insensitive to the wishes and fervent desires of those of us who put you in office.

And their opinions would not be without merit, but, as a concerned citizen, I will continue, in hopes that there are a few of you whose conscience, love of country and mutual concern for its welfare would cause you to harken back to the days when your honest ideals were most important and your heart was set on accomplishing the security, prosperity, prestige and the legacy of the America we pass on to succeeding generations.

It is not my intention to insult or defame any individual but will chop the log and let the chips scatter where they may.

Now down to business.

First of all, the majority of you have deserted public service for party service, your allegiance lies with the "R" or "D" beside your name and not with the nationality on your birth certificate. Your intransigence and partisan stubbornness, your absolute fear that the other party may be given credit for accomplishment, actually, and this is tantamount to pseudo treason in my book, you let America suffer to advance your accursed party.

Second, continuing your political career has become your shining obsession and you'll do anything in your power to make it happen. You stoop to any means, legitimate or not, knowing that the narrative you push is totally false and, in the process, hurt innocent people and shove the opposing sides even further apart.

And in many cases, I feel your conscience is seared past the point of even feeling remorse, which is extremely dangerous because with the conscience goes the humanity.

Your political position and the influence of your party have become your gods as you forsake the righteous standards of honesty and fairness and worship at the altar of power and control.

And now, to the crux of the situation. It's been said many times by many people and it's as true today as it has ever been in our 200 plus year history, a nation divided cannot stand.

And yet, you grown, educated, urbane, supposedly reasonable people, theoretically motivated by the overwhelming desire to advance the causes of a nation, not a political party or a personal career, refuse to go into a room somewhere and, by advice, consent, reasonable compromise and common sense, work out your differences, hammer out legislation that reflects the results and get on with the business at hand.

But no, there is no media in private meetings, and that won't do, so you take your partisan jabber, complete with leaks, jibes, name calling and innuendo in front of a bank of television cameras and regale them with how unfair and stubborn the other side is, when it could be your side being intransigent, stubborn and unfair.

Truth matters little to you, public perception is everything, or you can just win the media wars you can chalk up one for your side, and that's all that matters, national interests be damned.
You have been lying to America for decades, making promises you have no intention of fulfilling, supporting legislation you don't believe in just because your party bosses tell you, or in some cases, force you to.

When somebody in your party gets into trouble you circle the wagons, not for any great love for the person, but because of their party affiliation. But if it's somebody in the opposing party you pour on the gasoline and strike the match, not caring how much the fire burns up as long as the flames stay off of your patch, innocence and guilt be damned.

Well, let me tell you something ladies and gentlemen, the pedestal you have built for yourselves is made of clay, the people you sell your integrity for have no loyalty and would dump you in a cesspool and let you drown if it was expedient for them or the party to so-so.

You have been unfaithful to your oath of office, you've sold out your constituency, your nation and the future of your children and have allowed, what was once an honorable profession to become the occupation of prostitutes and shysters. Back room deal makers, worn out, jaded caricatures of young men and women who came to public service with stars in your eyes and a sincere desire to make a difference.

Well, the glitter of the rewards and the prestige and advantages of belonging to the "the club" wore you down and to plagiarize the Bard, you've become, "… a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more… full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

What do you think?

Pray for our troops, our police and the peace of Jerusalem.

God Bless America

— Charlie Daniels

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