We Have the Power to Change Our Government

The Constitution of the United States says, "We the people of the United States." It does not say we the president's men, we the vice president's oil cabal, we the Congress, we the lobbyists or we the military-industrial complex. What it does say is: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." What a powerful statement! But many citizens do not use their power, will not register to vote or, if registered, say, "Why bother, my vote doesn't matter?" Could it be because of the corruption in Washington, D.C.? Members of Congress are now saying that they're going to change rules and regulations to reform the process, but they already have rules and regulations. Why have they not been enforced, and where are the checks and balances that are supposed to be built into the system? We have a monopoly in Washington. While the President, Senate and House are controlled by one party with instructions on how to vote coming down from the leadership, while the patriotism of dissenters is questioned. We the people are the losers. If our elected officials were honorable and working for us, there would not be such arrogance and greed. We don't send them to Washington to enrich themselves. It is time to break the monopoly. Everyone needs to vote, with minorities and those who feel disenfranchised brought into the process. This year's congressional elections give us an opportunity to make changes, to elect men and women who represent us with our interests at heart. Then, after they're elected, we must hold them accountable and on course. We the people have the power to change our government; no one can do it for us.

BETTIE REINA

Milmay

Letter published in the Daily Journal, January 24, 2006