The Republican Jesus

That's what Ben coined himself yesterday afternoon as we laughed over coffee. Hey, call it sac-religious, but the truth is sterotypes exist for a reason. My dear friend, Joseph Thompson, recently observed "that to be Christian is to be Republican… if you’re white" and that "historically, black people have largely voted Democrat."

But why ARE there such gross sterotypes? Since when were we, as Americans, supposed to fall under a defined demographic?

The problem here isn't necessarily religious or non- religious groups. The problem is the fight of a two party system and the groups that have each chosen to side with only ONE of TWO equally problematic parties. From where I sit- demographics matter less than agenda. They are simply used as a mask to parade the party lines.

The coming election will be historic one, certainly, but is it only historic because we have forced the system to choose a female VP and a black presidential nominee? I think we can all agree that the Democratic and Republican parties have chosen their platforms and candidates based on what should look good. Either way, both parties- the politics themselves are simply about money, prestige and power. Will it really do anyone any good to just "vote for the lesser of two evils" when we've seen nothing but disappointment from the running Republican President and a Democratic Congress?

What about the other parties? The Independent party, the Green party, the Libertarian party and let's not forget Ron Paul's "Revolution of the Republic," are all trying to squeeze their voices in. But as far as I can tell, the Independent party hasn't made signifcant dent since 1992. Ralph Nadar is running for the Independent spot this year, but since his run with the Green party, he's not even a different voice. Bob Barr landed the Libertarian spot...but who's gonna know?

Finally Ron Paul has certainly staked a claim in leading the largest sub-culture following this election. And I wonder, how many Americans are really hungry for one but have given up hope? I'm not talking about following Paul, but the idea of REALLY changing the country we live in happens to be smart one.

In the 1960's and 70's- the entire nation challenged the government. Every issue, from Civil Rights to Feminism, to the war in Viet Nam to keeping a president honest; the politics that ran this country were suddenly being address BY the PEOPLE.

If we are to be a country that is "by the people for the people," then why are we allowing only two parties to make a difference? Where are our voices? I don't think that Americans should be afraid of the word "revolt." That doesn't mean to perpetrate treason, but it does mean that we should have the freedom to call out our government when changes need to be made. Have we forgotten Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo, taxes and a dumb downed education system? It seems like Americans have decided to focus on scandals, color and gender, than the real issues that our generation is facing.

It seems like Americans would rather vote on what they feel is the lesser of "two evils," than what they belive is right...and the choices are slim my friends- either we go beyond Dr. King's dream and put an elite black man in office or we put a man- in the White House- who is living on war hero legacy. They're not bad men of course, but they are caught up in their party's agenda...just like the demographic voters.

I encourage all of you this year to go to the polls and vote for what is right...not just "what is best for now." Fight for what is good and beneficial and profitable for future generations. Make head-way into a system that has plateaued rather than charged forward. There's nothing wrong with Revolution...and if enough people demand, the government will have to listen.