"What Is To Be Said?"

What is to be said of a land that claims democracy, but challenges democracy when profits are at risk? What is to be said of a government that allows banks to rob the majority of its citizens blind over and over again after bailouts, but fails to implement legislation that will protect its citizens? What is to be said for a system that is inheritably flawed, that from its foundation has ceased to be what it declared, a place in which “all men are created equal”?

But more so, the Declaration of Independence goes on to say “that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their JUST POWERS from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principals, and organizing its powers…”

So then, I ask, what is to say of the capitalistic society which has arisen from that foundation? What is to be said for a people who organized their powers to end predatory lending so that people can borrow money without losing their cars, homes, dignity and respect? What is to be said for a people who organized their powers to raise the minimum wage a mere dollar?!? A dollar which still leaves people below the poverty line and working for a lifetime with the hope that the next generation will be better and have more opportunity than they themselves have. What is to be said when banks flex their muscles to prevent the peoples voices from being heard…not just 10 people, not just 100, not even 1000 people…over 350,000 people upfront, in which I believe millions more would also support if given the chance. What is to say for politicians who have failed to change these issues through legislation?

I do not have faith in our government and judicial system as it stands. But what I do have faith in is us, people! I believe that we all have the right to live a life that is not only filled with struggle, but also success. I believe that together, ultimately, we do make the difference. I believed so much so that Dr. Jaggi, the head of the physics department, a wonderfully smart, brilliant and compassionate agnostic was as much of a mentor, friend and important person in my life as was Stephanie, the janitor who cleaned the dorm I lived in for my last 2 years of college. And I so much so also believe in the people of Missouri who came together across boundaries to form a coalition that now is strong enough not to bow in defeat, but continue on as a united force. Organizing is no easy career path, but it is a just one. It is a lifestyle choice that says I will fight for the rights that I believe should be granted to me and to others. It is my opportunity to act and take risks which in the end, I believe, works to create a better society for us for all.