The world watched Egypt stake its claim to democracy and, for the most part, cheered.  Ripple effects are being felt throughout the Middle East and at first blush I’m proud to be an American living under a form of government so many want to emulate.

            I know I am fortunate to have been born here.  I count my blessings and cherish my freedom.  But, still, I want more.  I want to feel as though there is majority rule in my country.  I want to believe that the choices being made about the nation’s resources are aligned with our values.  Mine in particular, but I’m guessing yours are o.k. too, because I can’t imagine anyone reading this would make a choice between a hungry child or an ailing elder or a sick individual and another stockpiled nuclear weapon that was different from mine.

            I know the difference between a democracy and a republic and I am frustrated by the press and populace that want to put America’s democracy on a pedestal.  First of all we’re a republic.  Secondly, a democracy includes principles of social equality that are seriously absent in many of our communities.

            Our elected officials have irresponsibly led us to the brink of financial disaster, our health care system is a mess, we can’t afford to give everyone the education they want and we’ve trashed our natural environment.  It may be true that we’ve no one to blame but ourselves; but when was the last time your elected official’s vote represented your values?