Government reform

"...to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the Governed.."

Our government is no longer "representative" in body or in action. It is comprised almost entirely of two parties, of diametrically opposing philosophies, neither of which is subject to the will of the people. It is no longer a place of deliberation and compromise. It has become a body controlled by forces other than the people, who for the advancement of their own interests, impose legislation that is counterproductive to the advancement of our nation.

The system must regain the ability to promote the discussion of ideas not ideologies, compromise not confrontation, and solutions not blame. A body that focuses all its energy on the problem and not the solution does nothing. The problem is the beginning of the process, the solution is the end. To reach that point open, honest, and purposeful discussion must come between.

I strongly believe that the strict partisan politics that has become the norm is hurting this nation and its people and only an independent presence in Congress can rein in the abuses of political parties. We need to return to discussion, debate and compromise and stop permitting pure party line legislation. A two party system ensures that there will always be a 'majority' party, an independent presence is the only way to blunt this distortion of Democracy and return Congress to an attentive, deliberative, and effective body.

We know what the problems are in our nation, what we want are solutions to those problems. Enough time, and resources have been wasted ensuring the totality of blame is placed elsewhere, when it truly lies everywhere. Now is the time for genuine action, for true discussions. Now is the time for solutions.