Congresswoman Giffords Shot in Tucson

While in the midst of a very hard economy many people are making sacrifices.  Men and Women are swallowing their pride and taking jobs they have to, not want to.  Kids are loosing their opportunity to enjoy the only portion of their life that is seemingly stress free.  Communities across the nation are loosing not only their patrons (i.e. Detroit) but also their way of life.

Congresswoman Gifford lost her life as she knew it today.  Yes, she may recover, and again one day, hold the title of Congresswoman, but she'll always live with the memory of today.  She didn't deserve it nor did any of those other people who were injured or killed (among them a 9 year old).  But the reality of the fact is...life is getting to be very hard for Americans.  We, as a people of the past few generations, have not felt a struggle like we do today.  Instead of joining together and working things out as one, our individual insecurity is driving us to only worry about "me".  And with this individual detachment we're also feeling this lonesome feeling when it comes to the people representing us.  We fight to keep our lives afloat while the folks in congress get a three week vacation...?  As a people we are taking pay cuts, loosing our insurance, loosing our houses, loosing our community and what response do we get from our leaders?  Arguments about who's right or who's wrong.  I'm tired of it.  Congresswoman Gifford didn't deserve to be shot, but maybe this is a wake up call to stop trying to make money off of our freedom.  Don't sign a bill because you have an invested interest.  Don't sit and watch our environment decay because it's more important for you to make $ from the larger than life oil companies.  Do your job.

But the blame doesn't fully fall on those who "speak for us".  Where has our voice gone?  The constitution starts, "We the people..." so where are WE?  Now, i know that it's far more complicated then just get up and start a revolution.  But in my mind there are just fundamental qualities that all of us can agree on.  Like everyone should have an opportunity to be housed, eat, and have clean water.  "Opportunity" is the key.  The people in the government should be paid as an average American so they can feel the affects of the bills they are passing.  You and I should have the same opportunity to receive health care as they do.  We as a people should all be able to sit back and retire when we turn 60.  These are things I believe everyone deserves and unfortunately we may not get them unless we speak up.  Take an opportunity to have a breath of fresh air and realize what some fundamental rights each of us has.