Recently, there has been a lot of media attention devoted to the 99% vs 1%, and the whole concept of "occupy" (insert your city here). It is okay to believe in these protests and functions if you are using them for the right reasons. I understand that we, as citizens, have the right to peacefully assemble, however camping outside in a tent, rounding up citations is NOT the purpose of these events.
This phenomena deserves further commentation and consideration.
Who are we really mad at?
One could say the government or the "system", but I would be one to argue with you.
Maybe who we're mad at and fed up with is ourselves.
Three points can explicate my theory, some of which are based on concepts presented by John Stuart Mill in his piece entitled "On Liberty". It is in the best interest of government to provide for and protect the people, however, who protects the people from themselves?
1. Facing the majority: The government is in place to guide and direct the people towards a favorable place. One in which they have a voice, and feel as if they matter. However, how can a sufficient governmental body provide for the beliefs and views of EVERYONE, all at once? The answer is: it can't. Let's face it. We aren't necessarily mad at Obama, or at our Representative. Most of us will never meet the President, and some of us don't even know who represents us in our legislative bodies. But we are mad at the majority. Dont't like abortion? Someone does. Hate gays? Someone loves them. Don't want to cut Social Security? Someone does. However what we must realize is that "someone" always on the other side, represents the minority to you. And throughout time, majorities make the decision. Maybe you're mad because Obama ended DADT? News Flash. It wasn't just him. The bill was proposed and decided on via governmental bodies. A President cannot act without the consent of Congress, and without the will of the majority. You must realize that you cannot be the majority all of the time, for that is selfish. Maybe the system is designed to keep us happy in our personal beliefs for 4-8 years, and then maybe we are supposed to get bad tastes in our mouth and get a little mad. Anger inspires change.
2. The Media and Societal Pressures: Should we conform to what others believe just because your side is outnumbered? NO. Hold strong to your beliefs. Sometimes I wonder what our system would be like if television was never accepted, or created. Instead of conforming your views to fit a particular candidate or party platform, create your own, We shouldn't have to believe in one President to lead and guide us, for that is why we have character and intellect. That being said, I am sick of the way the media pits one side against another. There is no way the average American citizen, of a comparable educational level can infer a politicians beliefs or platform in a thirty second ad doing nothing but smack talking the other person. This constitutes bullying and greed. That being said, I will move on to point three.
3. Set the hate aside: Instead of being mad that your part of the general public isn't in control doesnt mean you should go on rampages bashing the other side. Wait. Patience will win. No one person can control the outcome, but society as a whole can. Maybe if we stop pointing out differences, and find positives in each others political preferences, we can advance.
To conclude I would just like to point out that all of this is possible.
When Gabrielle Giffords returned to the floor to cast her vote concerning smuggling and the US/Mexico border, the vote was unanimous. That's right. 408-0. Wanna know why? Because for one day, for one moment everyone put away their predispositions and beliefs and came together for the better good of the people. It should not take a gunshot wound to the head to inspire this.
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