Is Congress sponsoring the entertainment industry? Current legislation makes it appear so -- click here to vote now!

The addition of links on Politivote to federal legislation will insure that we as citizens know more about how our legislators are using precious time and money. The last article mentioned a bill that would increase the public debt from $12.104 trillion to $13.29 trillion. This bill will exact a tremendous toll on the tax payer. However, there are other bills that cost little or money by comparison, but should concern us because of their distraction from more crucial issues.

An example of this is H.CON.RES.12 which was a resolution brought before the House of Representatives which would express the opinion that congress should “issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Sam Phillips and that the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Post Master General that such a stamp be issued.”

The resolution details Phillip’s many contributions to Rock and Roll. As an example, Phillips “helped put together Presley’s band which led to the production of hits such as `Heartbreak Hotel’, `Hound Dog’, and `Don’t Be Cruel.” With the greatest of respect to Mr. Phillips, and his achievements, a resolution urging that a commemorative stamp be adopted has no place in the House of Representatives. The accolades Philips has already been given by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as other organizations ought to be sufficient recognition of his accomplishments. There are many other resolutions that encourage a commemorative postage stamp to honor individuals for humanitarian efforts, and these are more worthy of consideration because of their potentially universal benefit. We can all benefit from individuals who make significant contributions to eliminating poverty or promoting equality. Philip’s contributions, while significant for purposes of entertainment have done little to improve the overall human condition. Moreover, there may be some people who may not feel that they benefited from his achievements. Some people may not like the music he has produced. Congress should represent the whole nation, and any recognition it encourages ought to be for individuals whose actions benefited the whole nation.

Patrick Henry in the Virginia House of Burgesses delivering his infamous speech that swayed the decision to declare independence from Great Britain.

Okay, so according to Wikipedia, the quote is… “”An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.” — Patrick Henry

What happened to this sentiment in America?  As the years have gone by in our country’s relative infancy, we have watched as voter turnouts have been on steady decline.  Only when issues of race (Civil War, current election) or issues of unjust treatment of minorities (Civil Rights Movement) are staring us in the face do we, as citizens, have the courage to truly stand up and fight for something.

I believe there is hope for our country, but I believe that the only true way to rekindle that fire within our collective hearts is if we, those who enjoy the fruits of living in the greatest nation the world has ever known, stand up collectively and shout as Patrick Henry, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!”.  If we stop accepting every tax bribe offered by every politician, every glamorous distraction shown to us by Hollywood, every drop of debilitating, mindless, escapist forms of self-indulgent entertainment and focus on what’s important — creating a better future for ourselves and for our children — if we can do this, I know that one day, we will realize the vision of our noble forefathers.  We will be able to stand with pride that we have made a change, a difference.  We will look once again on our flag, our country, and our government, and we will realize…

We are free.