Here's change we can all believe in

When Senator Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) announced on Feb. 14 his resignation from the United States Senate it created shock-waves throughout the American political world. Why did he resign; was there a problem? Senator Bayh thought so: too much partisanship, too much politicking, and nothing getting done. And I believe the senator's comments and expressions put it mildly. One Web site reporting on the resignation stated: "Senator Evan Bayh, Indiana delivered the truth to Americans that our political system in Washington, D.C., is 'dysfunctional,' riddled with 'brain-dead partisanship' and permanent campaigning. Bayh put it bluntly, 'the system is broken.'" When it comes to American politics, we've come a long way, baby, and it ain't all good.

So what's going on? More and more we see senators and congressmen, and other elected and appointed officials as well, not as public servants, but as power hungry career politicians with self-seeking and self-serving motives. Add to the mix campaign promises, earmarks, kickbacks, payoffs and paybacks, special interest groups, and lobbyists and you have the ingredients for real corruption and irresponsibility. It's sad when you hear American politics now being defined as "the abuse of power."

And who's to blame for all this? We need only look into the mirror for an answer. "We the people" nominated and voted in our leaders, and then we allow them a free hand to carry out their agendas. Too bad we don't hold them accountable and responsible for their actions.

But enough of this negative talk; it doesn't solve anything. Can the problem be fixed? It can, but I don't know if "we the people" are willing to put in the time and effort to turn things around. There seem to be many who simply want to enjoy the blessings and liberties we have, but want others to defend and preserve them. Our blessings and liberties won't continue a whole lot longer if we live by that mentality. Freedom isn't free; you have to commit to it and work for it.

So, what's the fix? Here's my take. Our Founding Fathers had a lot of savvy. They forged our constitution based on wisdom, understanding and the quest for liberty. They established the Constitution as the framework of our republic, and it's a pretty good foundation. Further, our founding fathers had a strong belief, faith and trust in God. God was a part of their everyday life and that included governance. We no longer see that today. So, I believe the beginning for restoring our nation is for a return to the Constitution as the foundation for leading, guiding and directing our nation and for "we the people" and our leadership to truly seek to become a nation "Under God" and "In God We Trust." A third action for "we the people" is to become involved in our government and political system. We need to be informed and responsible citizens and we need to hold government officials, elected and appointed, accountable for their actions. Fourth, "we the people" need to seek out, cultivate, and place in office servant leaders, one's that serve the people, not themselves. We don't need any more self-seeking and self-serving politicians. Finally, "we the people," along with our elected and appointed officials, need to reform government operating policies, procedures, and rules so as to minimize opportunities for personal and political gain.

Our nation is at a crossroads. If we keep on doing what we're doing, we'll keep getting what we're getting, and there's a growing feeling that we're tired of that. It's time for Americans to stand up for freedom and liberty and stop talking the talk (complaining), but rather walk the walk (get involved and become responsible citizens). When "we the people" do that, then we'll foster the opportunity for change that we can believe in.

Bob Whitehead is a Post Falls resident.