July 4, 2006
by Robert T. Melaccio Sr.

This article does not represent the opinion or beliefs of the writer. It is intended to put a fresh perspective on what is perceived as the mood of the Average Citizen today in 2006. It certainly does not profess what is right or wrong or for or against but it is put forward to stimulate thinking in regards to each individuals position toward their respective representative in government and if they feel they are content with that representation? To use an excerpt from "Sam Adams And the American Revolution by Harry Frankel" - "That is how it was in the American Revolution. When the mass opposition began in the early 1760s, it brought with it a fresh breeze, a glow of comradeship, a new and invigorating mood that penetrated every layer of the working population."

Notice his emphasis on the "working population" not the rich, business or powerful. That is because these groups, no matter how thoughtful they are, never feel the impact of their actions nor the degree of hardship placed on the average citizen and worker. Certainly if the rich and powerful of Britain at that time realized the mood brewing and taken action, perhaps we would be more like Canada today and still a part of that empire.

One asks rhetorically if hard working, law abiding citizens feel similar in some regards as those citizens described in this excerpt from the book by Henry Frankel? Does it speak a lot to the mood perceived in this nation today and specifically your mood? Certainly, the mood of the average person speaks to a change of representatives via the ballot box. Why does one draw that conclusion? Those close to the average worker know many are frustrated by the lack of concern for the average family and worker and sincerely believe the time to speak up and change their representatives has come. One asks rhetorically, is the time now for a new third party? Perhaps so, however, if the time is now will it be made of the same types in power already, with similar goals, economic status, beliefs or true believers in We The People and the Constitution that places America first?

Is it true that more and more one can read and hear the opinion of a growing number of average Americans that the very people who were voted in by them to represent them, not foreign interests or Big Business have lost site of the power of the average people to invoke change? Have those in power in effect become arrogant in that they feel they can do whatever they deem correct for their position without ramifications from the electorate? It seems that in many the tone and attitude is somewhat similar to that of the British in regards to the "Colonies" and the workers there!

They say one thing yet do another. In the case of the British they could not conceive how individual citizens could rise up in mass to challenge the greatest army on earth and their power. After all they had all the wealth and might at their disposal. The very thought was impossible to their thinking. However, this was possible because of the right of every citizen to bear arms. In each and every case in history when you disarm the citizens they are subdued and subsequently exploited. It also speaks to the state militia or National Guard which is an entity of the state! That was set aside to preserve, protect and defend the citizens of each state from the power of the Federal Government. That militia remains in the control of the state legislature and Governor and can only be activated by congress and state permission. We must all keep this in mind when we consider the greatness of the Constitution. In this case it is the power of the electorate.

However, all that aside and as stated above many sense in the mood of the nation today speaks to a long held belief that We The People are no longer being represented by the people we elected to protect and guard our interests. Laws promoting, protecting and enhancing the position of Big Business and foreign powers and their citizens over the consumer and citizen of this country is recognized by many as a festering sore. The United States always seems to be the supplier of wealth and the giver of our protective umbrella. We now see illegal Immigrants demanding they be given preferred treatment and getting such.

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The breaking of law and the violation of innocent people and the blatant ignoring or law while professing their belief in the Rule of Law no longer washes clean with the electorate. Even religions taking a stand against the Rule of Law and at the expense of honest hard working average Americans. It seems that where people were content with the crumbs the crumbs are now getting scarce and people are getting worried. People are worried that the good times are not here for everyone nor is the opportunity they profess for all. Is it a new paradigm - selective application?

Once and now here in general conversation the opinion being expressed by many an average person they are expecting that before election day in November a troop reduction, peace treaty, the capture of a big terrorist, or some other earth shaking event will need to come about to save those in power. It will most certainly be needed to shore up the falling away of support for the two major parties. However, the low voting turnouts and the lack of interest by the electorate has also led to this very problem and created the atmosphere that breeds this contempt. Only the people who will get something from those in power vote eagerly. For the rest the only perceptions one can make are that there is either no other choice, which very well may be, a lack of interest or understanding or too darn lazy. If voter turnout is low as it very well may be, then to continue professing concern and anger should be directed toward themselves for they will have lost the right to complain.

So, in regards to this one has to ask that if you are an average American and part of that supposed Middle Class are you really happy with your lot in life? Are you scared your job may go away? Are you working longer hours for less and under consistent stress you won't have a job? Do you worry about how you are going to pay any new living increases? Can you afford college for either you or your children? If you can't answer yes to this question then the news for you is your not "middle class or average" and you are most likely not impacted by what this group is. It simply does not affect you.

However, if you can answer yes then you are probably part of this perceived mood sweeping this country. It is a mood of being tired of being ignored, angry and not considered by your government. It is a mood which cries out in the opinion of many for not being able to secure the American Dream here that seems to be flowing in all directions in support of a new Global vision. Yes, it seems more sure then ever that the opinion of more and more average Americans is that there is 1000 points of light, but the sad fact is those 1000 lights were uprooted from here and had to be reinstalled somewhere else. Rhetorically, have you seen any of these lights in your neighborhood?

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Robert T. Melaccio Sr. [send him email] is a freelance writer.

Copyright © 2006 Robert Melaccio