I entitled this series Land of Confusion, because it illustrates what we as a country are going through. We’re confused and probably a little scared. Yes, we all have our differences — different viewpoints, different religions, and different beliefs. But when it comes down to it — we all want ourselves, our family, and our friends to be happy and healthy, to feel safe, to have the freedom to be who they want to be and to have as many opportunities as possible in order to succeed.
Governments have the ability to provide some of these services and opportunities. By providing basic infrastructures, we have access to utilities and roads which help enable our ability to survive, have a roof over our head and make a living. Governments provide police, fire and military services to protect us, our loved ones, our belongings and most importantly — our freedoms. Governments provide us with opportunities for education and services for those in need.
Yes, there are inefficiencies in our government, tons of them. And yes, there are programs we don’t need. And yes, some things are better left to the free market. And yes, government shouldn’t be involved in every nook and cranny of our lives. It is up to us to decide how little or how much we want our government to be involved in our lives.
Our government is not perfect, it never has been — but the ideals that are held in our rights and freedoms are what makes this place so great. We’re lucky that we even have these opportunities available to us — all based on the fact that we live here and are citizens of this nation. And as citizens, we all have a say in what happens on every level of government — be it the city, county, state or national level. Participating in this election is one way of taking your government back, in all its faults. But it’s only one step. There are several elections beyond just this one, so we must continue to participate in our democracy and local communities, because if we don’t then our society will surely epically fail.
Another reason I chose this song is because I recall watching this really kick-ass music video as a child.
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The lyrics of this song, though written in 1986 still ring true today. So today I say to you Mr. President Elect and the citizens of the United States…
This is the time
This is the place
So we look for the future
But there’s not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion?
Because…
This is the world we live in
These are the hands we’re given
Use them and let’s start trying
To make is a place worth fighting for
This is the world we live in
And these are the names we’re given
Stand up and let’s start showing
Just where our lives are going to
- Previously on HT: Land of Confusion Series
- Rebirth of Slack: My Own Dewey Defeats Truman?
