I recently visited the Pennsylvania State Capitol with my family. As we approached the shining green dome, my son said, “It looks like NABOO!”
State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Now – any good Star Wars fan will understand the reference to the stately home planet of Padme Amidala – and the rest of this planet will really not have a clue what we’re talking about.
As we toured the gorgeous building to see how American (particularly Pennsylvanian) democracy works, I kept struggling with the frustration that has bothered me for years.
Our founding fathers – both of the USA and Pennsylvania – set in motion this great democracy – that would change the world. In fact – in mosaic tiles all across the Capitol Rotunda – is a compilation of quotes from William Penn:
“There may be room there for such a holy experiment. For the nations want a precedent. And my God will make it the seed of a nation. That an example may be set up to the nations. That we may do the thing that is truly wise and just.”
Honestly – I think that “Holy Experiment” has worked well for the majority of the past few hundred years. But I think we may have reached the point at which this experiment may be failing entirely.
• Our three branches of government have become lopsided – with judicial activism ultimately undermining the will of the people.
• Our “representatives” are no longer voting to represent their constituents, but rather voting to reward those that funded their campaigns, or any other legislation that benefits them directly.
• Our government as a whole has taken a position of “hall monitor” – and we’ve traded our freedom for security and safety.
• Our government spends more than they take in – and they’ve created a system of taxation and entitlement that keeps the working class close to poverty, and rewards those who refuse to work.
• We’re locked in an ideology-driven two party system that refuses to yield, compromise, or accomplish ANYTHING. In fact – they’ve developed sophisticated ways to block each other from accomplishing any of their goals.
Sometimes – I feel just like Anakin Skywalker as he explains to Amidala his own frustrations over the condition of the Galactic Republic.
We all know (or rather – we Star Wars nerds know) what happened to Anakin’s misguided attempts to correct the political problems that he observed – he fought to aid in the overthrow of the republic and the formation of a dictatorial regime – where he served as the Emperor’s right hand man – with the hidden goal of usurping the dark lord and ruling over the empire himself.
I’m not saying that I have all the answers. I don’t think that I can solve all problems that our government has created – but I do think we need to be asking the hard questions.
Why do we only have two parties? Can we not have more choices?
Why do we ELECT people to make choices for us? Can the people not be trusted to make good decisions? Maybe more items go to referendum?
What are we going to do to hold people accountable?
What freedoms are we willing to surrender? What securities are we willing to surrender?
I know that Supreme Dark Sith Lord Hatcher would not necessarily be a good thing for our country – but someone has to do SOMETHING –
But hopefully it won’t turn out like this:
Any suggestions? Feel free to comment and set me straight – ask more questions – or just vent out your own frustrations with the state of our “union”.