Christopher Rhoads

Democracy was supposed to be a groundbreaking form of government, free of all the injustices that plagued all past great nations and political institutions.

Now America’s democracy has seen atrocities that may defeat its initial purpose; a government of the people, by the people, with leadership that reflects the views of the people.

America’s democracy must be refined and refurbished or America may be on its way down the same path of those aforementioned past great nations.

The debacle in Florida during the 2000 presidential election may not be the first or even most damaging dent in America’s democratic armor, but it is useful as a metaphor in breaking down the dilemma which plagues this nation.

The votes discarded in that election permitted the inauguration of one of America’s most selfish and pigheaded presidents.

He deliberately ignores issues that the American consensus pleads to be addressed, e.g. America’s faltering economy.

Instead Bush pursues his self-imposed plan to invade Iraq and overthrow its leader; who attempted to kill his father!

It seems that this war on Iraq will occur and President Bush is using 9/11 as a stepping-stone to divulge his own interests and not the interests of the American public.

For the sake of America, I hope that steps can be taken to avoid such action.

Bush’s insistence to chase a conflict that may not really exist exemplifies his selfishness. Our democracy preaches innocent until proven guilty. Now Bush is attempting to sidestep that hallmarked principle.

This is the leader of our nation. America must have terrible karma to be granted such a fate.

In a democracy, the voice of the people is imperative. How can that happen when Bush is pushing for a war that so many oppose?

There are even Republicans who contest such an act, arguing that there is no evidence of mischievous play on the part of Saddam Hussein and his administration.

America, wake up! The American voter must get out and vote to show displeasure of the current administration. The vehicle is democracy and it just won’t work having an intoxicated tyrant at the wheel of our nation.

The people are the only means of a solution to salvaging democracy. Vote, you derelicts!

If not for yourself, at least vote for the sake of your livelihood, your prosperity and your democracy.