Shame On Them, Shame On Us
by Peggy Fry

The stark, disturbing reality of what America has become can no longer be hidden behind patriotic platitudes and empty sloganeering. The tragedy begat by Hurricane Katrina has shown us in no uncertain terms the dark underbelly and real consequences of a democracy gone sour, even as we congratulate ourselves for being the richest nation that has ever existed in the history of civilization.

... our “public servants” apparently have no shame. In the aftermath as the rebuilding begins, the no-bid contracts going to those with ties to the Bush Administration, the declaration of “free enterprise zones” that allow relaxation of labor and environmental laws among others, the ludicrous spectacle of those in charge investigating themselves for wrongdoing, underscores the reality that our government is its own little empire, serving only to promote and empower those who travel in its spheres, be they elected officials, corporations, lobbyists and any other big money interest.” We the People”, in the meantime, are reduced to we the spectators, who watch this distorted, corrupt version of democracy like an endless sporting event, waving our flags on cue like an audience at a game show when the applause light comes on.

The Katrina disaster laid open for all of us to see in horrifying detail the cancer that has eaten away at our democratic society. It will be a daunting challenge for us to wrest back control and demand accountability from our public officials; to demand fairness, demand justice, demand truth. We citizens showed our government how to act in a responsible and moral manner. They need to follow our example. They won’t, however, unless we find a way to make them. Otherwise, all bets are off on whether any of us gets out of here alive.

Full story here.