By Arthur Leggett
As the ballots rolled-in in Massachusetts on Tuesday, January 19, I felt a strange elation of joy as I witnessed the Bay Staters reclaim their independence. The next morning, I woke up with a smile at 4 am as I stared at the dim ceiling. I thought about where does our country go from here? The future of our country will be decided by what we individually do to become great again. Let's face it, we have lost some of our luster. We must pick ourselves up and dust off the idleness and complacency. We must combat our real enemies: Hubris, Sloth, and Ignorance.
When the author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "There are no second acts in American lives," he was wrong. Second acts are not only possible in America, but some of our biggest triumphs are owed to reinventions.
America is beyond the point of needing a second act. For far too long, we have collectively lived off the remnants, dividends, and derivatives of our forefathers and grandfathers. We must gather strength and courage from their examples of innovation, initiative and adaptation.
The inability to recalibrate partially explains Coakley’s predictable loss and Obama's political hemorrhaging. Both politicians fail to accept and adapt to the fact that we live in a Republic, not a democracy.
In a democracy, the government, with the consent of the majority, can forcibly loot from the most productive citizens and redistribute floor scraps to the neediest members, under the pretense of being progressive.
In a Republic, a small upswelling of citizens can awake the collective consciousness of the uninformed masses. In Massachusetts, with the resurgence of independents, and around America, with the rise of the Tea Party, we are witnessing the difference between living in a Republic and a democracy. If you ever want to learn more about our country's founding or the responsibilities that come with the freedom of living in a Republic, I highly recommend a book called: The 5,000 Year Leap.
Last, I'm always open to connecting with like-minded individuals. If you are close by, let's meet up for coffee or tea, swap stories, and share common interests. If you're around the world, we can be pen pals. Feel free to drop me an email. I respond to all emails within 36 hours.
Or maybe you found something "wrong" or "misspelled" on my blog? Or perhaps you have a suggestion or question? Tell me I'm wrong. Or tell me I'm right.
Thank you for reading my thoughts.
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