The unexamined life is not worth living

  Editor: Dr. Michael Stagliano

Now that the Camilla and Charles union is legal, but not blessed, the Pope has passed on to another life, and alas a new Board of Education elected, we mere mortals are left with the daily wants and needs of real life dramas like putting food on the table, paying our bills and trying to raise informed and compassionate children. Yet, just under the surface of our worldly woes are mighty concerns just as grave that we mortals are subject to every day, yet barely ponder, question or flinch.

Take for instance the United States Congress tinkering with the Patriot Act extensions. How many of us truly understand the complexities of this Act and the ramifications for ordinary citizens? Your privacy? Your rights? And who among us took time to question the ulterior motives of our elected representatives intervening in the Terri Schiavo case simply on the supposed merits of saving life? We later learned that her death could yield political fodder for unscrupulous politicians. Tipping the Constitution on its ear? Who amongst us even remotely comprehends the principles implicitly outlined by our founding fathers and held sacred in the Constitution of the United States?

I am willing to bet that the majority citizenry believe that we are more apt to suffer personally a terrorist act than get gunned down by a stranger or ripped off by a financial scam. Because of the sensationalism and hype of today's media (and the covert agenda of those in power), we seldom take the time to peel away the layers of inconsistent and corrupt thought to expose and debate the real core issues that do make a difference to us. We are swayed by the pleas of right to lifers vs. pro-choice citizens. We are bred to fear the colors of security warnings but hardly flinch when our liberties are stripped away bit by bit until we hardly recognize what the threat was in the first place.

Consider the latest debate on social security. Who amongst us understand what is at stake? Do we read beyond the Pantagraph? Nightly News, or Time Magazine? I think not. However, thank God there are some individuals who do care and do understand the gravity and complexity of decisions made by our leaders. But ultimately, we mere mortals in every city and every town in this great country are the true voice of the people but for the most part, go unheard except for irrational proponents on the left and right of the political spectrum. We simply do not care to question or think outside of our own little world.

All I can say is that things are not as they seem. What is too good to be true probably is too good to be true. We gravitate without question to leaders who promise to protect us from terrorists. And at the same time and barely out of sight, our rights and sacred liberties are tinkered with politicians in the back room. We refuse or do not want to see the big picture. The same uninformed and misinformed individuals feverishly wave flags and post magnetic signs on their cars and trucks proclaiming support for our troops yet do not even question the token miserable treatment of our great veterans in deplorable nursing homes run by the Veteran's administration, financial sacrifices made by our troops while on duty and the insane practice of sending troops into battle without adequate protection of armor. Consequently, I would not buy a vehicle from a dealership that shamelessly uses our fighting troops for commercial purposes by posting a larger than life sign on the lot stating "We Support Our Troops". Are we that gullible to believe that if it were not for the bottom line that sign would not be there?

I could go on. The point is too many of us take issues at face value, especially politics and life and death issues. We should regularly speak and confront our elected leaders both Republican and Democrat. But don't attempt my advice in an election year 'cause it will fall on deaf ears. We should be outraged that House leader Tom DeLay is one of the shadiest politicians this side of the Constitution. Don't get me wrong; Democrats have been there too. Americans are too enamored with reality TV and fret when their heroes are voted off the island. Shame on us!

Americans must step up to the plate and question practices, policies and actions that are not right or shrouded in smoke and mirrors. We must question decisions that affect our lives instead of believing without flinching that if our elected officials make policy they know more than us. Rubbish. We have to be our own advocates just as if we question the first doctor that tells us we're terminal. We are the people, we are the voice and consciousness of this great country, but we are seldom heard because we claim we are "too busy" paying bills, raising our children and trying to stay one step ahead of the game of life. We are all doing our children and their children a disservice if we don't speak up now. Remember, Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Let's not get too complacent about what is at stake in our lives regardless on which side of the political spectrum you are. If more of us took the time to read and discuss issues, debate our neighbors, write and call our elected officials and support realistic causes the world would be a much better place.
Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative what you see may not be what you get.

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