CROSSVILLE —
Times “change” and many adjustments to our present times are needed and long overdue! Depending on personalities and views, the changes may be hard for some to understand, accept or follow, particularly by those set in their ways and liking the way things used to be!
Most changes in our country should be aimed at improving lives for the many, but some people just don’t seem to care unless there is something in it for them. Not caring about the worsening needs of others seems to be the selfish way of life today, by too many. (“People should have to care for themselves just as we did!”). Changes will happen, not as quickly as many would like, for others it will always be too soon. Fortunately, most of it will be for the good of ALL Americans, not just the few who managed to succeed in life “all on their own.”
Some consider progress a threat to their personal morals and finances, protesting out of habit, selfishness or even class hatred. This resistance affects the rights of all in the “United” States. To folks very comfortable with their lives because of inheritance, actual hard work or plain luck, changes may be threatening or annoying.
But, doing well for ALL Americans, should still be America’s aim. Changes are needed to support our country’s middle class, as these citizens pay the way! Fighting change may slow results, but change will happen because of the majority vote these past two elections. Because of those nearly 115 million Americans, growing problems now have to be solved for the benefit of everyone. As stated in the past, either “lead, follow or at least get out of the way!” America’s “We the People” does not mean just you.
From our president’s first day in office, America was made well aware of the Republican’s refusal to accept President Obama, especially shown by the lack of support and the rude disrespect shown the president continually during his first term. Republicans filibustered and voted against every bill supported by the administration (especially a huge “jobs” bill). As a result, the Republicans lost again, losing additional respect from a number of its “fair” minded voters. Supporting millionaires and billionaires and seemingly not the average American, was their mistake.
With the recent Obama re-election, the majority of American voters show they still want the changes and promises made by Mr. Obama in 2008. More women and younger folks have been paying attention and have spoken out by helping to re-elect Obama.
ALL Americans, regardless of “Age, color, race, religious creed, disabilities, sex AND sexual orientations”…and I’d like to add “INCOMES,” have “rights” in America! That is the glory of our country. Change is usually good for all involved, IF proposed by wise selfless “leaders” looking out for the “average” citizen…which most of us are. Consider the positive changes, support them and give them a chance. We should all be happier, wealthier, healthier and wiser, for it.
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This column represents alternative thoughts to other published columns in the Crossville Chronicle. “We the People” is published each Wednesday. Opinions expressed in “We the People” columns are not necessarily those of the Crossville Chronicle publisher, editor or staff. For more information, contact John Wund, editor, at jwund@frontiernet.net.
Opinion
WE THE PEOPLE: The times, they are a-changin’
- Opinion
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Stumptalk: A super majority legislature
Much media attention has recently been focused on the inability of the super majority of Republicans in the 2013 legislature to enact every Republican bill into law. Why is this different from some of the recent super majority Democratic legislatures? If you were paying attention to the debates in the committees, and analyze that debate, you will find that Republicans don’t automatically follow their party leaders when it comes to doing what each individual legislator thinks is best for Tennessee. Republicans actually try to do what they think is best for our citizens.
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Tidbits: Jolie’s move a conversation starter
Angelina Jolie, named the “Sexiest Woman in the World” by People Magazine in 2005, stunned the nation last week when she revealed she had chosen to have a preventative mastectomy after genetic testing revealed she had about an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
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LION AND THE LAMB: Ten years in captivity
Traditionally male violence against women has been delivered by fist or gun. On May 6, however, another delivery system was brought to light: chains and rope.
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WE THE PEOPLE: Crashing those Pearly Gates
Too often when one of our “public servants” dies, even if he is a blot on the human race, he is elevated to sainthood before they can get a tag on his toe. Then the press eulogizes him right into heaven before St. Peter can check his credentials. Even those who are a bit skeptical of this revision of history tend to adopt a “forgive and forget” attitude. Margaret Thatcher’s recent death seems to indicate that the British are less forgiving and have a better memory.
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TIDBITS: Practical advice for new grads
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STUMPTALK: The right to bear arms
The anti-gun activists are wacky as a June bug for their solutions to eliminate gun-violence. They have it backwards. Instead of going after those that perpetrate these despicable acts, they are mounting attacks on law-abiding citizens, restriction of access to firearms, limiting magazine size and universal background checks.
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Small Town Girl: Britain's missing royalty
Last week, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, after a 33-year-reign, abdicated in favor of her son, the now-King Willem-Alexander. He is now the youngest monarch in Europe and is the first Dutch king in more than 120 years. One has to wonder how Prince Charles of England felt while attending the coronation ceremonies. After all, he has been waiting to inherit the English throne from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, for over 60 years.
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We the People: Minimum wage is not enough to live on
For folks too young or too unaware what has happened to our economy the past 30 years, here is an answer. Ronald Reagan, G.H.W. Bush and the Republican Party are responsible for what we know as "Reaganomics," an economy that continues today resulting in few "labor unions” and the resulting low wages and lack of worker benefits.
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Lion and the Lamb: In the eye of the beholder
The May 5 issue of People magazine appeared with an astonishing cover. It proclaimed in big letters "World's Most Beautiful Woman!" and featured 40-year-old actress Gwyneth Paltrow. The issue also included the facial pictures of over a hundred other American beauties from age 15 to 70.
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Tidbits: The value of a community newspaper
I'll be the first to agree the life of a reporter isn't glamorous, especially when you work at a small town newspaper.
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