One of the advantages of seeing things from the perspective of a “time traveler” is that I can weigh in on numerous issues facing these United States right now, employing all the knowledge gained during my time in the 1700s helping to give birth to this country.
Sometimes it can be very discouraging, especially when it seems that the nation has taken so many steps backward, resulting in a government that is deadlocked, hard hearted, addle-brained, and worst of all, more beholden to the rich and privileged “special interests” than even the court of King George III, whom the colonists rebelled against.
Yet, on the other hand, it absolutely warms my heart to read of modern-day writers, commentators, and publishers who have tried to keep alive the spirit of liberty and justice in this land, never letting us forget from whence we came.
One example is Robert Creamer, who writes in The Huffington Post. His latest blog, posted on December 30, is a list of 14 resolutions (one more than my own list of 13 virtues!) that he feels are necessary for this country to triumph over the dastardly forces of obstructionist, neo-conservative thinking that only serve to keep us enslaved, rather than empowering us to cast off our chains and move forward into the future.
Mr. Creamer’s various resolutions deal with the demise of the middle class, restoration of unemployment compensation, unions and collective bargaining, increasing the minimum wage, preventing another war in the Middle East, reining in the abuses of the intelligence industry, stemming gun violence, working for immigration reform, standing in solidarity with pro-women, pro-gay, and pro-lesbian rights advocates, passing a revised Voting Rights Act, tackling the problem of prison reform, acknowledging the reality of climate change, assuring progressive control of the government, and working to assure successful implementation of the Affordable (Health)care Act.
All of these are issues and concerns that I would readily add my own voice of support behind. I applaud Mr. Creamer for his strong, unwavering stance in favor of these progressive positions.
Now, these are truly Resolutions that deserve to be made and followed through upon in this coming new year.
If we, as a nation, fail to do so, then I fear that another revolution may be soon upon us, which none of us would like to contemplate. I would sincerely hope that by waging this “Resolutionary War,” in which the citizens of the U.S., following Mr. Creamer’s proposals, finally come to their senses and realize that without their direct, stout-hearted, and passionate efforts (and votes!) to turn back the unfortunate developments of these past years, the country is sure to continue sliding downhill, to the disadvantage of us all.
Oh, if only this 307-year-old man could have the ability to speak out and engage the American people as we once did during those days of the war for independence! Alas, my energy (and my credibility, as a figure of the past) are not well-suited for this particular campaign. That’s why writers like Mr. Creamer are so desperately needed in these times of change and challenge.
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin
Sometimes it can be very discouraging, especially when it seems that the nation has taken so many steps backward, resulting in a government that is deadlocked, hard hearted, addle-brained, and worst of all, more beholden to the rich and privileged “special interests” than even the court of King George III, whom the colonists rebelled against.
Yet, on the other hand, it absolutely warms my heart to read of modern-day writers, commentators, and publishers who have tried to keep alive the spirit of liberty and justice in this land, never letting us forget from whence we came.
One example is Robert Creamer, who writes in The Huffington Post. His latest blog, posted on December 30, is a list of 14 resolutions (one more than my own list of 13 virtues!) that he feels are necessary for this country to triumph over the dastardly forces of obstructionist, neo-conservative thinking that only serve to keep us enslaved, rather than empowering us to cast off our chains and move forward into the future.
Mr. Creamer’s various resolutions deal with the demise of the middle class, restoration of unemployment compensation, unions and collective bargaining, increasing the minimum wage, preventing another war in the Middle East, reining in the abuses of the intelligence industry, stemming gun violence, working for immigration reform, standing in solidarity with pro-women, pro-gay, and pro-lesbian rights advocates, passing a revised Voting Rights Act, tackling the problem of prison reform, acknowledging the reality of climate change, assuring progressive control of the government, and working to assure successful implementation of the Affordable (Health)care Act.
All of these are issues and concerns that I would readily add my own voice of support behind. I applaud Mr. Creamer for his strong, unwavering stance in favor of these progressive positions.
Now, these are truly Resolutions that deserve to be made and followed through upon in this coming new year.
If we, as a nation, fail to do so, then I fear that another revolution may be soon upon us, which none of us would like to contemplate. I would sincerely hope that by waging this “Resolutionary War,” in which the citizens of the U.S., following Mr. Creamer’s proposals, finally come to their senses and realize that without their direct, stout-hearted, and passionate efforts (and votes!) to turn back the unfortunate developments of these past years, the country is sure to continue sliding downhill, to the disadvantage of us all.
Oh, if only this 307-year-old man could have the ability to speak out and engage the American people as we once did during those days of the war for independence! Alas, my energy (and my credibility, as a figure of the past) are not well-suited for this particular campaign. That’s why writers like Mr. Creamer are so desperately needed in these times of change and challenge.
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin