I think a lot of people today are becoming increasingly concerned about the state of our nation. I know a lot of people who are leaving their political party. This is happening on both sides of the aisle. I think many people are coming to realize that were voting for representatives who are not honoring the desires of the people.

We have a government that is riddled with corruption. We have people who feel perfectly fine about not working if they can get a substance from the government; even though they are in perfect health do so. We have a leader of the IRS who doesn’t pay his taxes. I’ve seen this self-interest, even on my behalf. It was presented to me in a very startling manner. I waved the flag for physical responsibility even the local level. I am an aspiring storyteller. Efforts are being made to build the storytelling center. In the spirit of self-interest, this could be very appealing to me. I heard on the news, a year or two ago that $15,000 of stimulus money was given toward this storytelling center. What is my opinion of physical responsibility now?

I hosted a candidate debate at the city center a couple years ago. That evening, I was asked about the storytelling center. It made me realize that as long as funding for projects is for myself it’s okay, but if it’s for someone else’s project and we need to follow physical responsibility.  Ah, such hypocrisy. Hindsight teaches me that if I want to walk the walk or talk the talk, it needs to be an equal playing field. Last year, with much trembling, I stood before the city Council and told them that if one of the reasons for increasing the city taxes is for a story center, we shouldn’t do it. See this link for the notes of that council meeting that I took while ago: http://www.melvagifford.com/2012/05/08/presenting-the-orem-city-budget-2012/

It is amazing how much corruption, we are now finding acceptable A man who does not pay his taxes is in charge of the IRS. Unethical businesses or bailed out. People are being persecuted because of their political party affiliation. Stimulus money is directed to questionable sources. Treaties are being made with other countries, such as the UN, that will take away the sovereignty of the United States. Those that make such alliances find that their personal quest for power is more important than the good of the country that birthed them. It looks like we are perfectly willing to vote for people of questionable character. Or in my case, I may not have done adequate research on a politician to see that they are a worthy individual to represent me.

With our increasing apathy toward government corruption and the acceptability of immoral acts should we be surprised that both continue to grow?

I guess today’s blog is a reflection of my need to take a more active part in trying to maintain integrity of the people/politicians are supposed to represent me. That means I need to do a better job in being an informed citizen and take a more active part in educating others, not through propaganda, but by substantiated facts. Maybe this is one of the reasons I’m now consider myself an independent voter; since, my personal political party has failed me and the leadership of that applicable party no longer represents what I stand for. Apparently many people representing both sides of the aisle are starting to feel the same.

I invite others to also endeavor to become more informed citizens. Our actions can tell others what we stand for. Our lack of actions does the same.