Our Government: Netroots Nation

Monday, June 24, 2013

Washington Watch: Week 21 -- "Full Court Press"

Week 21 -- All eyes on the Supreme Court for landmark rulings; and progressive activists and bloggers gathered in San Jose for Netroots Nation.

Full Court Press

Rulings were expected from the Supreme Court last week, however it looks as though the major decisions have been left to this week before their summer recess.

Much is at stake in the areas of civil rights, voting rights, worker rights, and gay rights.

We are reminded that ALL areas of our lives are touched by the judicial branch of our government. Not just at this top level. Equally important are the Circuit Courts, particularly the DC Court of Appeals that many times determines what gets passed to the Supreme. Perhaps this is why the President is having a hard time getting his nominations confirmed?

Today, the Supreme Court took action on the affirmative action case. Well, maybe.

"We the People..."

We often hear of citizens...from various political persuasions, speak of "taking our country back." Back to where? The only way we can go back to the past would be by time-travel...and that's not happening. (At least not anytime soon.)

So we might as well accept that we are all in this together. This is the greatest democracy in the history of the earth.

It's like a family. We may want to disavow a sibling, an aunt, a cousin, or any other relative. However, they are still our family. We can't change the DNA or the ties that bind us.

It's OUR country and OUR government. We elect representatives (and maybe we need to pay more attention to whom we send to office) however, the onus is on us to keep this democracy going. To thrive and to prosper. To lead the world. To be inclusive so that ALL of our talent is recognized. And...yeah it's a cliche but really important...to leave a better (and safer) world for our children!

OUR COUNTRY...OUR GOVERNMENT!