it has taken some of "us" a long time to wake up and smell the coffee, perhaps because we have been so severly impacted by this economy and its inability to recover.

my parents are products of the depression and i grew up hearing about how wonderful the social programs which sprouted from that event were. but somehow, when my parents needed those social programs and sought their help - they were turned down because they "made too much money".

and then i got a job and looked at how much money was taken from my paycheck...and i looked at how that money was being redistributed to others - welfare, social security, medicare, medicaid...the eligibility guidelines for which had been distorted waaaaayyyy beyond their original intent. my awakening - the pols [both parties] are buying people's votes!

i learned then and there, again, that i would never be able to rely on anyone other than myself to insure that i would have the future to which i would like to be accustomed! and so i did!

so where am i rambling to with such reminiscences? we have not learned from our history - so we are doomed to repeat it? we need to vote in new blood in every election - except for my senator/congressman because i like them?

this past election shook up a lot of entrenched politicians - but clearly, not enough. we must continue the process, if only in 2yr increments. elect representatives who will clearly represent you rather than themselves.