Pork Is Pork

That earmark book segment I posted was interesting. They can call it anything they'd like, but pork is pork. Pork is a highly organized bribery system that targets the weaknesses in our representatives to buy their vote.

We have all been in situations when others applied pressure for us to do something against our principles. A leveraged lean is uncomfortable, and who of us doesn't have something to lose - or gain? But that's not the point.

If this is the illustrious American heritage we want to promote, why isn't it in the history books, charted in detail for our children to learn about and pattern themselves after? Pork has contributed to each succeeding generation becoming more corrupt and creating a wider gap between what we stand for and who we are. The expanse between the haves and have nots is more now than a century ago. And that's progress?

Clearly for some. Traditions aren't great or honorable just because they're old. And you better believe the Gainers will be screaming like a stuck pig at even the hint of its elimination. I understand every business transaction has elements of compromise, but compromising ones principles for any reason risks everything we hold dear.

Freedom is constructed like a quilt. The top layer is the texture and feel of freedom: the right to vote and assemble and choose where to live, whom to love, and where to pray. These are the daily freedoms we enjoy.

The softest and most durable part is the underside, the part no one sees. It is where the principles of our country reside and the esteemed place we hold in the eyes of the world and each other. Peacekeeper. Peacemaker. World Power. Humanist. Altruism. Christian. Innovator. Scientist. Citizen. Neighbor. Friend.

But by far, the most important part of the quilt is the stitching. What binds our country is the free exchange of ideas that encourages a developing Democratic model that will adapt and thrive. When principles and integrity are run aground by back room pork enticingly offering a home in the Hamptons, we are in danger of losing a lot more than extra tax dollars for a bill rammed through Congress.

Modern day. The country is coming apart at the seams. Money Gainers have taken hold with the longtime bedfellows ~ Power and Leverage and Greed. No one stops it, so we are bullied. They steal our legislative voice.

The Gainers have had a good long run owning things, doing what they please, government and industry in their pockets, and the Losers are left powerless and afraid. Kind of reminds me of the Al Capone years and 'the industry's' choke-hold on Chicago. Remember, though, it only took one principled, well armed guy who wasn't afraid to bring it all down. Who will it be?