A Letter To America

Dear Citizens of this great nation,
Some of you have read my blogs (hopefully) and know me as Miguel. My real name is Miguel Espinal. A first generation Latino whose family came here in the late 60′s early 70′s. I have been taught from a youngster that this is the best country in the world. The reason for that is because this country is because the chances that are given to you as compared to other countries in the world.
If you haven’t noticed, the last few years have been a disaster for this country. We were excited because the turn of the century was marking a point where the country was going to surpass itself as the place to be on this planet. But I noticed that by the end of the decade, for the first time ever, less people have applied to live here than ever before. We went from being citizens to being called consumers, and at some we just stopped caring. We cheered on the politicians when they got rid of the banking rules that helped this country become stable. We loved the fact that the government was going to give out money and give tax breaks to the rich because as they saw it, the trickle down effect meant that everyone was at some point going to get some of that money. We loved that the stock market shoot over 10k points, and that everyone was making money (Well sort of). We were happy getting these credit cards that allowed us to spend as much money as we want. Not only that, we were even more happy about the easy money that was being given to us because it meant that we could buy houses, cars, boats, airplanes, and just do whatever we felt was right because its America. Shit people in Dominican Republic actually told me that we are so rich in this country, that a $10 bill would be on the floor for days because we have to much money to want to bend over and pick it up. Yes times were good for many.
The sad thing about good parties is that they end. It felt like the lights were turned on and learned that we were paying for all the so called free drinks that were given to us in the party (I been to something like that, and a huge fight started). My brothers and sisters, we need to step up and become citizens of the free world. We are being beaten by a divide and conquer tactic that is being manipulated the media and the career politicians. Why is it that we are still stuck blaming the left and the right while both parties are equally responsible for the mess that we are in. We then turn to a movement that has no leader, but behold, the media again takes hold of it and then tries to take it to a side just so that we could again be divided.
We all united to pick a president who promised change and a reform on Washington. We felt as if one of us was infiltrated the powers that be, and then we felt betrayed from the very beginning. He spoke harshly of Bush and the signing statements issued by him, and from day one he comes in and does the very actions he was chastising. We bailout banks (without our authority) on the consensus that the money be lent out to the people. But no we were once again lied to and the banks just held the money bought other banks, and then gave it back to the government after they made a shit load on the interest. And then the media goes ahead and tells us, “The banks are back in business. The times are getting better”. Meanwhile they are doing the same dirt as they had before and they do it knowing that the government is going to bail em out. So what if they made record bonuses, what can the government do to them? That is the mentality of these assholes.
But the problem is deeper than the corporations (or the people as they are famously called), no I’m writing because we have to all unite and VOTE OUT THE BUMS. The reason why everything is happening, we are letting the politicians do as they please. Why is it that no one is questioning how is it that politicians are worth so much money? Why is it that they are allowed to deal with insider trading while we cant? Why is it that they fly private planes all over the country but tell us that we have to reduce our carbon emissions? We have career politicians who have seats in a cobra clutch and would kill their mother before they let go of that seat. Why is it that no one complains that the highest court in the land is allowing corporations to lobby as much money as they please? Why is it that we are going broke no matter how much the government says that they are saving money?
I ask these questions because it seems that no one wants to ask the questions. Either that or we want to see what we want to see. I say we all use our votes for something useful. Instead of voting for a democrat or republican, vote for an independent. So what if it seems like its a vote wasted. The two ruling parties are really one corporation with two colored wings. Why listen to Rachel Maddow or Bill O’Reilly when they are paid by a corporation who wants you to follow the stat quo. You think Glenn Beck is one to trust? The only difference between tv commentators and the characters on Family Guy is that one is a cartoon, but both are scripted.
I want us to take the civilized way and vote out the bums. We are an angry nation, and our leaders are not listening to our voices. They made us believe that its good for us to own a piece of AIG, but how come most of us don’t know that we are about to give money to a foreign nation, because of the entanglement made by the CEO’s. Is it fair to you that we have millions of people here who need help, but there could be a possibility that we give them a bailout. How does that make you feel America? Lets ask how does that make our so called leaders? They probably dont feel nothing. And as Im at it, why is it that lobbyist get more of a say than us citizens. Because we stopped voting and let money do the talking for, and if you haven’t noticed, most of us are broke so only our votes can be heard.
Citizens of this great nation, and I’m only talking to ones who breathe, not the ones considered a person because of a name (aka the corporations), we are going to stand up and start making a new movement. One where we are known for voting for something better, and not because we have funny signs. Its time we stand up for things that matter, and that’s the well being for us people. Lets vote for another Glass-Steagall for its the reason that kept the country in good shape for all these years. Funny how it was at the beginning of the decade that it was taken away and then BOOM, everything in the country goes wrong financially. If the government knew what was best for us, then they would be listening to our opinions and not call us racists/ignorant/unpatriotic for not agreeing with the government.
Please Mr. Obama hear our voices so that we can better everything, not only for us, but for the future generations. You talked about being a constitutional professor, and how we the people are the ones who are in charge of everything. Please listen to us, and grow some balls. You need to take a stand, and when you do take that stand, stand by us the citizens, or as Donald Trump says “Your Fired”.
Sincerly,
Miguel Espinal