As the tax filing deadline grows closer this year, I am forced to once again consider just how much of my money is going to irresponsible and greedy governments, on a federal and local level. As if it’s not enough to see that big chunk of change come out of my check every payday, I now have to pay even more because I have a job. I understand why someone would rather rely on the government at this point, but that's not in my wheelhouse. Neither is building the government with my generous “donation” every year.
It's quite obvious that a lot of people are feeling the impact of the nation’s current administration and lawmakers, but those who defend so many deadly moves and detrimental decisions, made on nearly a daily basis, continue to cheer them on and spit lies. No matter what happens, they don’t stop fighting for handouts. But nothing is free. It’s like watching a bunch of ferocious dogs fighting over a porcupine.
We are paying more at the pump, inflation is making it difficult to purchase necessities in the home, and the disrespect towards those seeking to tell the truth is at an all-time high. There is no listening, just meaningless words from people who are so far removed from reality. Quite frankly, it’s disgusting. I often get attacked on social media for sharing the truth. I always tell myself, “If the truth hurts, that’s not my problem.”
What is my problem is closer to home: Those holding the power here in Alabama seem to be continuing to ignore the basic needs of their own people. They enable those who don’t want to help themselves and all too often disable those who try. For example, government housing and assistance should be temporary, but there is little effort being taken to let the birds fledge.
Alabama legislators have failed to give hard-working tax-paying citizens a break. The struggle is getting all-too-real. If you work, you pay. You pay for the mistakes of people you voted for. It’s important to recognize the domino effect our local elections have on what is happening in Washington D.C.
Then there are the other “side-pieces” that are being talked about that distract us from the road ahead. While some say President Joe Biden stole the election and shouldn’t be in office, it really doesn’t matter. What’s done is done, and God knows the person on-deck to take his place is likely more than a liability. It’s all so obvious, but Biden supporters refuse to admit it. It is more important for them to be right than to be real. I do feel we had a similar dynamic with President Donald Trump. No matter what he said or did, his supporters were stuck to him like glue. Going down with the ship shouldn’t be the American way.
Who did or who didn’t win the election doesn’t matter. What matters is what happens next. The number of people that have no idea what’s going on in our nation and in the state of Alabama is baffling to me. If you ask any ole Joe Blow off the street who his local representative is, he actually might not know. I don’t get out much, but when I do, I always ask people I meet if they are aware of specific issues. Big ones. Like, if they know that the legislative session just ended in our state. Or if they know who is running to replace Sen. Richard Shelby and who they are leaning towards. Most of the time I get a, “Oh, I don’t pay attention to that crap because it really doesn’t matter.”
It really doesn’t matter? This is exactly what matters and what needs to change.
Ignorance is bliss for some, but it’s turning our nation into a worldwide comedy show. The derealization of people who are smart enough to make a difference has interfered with our ability to hold our leaders accountable. I so want them to care because if they realized how bad things are, they could realize how important their jobs are, not only as voters but also as influential voices in this manipulated reality.
The failure in Afghanistan last year gave the green light to every enemy to “go for it". Not only did our previous efforts and sacrifices get flushed down the toilet, we now have the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this is only the beginning.
We have to stand up.
We have to stand tall.
We have to be the strong nation we all grew up knowing.
We have to take our country back. There is no other option. But it starts with a vote here at home.
Wake up! Become aware! Get involved!
Erica Thomas is Managing Editor of 1819 News. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
