The American Dream is a Non-Partisan Issue

Each week after thumbing through dozens of papers and magazines, I find myself with the same conclusion. There is insufficient discussion of the American Dream. Frankly, I think this is what most middle class and working class families want to hear.

We have the media and politicians telling us either there is a civil war in Iraq or there isn't. I think it’s clear that there is when Iraqi civilians are buying weapons in record numbers. So much for bringing stability to the region. In the past few months American troop losses are down to fewer than 60 a month, an intolerable number nevertheless, but Iraqi civilian deaths have doubled and are more than ten times this number. Speaks volumes, doesn’t it? We spend billions of dollars in Iraq each month but there is not enough for the promised hospitals or other basic elements that lead to a stable society.

We have Democratic politicians who say they want to wait until they win a majority before considering Impeachment or Iraq withdrawal issues. I wonder if the public considers this leadership. I don't. Sometimes doing the right thing places oneself at risk, but in this case it's the best thing for all Americans. Whether Republicans hold the majority is not the underlying issue because if it was the public would have changed this balance. What they do want to know is where is the elected opposition with teeth? Just look to Russ Feingold, John Murtha and John Conyers to see what this looks like.

True leaders know that leadership, not polls, galvanizes and inspires the public to want to support and follow. When public opinion is ahead of our elected officials, it's clear we have a problem. We have had enough of the lies concerning security and our middle class values. It’s time to keep the promise of good health care, alternative energy and education policies that stimulate and strengthen our economy and keep good jobs in the States.

You see, other than political diehard loyalists, the majority of citizens crave good leadership from those they elect. Not perfection, but leadership. This means elected Democrats and Republicans should not be listening to polls and inside the D.C. beltway political advisors, but their constituents. That'd be refreshing!

We know intuitively that the financial hole created by the Iraq war is an incredibly deep one. We know that campaign promises are empty if we remain in Iraq, because taxpayer paid funds for our domestic programs just isn't there. We know it at the grocery store because $100 does not fill our shopping carts the way it did a few years ago. We know it because there are more second cars for sale on front lawns. We know it because we're paying more in property taxes and health care premiums. We know it because we don't take as many trips in the car to the mall or vacations. We know it because the balances on our credit cards are inching upwards. This is clearly a nonpartisan issue that cries for leadership by first admitting its mistakes and taking our country back on a course towards the American Dream.