Electile Dysfunction and IOUSA the Movie

I have never been political by nature. Politics have always stirred something in me and the result was I got “mad”. Oh yes, I hear some of you saying, “Good, get mad. It will propel you into doing something.” Well, for some this may be true but for me all it did was make me feel wobbly, helpless and fall into a state of fear. So for me, getting mad was not productive.

I gave up on politics, politicians and America. I quit voting. There was no one to vote for. There was no truth. There was no justice. A friend of mine said I was suffering from “Electile Dysfunction” and there was no little blue pill to fix it! For those of you unfamiliar with this term, it means "the inablity to become aroused by any of the choices in an election."

What is the answer? How could I participate in a system that no longer supported “We the People”? How could I be proud to be an American? Our country is in a Budget Deficit, a Savings Deficit, a Trade Deficit and worst of all a Leadership Deficit. This is “my” country. We have become a throw-away society that believes in hand outs instead of hand ups, Health “Care” instead of Health “Maintenance”, legal drugs to numb and mask the symptoms of a failing society, over worked and over stressed. We have technology that could be used to make life simpler and easier and instead we have used it to make life faster and less personal. Many have no regard for their environment, believe fighting a war grants freedom, and hope that “they” will figure out how to fix this. I could go on about the negative state of affairs but that only adds fuel to a fire that I wish to smolder. Even those who have their heads in the sand know we are hanging on the edge of a dangerous cliff.

So, what can be done? Education. This is the purpose for the production of a movie called I.O.U.S.A. http://www.iousathemovie.com/ and a question posed to the panel of 5 intelligent men at the town hall meeting following the initial showing of this movie. In my opinion, the movie did a good job of simply explaining the economics and state of our great nation. It produced clear ideas without generating fear. It talked of actions, solutions and positive results.

In the attempt to keep this at a length that is easily read, here are my notes and highlights from the movie. Please read them and then TAKE ACTION. As I was coming out of the movie theater, someone commented to me, “I sure hope THEY do something about this.” Folks, I am here to tell you there in no “THEY”. WE ARE THE PEOPLE. WE are the ones who must to do something about this. “WE” have blamed the “THEY’S” for far too long, which is why we are her today in this situation. I highly recommend you check the website and find a theater near you that is showing this movie. As you take individual responsibility, the whole becomes stronger. Become part of the solution.

Movie Notes and Highlights: (You can view a copy of the entire Town Meeting at http://www.iousathemovie.com/ at the bottom right hand corner is a link. You can also click on the “take action” and send a letter to your representatives.)

VOTE: Be a good Citizen. Really listen to the candidates and what they are saying. Weed out idle or political promises. Make wise choices. If the politicians elected waiver, keep them accountable. Write to your Representatives, Congressmen and Senators. Let your voice be heard. Remember, our country is founded on “We the People”.

HEATH: Take care of your health. Preventative Health Maintenance is much less costly then the cost of sickness and disease.

SAVE: Do not let the way the government runs their finances be your guide. Show the government how to be financially healthy. Demand that your savings dollars be worth more tomorrow then today. Start now. Save something, anything.

INVEST: Investors earnings are the lowest taxed form of income. Warren Buffet pays less in taxes per dollar then his maid.

UNDERSTAND: The government has no money. Yet, they continue to attempt to bail out the financial troubles of others. Vote in the people that can and will make balancing budgets a priority. Vote in people who can and will keep the government accountable for spending.

HUMAN CAPITAL: Wake up and develop you own potential. WE THE PEOPLE are our greatest asset yet the majority does not live up to their capabilities. Energize your children. They will be President one day. Learn and teach communication and community skills. Realize you are part of a bigger picture and support yourself through supporting others. Become passionate. Become alive.

Ideas from the Panel:
Increase Retirement age of Social Security. We are living longer and we are living younger longer.

Income test Medicare deductibles. Those with higher earnings can afford more.

Make ½ the Social Security benefits as an option for private investments.

Support becoming Self-Insured.

Create an automatic or mandatory savings.

Heath care reform.

Tax reform.

Hold politicians and government accountable.

I hope this article was helpful and supportive. Below are web sites you can use to access your political parties. Use them and use them often.
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml
http://www.house.gov/
http://www.senate.gov/