America: We not Me

America:  We not Me

Part I

When President Obama was sworn in as our 44thPresident he promised to usher in an age of bipartisanship in Washington that mirrored the Reagan era.   While I am a patient man I am still waiting on that era to begin.  To be fair the President cannot be held completely accountable for this not taking shape in the Nation's Capitol or in red or blue states throughout the country.   The Republicans and Democrats in Congress are still insisting on settling old scores and carrying on the destructive nature of partisan politics. 

The healthcare debate (for example) has developed into a complete partisan battle.  As a citizen, I am wondering if there is an issue that is too important, too urgent, and too essential to the fabric of America that would drive our politicians to put partisanship aside and do what is right for the American people. Obviously, throughout history there are examples of our leaders putting their political ideologies aside to do what was best for most Americans, but the ones that stand out all center around tragedy and war.
 
Until now.....

Recently, I learned about the Race to the Top Fund.  The Race to the Top Fund is a federal program administered by the Department of Education which will reward states that have raised student performance in the past and have the capacity to accelerate achievement gains with innovative reforms.  The amazing thing about this initiative is its proponents.  First, there is the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan (D) then, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R) as well as civil rights leader Al Sharpton (D).    This program gives $4.3 billion in discretionary funds to Secretary Duncan to distribute to states, schools districts, and non-profits.  

While this is not the fall of the Berlin Wall it is a great example of political leaders  with the belief that working together to prevent 1.2 million Americans from dropping out of school each year is more important than their political ideology.    We live in a time where partisan politics is way of life, but if nothing changes it will also be a way of death-death of America as we know it.  This country has enemies and they don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, or Independent. They want you dead as long as you are an American. 

I am not suggesting you leave your political party or end the political party system, but what I am saying is that it is time we put America first not a political party or a dollar.  The executives on Wall Street are a perfect example of Me not We.  America is about We not Me.   Remember, America is the only country that is built around an idea.   All other countries are built around a religion, an ethnic group, or a culture. We have a Constitution that says "We the People".  This country is great only when we focus on We not Me. 

"If you give us a penny we will give you change"