I am a simple man, I only desire simple things. I work long hours and long weeks. It is with much difficulty that I even sit down to write this note. But I know in time I will look back and say to myself, “Why did you do nothing when this was happening to our great Country.”

I have noticed some alarming trends, and I’m wondering if anyone else sees them. No one in Washington or Raleigh seems to. They are simple things; things that my fellow Americans see each day. We see them and ask why they are even happening or how could they happen in our country or community. Simply put, I am scared. Scared for our nation and scared that I will not be able to give the America that I received to my children and my children’s children… Scared that they will never see the greatness of this democratic “Experiment,” as Thomas Jefferson once wrote… Scared that things are changing so fast that cool heads are not prevailing, and backwards thinking or even absurd ideas are being considered.

Why is it considered Hate speech to raise a voice of concern about decisions made in government? To me that is love; love of this country. Why is it racism when we speak out against the latest plan from the White House? To me, that is how our representative republic works. Why is it the government’s responsibility to bail out Americans? My father never got a bail out. Born into the depression, he worked hard all his life. He wouldn’t even think of asking for a bail out. Speaking of responsibility, whatever happened to personal responsibility? Why do some leaders in Washington think Joe Wilson is the enemy, or George Bush, or the CIA? The enemy is Islamic Terrorism. Why do some people think that water-boarding or threatening captive enemy forces is torture, when if one of our soldiers is captured they are dismembered or beheaded? Why does Washington not see that if you want to stimulate the economy the thing to do is decrease the tax burden on individuals and businesses? - Not the other way around.

The list keeps going here in NC. If the answer to meeting the state budget is to give some “days off,” then it’s time to lay off some government employees. If the answer to meeting DOT budgets is to close state run rest stops, and when this is done, convenience stores and gas station owners report an increase in business - why should we not simply close or privatize all rest stops. Speaking of privatizing in tough economic times, we must trim the fat. Why not privatize a lot of state run activity? A private paving or grading company can do road work much more efficiently than the state. Please people, let’s wake up! The answer to expensive health care is NOT to give it to the bureaucrats in Washington to run.

Am I oversimplifying? I don’t think so. Like I said, I am scared that what was once a great nation, has and is changing. Please join with me by writing to your representatives, attending rallies, or contributing anyway you can. Many great men have fought and died for the privileges and responsibilities we have in this nation and I for one want to give my children those same privileges and responsibilities.



Douglas Cosby

Siloam