I am going to close the discussion on this post, as I think most everyone who regularly reads this site has seen what is here. Thank you all for your contributions.

I’m deeply saddened to see the seepage of politics even into an astrology site. But even sadder to see the fear and anger that this email has incited in its quest for campaign money.

As a refugee from the soviet union I can tell you that ONLY capitalism creates millions of minds trying to serve the customer, to find better ways of doing things, to create ease and convenience at the lowest price in every aspect of our lives. It is against human nature to expect people to work for free out of a sense of altruism or even responsibility. We get the best out of every product by shopping around, by knowing the costs, by comparison. We don’t get to do that with insurance. Maybe we should..

The problem with our system is NOT access. It is cost. All this talk about health insurance is a red herring. As someone who has not had health insurance and became seriously ill I can tell you that. The cost is what is crazy, but we were still able to get treatment on a payment plan. If health care is so important, people need to act like it and be willing to pay out of pocket for the basics and keep insurance for the calamities (IMO this is a good way to reduce costs)

My husband had colon cancer and was treated with Avastin, which helped almost miraculously at first. Avastin was banned in England in 2010 because of COST. Is that humane???

In short, I know that probably nothing I say will convince you that it is unwise to give the government any more power over our health and bodies. Even the corporatist system is CAUSED by the accumulation of power at the highest levels of government. Take away their power and who can the corporations lobby? No one. Nor should they.

Please, think more about this.. it is not a black and white question. Yes, we need to care for each other, we need to donate to charities, but we also need to be responsible for ourselves and be as willing to pay for good health as we are on cable tv and going out to dinner. Romney has a point: I don’t want him to care about my life. I want him (and Obama) to stay out of it.

Sincerely,
Sarah

I was reluctant to put anything of this nature up on the site for fear of stirring up yet another hornets’ nest of hate. I received only one vitriolic email. I don’t want to sound condescending but I’m very proud of all of you, as I always am–I tell everyone that I have the most intelligent, open-minded and spiritually aware followers on the planet. You prove it to me again and again, and its a privilege to be writing for you.

That’s why I don’t support “revolutionary” tactics that include aggression, violence or force. Nor do I support any effort that prevents Americans from choosing. Much as some of us might like to glamorize the idea of revolution, you can’t fix bullying with more bullying, no matter which side you’re on or the methods employed.

Instead of just rebelling for the sake of being “against something”, I’d like to see people working towards clearly-defined and *specific* goals by making an effort to inform and educate, and through using peaceful forms of protest as a way to make their voices heard. *Informed*, socially conscious, caring people are more likely to make informed choices that support the kind of just and peaceful society they want to live in, especially if they feel supported by one another. One very effective way to achieve that goal is through individuals withholding political and financial support from organizations, businesses (not just corporations) and politicians that don’t reflect their values and by actively supporting those that do. Understandably, this is tough to do sometimes (I fail all the time) but even small efforts can make a positive difference. I think this goes along with what Jason said, “It is always what you will give up that defines what you will achieve.”

For now I guess each of us will have to follow our individual consciences.

I have went so far as to say we need a Constitutional Convention, even knowing we have a lunatic fringe very willing to sabotage rights for their selfish desires, oft to turn back the clock to 1860.

But the objectives I see in greatest need are to clarify, improve, and modernize a venerable Constitution that often lays in tatters due to Court rulings and Congressional pomposity. I know what the Constitution means – I defended it in the Navy; my family has done the same going back to the Revolution, a few unto death and defeat in battle.

Every so often, we need to reexamine what it takes to make a We the People what it is: a shiny example to the World. Sadly, I am afraid even with a Constitutional scholar (Obama) in the White House, it is going to take even more from us, the small people caught up in the whirlwind of senseless bickering and dawdling while Rome, indeed, is smoking.

For myself, I am not a fool at all. I study, have examined Economics, Con Law, and the Philosophies I think can hold some answers. Nothing is perfect, we all should know. But we can be a whole lot better off, each able to have hearth and home, education and career, love, and most of all, hope everyday.

Make no mistake, if I ever achieve half the dreams I desire, if only by force of will, change will happen in these United States. And like the oath I took, I will defend it to death.

It is always what you will give up that defines what you will achieve. Americans, at many times, have held that credo close to their hearts. It wasn’t sought out; but it was entrusted to them to do what was necessary for survival of this country, and even, the World. A few still hold to that now, but greater numbers are needed. Apply within.

Final Note: Just think, I am not a speech writer. And my creative English teacher, at present, thinks I need remedial lessons on grammar. Flake. But, we adapt. (Going to grad school next semester is adapting…for me.)

In principle, there are major fundamental differences between the Democrats and Republicans, and although I’ve voted for Democratic candidates in the past, I know I would *never* vote for a Republican (save for during the Civil War) for all of the reasons you’ve stated. There were definitely times during our country’s history when the difference between candidates (and parties) was very clear.

But that was then and this is now. I can’t in good conscience -knowing what I know- cast my vote for anyone (Republican or Democrat) whose policies hold the very real potential of causing more harm than good and that do nothing to address the underlying issues of power and greed and instead perpetuate them. Historically, people have fought for the right to vote based on the premise that there was something (and someone) worth voting for.

Compromise is a loaded word. There are times when *reasonable* compromise is necessary and healing, and times when compromise is not only unacceptable but also unreasonable and wrong and we mustn’t participate. I understand this goes against the worldly way most of us have been taught to think; instead we’re rewarded for going along with popular group-think, of which politics is a part. The whole point of my comment was to encourage people to think about things differently by looking beyond superficial marketing ploys and rhetoric and trying to make a real difference.

Great leaders -those worth supporting- don’t compromise on important issues where people’s lives, dignity and well-being are at stake. They’re willing to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means risking the next election or in some cases, their own well-being. I want a president who will stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves, one who’s willing to do the right thing even if it’s not the politically savvy thing to do. At the very least, I want a leader who won’t reward the very same corporations whose greed has helped to bleed the American people dry.

Thank God there were people unwilling to compromise when it came to slavery, or civil rights, or women’s rights or the anti-war movement of the 60′s; there’s still more work to be done for sure, but these movements all resulted in meaningful change not born of compromise.

Please understand, I’m not in any way advocating either violence at the one extreme or apathy at the other. What I am saying is *nothing* will ever change so long as we keep justifying corruption and injustice by saying we have to compromise.

Dawn, in response to your statement, “And in some future America when the revolution comes and the tyranny of corporate structures come tumbling down, you will not find Republicans leading the way. ” . . . I have to say, I ‘m pretty sure you won’t find President Obama leading the way either! You’re probably right about the revolution, although I’ll continue to hope people wake up before it’s too late and instead of relying solely on political leaders, begin to take meaningful steps towards becoming more aware and involved in practical, productive (and non-violent) ways.

Personally, I’d rather donate to organizations trying to make a difference, such as HealthCare-NOW!, Doctors Without Borders, or my local food bank than give money to President Obama’s reelection campaign.