I’m certain my choice of words in expressing my concern for the direction this nation has taken over the previous year make it sound like I believe if only President Obama weren’t President that everything would be hunky dory.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

I do believe our government is out of whack and unbalanced.  Anyone could make a series of jokes about that, but, in short, our Constitution provides for three branches of government with limited powers that should balance one another out.  If any one slips too far out of alignment, one or the other of the two branches should rein in the offending branch.

This could happen, however with an extremely liberal Executive Branch and a thoroughly liberally stacked Legislative Branch exuding the attitude, “We Won; Screw You,” let’s just say I’m not entirely confident that will happen.  Both of those branches seem to be taking great delight in bullying in any way conceivable just so they can get their way.  And, unfortunately, I don’t see any regard to what may be best for the country.

I can only hope the American people are watching closely and will take appropriate action when they go to the primaries next spring and when they go to the polls in the fall for the mid-term Congressional election.

I’m withholding judgment on the Supreme Court.  The Conservatives spent years trying to stack it to do their bidding and were frustrated in achieving that aim (thankfully!), so I will continue to hope that whomever is eventually appointed by the Liberals (or Statists as the more in vogue term seems to be) will also uphold the Constitution.  My primary concern is the outside influence from around the world that seems to be creeping into Court opinions.

It may sound as if I’m concerned with political parties.  That is inaccurate.  Wherever possible, I research the candidates’ stance on the issues of concern to me, and I vote accordingly  — even if that candidate may not have a prayer of winning.  I vigorously disagree with both Democratic and Republican platforms, so I look at issues.  I’m thankful my current elected representatives in Texas by and large vote in ways I approve of for the issues of the day.

My Facebook profile identifies my political views as “increasingly Libertarian.”  By that, I mean government needs to get out of the business of running people’s lives and stick to the things they are charged with taking care of in the Constitution.  This began going awry with Roosevelt’s New Deal (if not before), so this isn’t an overnight development.  Nor will it be fixed overnight.  I’d give more Libertarian candidates my support if I could find out what their stance is on the issues — any issues.  I chuckle when I say that, because, if you think about it, that is somewhat contrary to what Libertarianism is all about.

I’m not sure what I as a lone individual can do to help this Republic maintain it’s self-governing status.  I listen to and may frequently refer to the “Big Three” of talk radio — Rush, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity, but I don’t believe they are always right.  They are also entertainers and will go to some length to inflame their audience.  I would not be surprised if they took some statements out of context if it served their purposes.  As an informed public, listeners need to check facts before swallowing what they hear hook, line, and sinker.

I devoted twenty-eight years to upholding and defending the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and I suppose I’m personally vested in making sure this country remains worthy of that defense and the people who sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice their lives to ensure our sovereignty.

I’m committed to reading historical and contemporary books which will broaden my foundation and understanding of not only what our Founding Fathers intended when they formed this nation but the steps and missteps we’ve taken since then.

What suggestions do you have for a reading list?  Please post them in comments.