Now that the Country is in "decompression" mode after the recent election, I find it less than surprising that more and more evidence is surfacing to prove the GOP created false narratives concerning voter fraud.  In fact, more and more evidence has come to the surface that Voter ID laws were specifically designed by Republicans to restrict access to the polls for as many minorities as possible.  Unfortunately for the GOP, those narratives have been proven not only to be false, but also designed to utilize inflammatory rhetoric destined to be used as sound bites on their ideologically supporting for profit media.  But a new wrinkle has come about that the Republicans are going to have a real hard time digesting, but regardless of the stomach discomfort, they will digest and accept it.  But who could force the GOP to back down on their efforts to use "Voter Fraud" as a gateway to control the ballot on the state level?  None other than the Supreme Court of the United States!
       Yep, the Supreme Court today refused to grant certiorari to the Republican National Committee's effort to force the Court to revisit a prior decision handed down in 1982.  The GOP Committee had hoped the Court would lift a previous court order that limited their ability to challenge voter eligibility directly at polling places.  The bottom line of that Consent Decree was that the GOP agreed not to challenge voters at the polls on alleged fraud issues without first obtaining a Court Order authorizing such action.  The Court at the time was deeply concerned that any political party (and this case the GOP) could use ballot security efforts that might result to a suppressing the rights of voters at the polls due to racial and/or ethnic reasons.  The Court ruled in 1982 that the RNC had a history of engaging in discriminatory actions while claiming "normal poll watching."
      The case before the Supreme Court stemmed from an appeal of a lower Court ruling declaring the RNC was still subject to the 1982 Consent Decree, even in their efforts to "combating voter fraud by preventing potential voters from registering to vote or casting a ballot."  The RNC sought relief from the decree and the Court today, but no such relief can be given.  The case goes by the name of Republican National Committee v. Democratic National Committee, Case No. No. 09-4615.  A spokesman for the GOP tried to put a positive spin on the Court's refusal to hear their appeal, but could not find adequate words to address their frustration.
      Could it be that the Republicans thought they would finally get a friendly ear from at least four Supreme Court Justices (See Rule of Four on Writs of Certiorari)?  I wonder what they were thinking considering SCOTUS has already ruled that the Voter Rights Act of 1965 remains valid in Southern States that had a history of voter discrimination?  Did the RNC really think they could spin their efforts on voter suppression by obtaining some sort of "seal of approval" from the Supreme Court?  Watch how little this decision is played on Fox News.  Bottom line - when it comes to voter rights in America, the RNC continues to wear the "Badge of Dishonor."

       For many of my readers, allow me to introduce you to someone in my life that has helped shape, hone and sometimes, take my opinions "head on!"  That man is Joseph Newman who turns 100 today!  How do I know this guy?  Well, over two decades ago, he became Grandpa Joe to my family when he became my wife's Grandmother's "Significant Other" and with that, became  Great Grandfather to my children when they were born (and they forever will know him as such).  I am lucky to also live near Grandpa Joe in Florida, so I have been able to sit and talk with him for quite a while.  In fact Joe and I head to The Robyn Report on WWPR together every Tuesday to discuss current political events.  Joe has been a lifelong activist, providing and seeking intellectual thinking when it comes to our complex social problems (while always  employing both rational and historical frames of reference).  Joe is an amazing man, and turning 100 is by itself a milestone.  But Joe has, unlike many other centenarians, had an amazingly rich life because he has made countless contributions to mankind in ways most of us can only stand in awe of.  But although Joe enjoys looking back on his life, he prefers we collectively look forward and create solutions to the problems we face as a Nation today (and tomorrow).  So, before moving on to something else that caught my eye, I wish Grandpa Joe Newman a Happy, Healthy and forward looking 100th Birthday!
         A relatively new political party is re-emerging under the No Labels banner.  Why "re-emerging?"  Because when founded in 2010, it failed to gain any real "traction" on the national political landscape.  But No Labels, is finally beginning to take shape with several high profile leaders adding their names to their cause under the motto; "Stop Fighting, Start Fixing."  According to the No Labels Party, their creed is clearly outlined; "Make America Work!1) Tell us the full truth; 2) Govern for the future; 3) Put the country first; 4) Be responsible; 5) Work together.    
        But who are the "leaders" of this great sounding new Party?  According to their website (www.nolabels.org), their new Co-Chairs are former GOP Governor Jon Huntsman and current Democratic Senator Joe Manchin who have dedicated themselves to create a new "Radical Centrist Party."  The group is holding a "Meeting to Make America Work" conference tomorrow (January 14) in New York City hosting speakers ranging from "Maine Independent Sen. Angus King; Newark, New Jersey Mayor and Democratic Senate candidate Cory Booker; and Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller, who will address the group by video. President Bill Clinton and Arizona Sen. John McCain will each send taped messages."   The No Labels Party has also formed a “Problem Solvers’ Group” which includes 12 Republican and 13 Democratic "lawmakers."  Sounds great right?  But if this group is truly motivated to work on fixing problems, what is their position on Abortion Rights, Gun Restrictions, The Patriot Act, Voting Rights, Climate Change, Foreign Policy and other important matters?  Is this group really an innovative movement or a smokescreen to insulate the existing two-party "Winner Take All" electoral system?
         I maintain a skeptical view whenever elected politicians do anything, especially when they claim their first priority is to raise money for a Super PAC!  But, what if the No Label Group is "for real" and not a faux movement?  What if it has the willpower necessary to influence and move public policy back to the elusive political "Middle?"   I will be watching this group closely to see if they are finally addressing what I am interested in and ask that you do the same.  Their name certainly seems to be a great start. 

      It has been reported that President Obama will be including a ban on assault rifles in his State of the Union Address scheduled for February 12th.  What is amazing to me is the notion mentioned by pundits that Obama is going to "do an end run" around the National Rifle Association ("NRA") by seeking support for gun restrictions from religious, law enforcement and concerned citizens groups.  My point is simple...why does the President of the United States have to do any kind of "end run" around an interest group to propose a national policy when it comes to guns, let alone any initiative?  I mean, when did Americans abdicate their rights to full and fair representation to interest groups like the NRA?  With a country of over 310 Million citizens, don't you think we have enough folks to worry about and not just the thousands that belong to any particular interest group? 
        Just add this to our list of real problems we have in this Country - the allowance by Americans for relatively so few to determine national policy that affects the rest of US.  What could be worse?  Certainly allowing our elected officials to be manipulated by the money these interest groups spend in purchasing the powers they wield is.  If our elected officials cannot fulfill the objectives in policies preferred by the majority in our democracy, it should be our mission to replace them!   Perhaps that would be the better "end run?"

    Just a short blog post today, sorry.  I have a hectic schedule that will inevitably lead me away from my computer, so allow me to rant while I can.  I apologize if you were expecting more.  With the House of Representatives on break again and the President making his predicted nominations to Treasury and Defense, I thought I would mention something recently received from my Congressman.
    Since his re-election in November, my Congressman remains concerned about getting the "word" out to his constituents that he is in Washington solely to "work for the people of his district!"  Included in our first mailing of the New Year (thanks to the Franking Privilege, the taxpayers pay for the design, printing and mailing of his "Constituent Mailings"), is a tear-off end that can be returned to his office (just add YOUR postage) outlining areas you agree he should "work" on this year.  Included in the areas or issues are "Eliminating frivolous lawsuits," "Revising the Tax Code to enable Businesses to hire more employees," "Calling for a Balanced Budget Amendment," and finally "Demanding Congress work with the President."  Seems fairly straight forward right?  But give them a little thought.
        On at least three spots on the mailing is the quote "I work for YOU."  But eliminating frivolous lawsuits actually does not assist citizens at all.  In fact, curtailing product and personal liabilities are the exact same objectives of the US Chamber of Commerce!  We live in a Country that trusts citizens to pass judgment in the jury box on life and death matters in death penalty trials, but we don't trust those same folks to determine the level of damages one is entitled to if they are the victim of willful or malicious negligence?  What gives here?  Remember the story of the woman scalded by her cup of coffee from McDonalds?  Remember the laugh lines told on the late night shows?  Some folks even started a "Stella Award" for idiots harmed from engaging in ridiculous actions and then suing someone else for big bucks.  Except most if not all of those alleged cases never happened and were not true.  In fact, the woman who sued McDonald's was only seeking her medical costs for multiple surgeries incurred as a result of coffee no human could possibly drink without seriously harming them self.  In fact, McDonald's had over 400 complaints about the temperature of their coffee before this woman was so severely burned, yet they ignored those injuries and complaints.  And the facts of the case were not even close to those reported in the news and used by interest groups in their efforts to limit our rights to sue wrongdoers.  The woman was not driving and the car she was riding in was stopped.  The heat from the coffee was so high, it weakened the cup it was poured in.
        So what exactly is a "frivolous" lawsuit anyway?  No matter how ridiculous a lawsuit, wouldn't you think a judge and/or a jury would be wise enough to rule it so without laws limiting recoveries for damages?  Again, juries can determine life or death but not awards for damages?  What if it is NOT a frivolous suit and damages are warranted, but they are capped by laws - laws lobbied for by interest groups representing manufacturers? And don't claim physician's malpractice insurance premiums would be lower with caps, because in states that have instituted caps on malpractice claims, premiums have still gone higher, guaranteeing more profits to the insurance industry!
        The other irony of the mailing is the call for a balanced budget.  Our Congressman is the only one from Florida on the House Ways and Means Committee.  If anyone has power to balance to budget or tinker with the tax code, he does.  Is he really telling his constituents that our Congressional leaders are so weak, they can't work at reducing the deficit without being forced to do so by law?  Perhaps we should begin to find others that can do this work without requiring a Constitutional Amendment?  If GOP leaders in Congress truly wanted to revise the Tax Code, why haven't they already begun to do so?  They have been in charge of the Ways and Means and the Appropriations Committees (they control the Code) for over 2 years now!  Talk is cheap, yet we continue to allow it!
       Of course we all want Congress to work with the President, however, just after receiving his mailing, I received an e-mail poll from him asking if we agree the debt ceiling should not be raised and allow the government to default on our debts.  After you answer the poll, it gives you a current statistic on how the poll has been answered.  Amazingly, 68% claimed we should allow our government  to default.  And the guy asks if we think Congress should work with the President?  If we default, the government (including Congress) would essentially be shut down.  What's left to work on anyway?
       So just think about the notion that my Congressman really is "working for his constituents" next time he sends out a mailing at taxpayer expense.  One thing is for sure, those mailings are not cheap.  Perhaps we can afford a few less mailings and more work from Congress?

       Now that the "Fiscal Cliff" has been averted by repelling down a few feet, the next manufactured "crisis" is bound to be the oppositional use of the Debt Ceiling as a negotiating wedge.  In fact, we've "seen that movie before" haven't we?  Do you all remember how indignant the GOP became when it was alleged by Democrats they held all tax and spending bills "Hostage" the last time the GOP threatened to force the US to default on its debt?  Amazingly, GOP leaders in Congress still LIE on favorable news shows by claiming debt ceiling is somehow linked with spending when in reality it is linked with PAYING the bills due for money already spent!
        So it is no surprise that House Democrats have begun urging President Obama to use his executive authority under the Constitution to issue an Executive Order to raise the debt ceiling without Congressional approval.  You can bet the Right Wing Noise Machine, aka Fox News, Newsmax, the Washington Times, Rush Limbaugh and Drudge (to name a handful)  will begin denouncing any such action as impeachable and  "tyrannical."  Most Constitutional scholars are intrigued by the notion that the language of the Fourteenth Amendment may actually grant the President such authority.  The Amendment includes language that reads; "Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties..."  Now what exactly does that mean?  Does it mean that the President has the authority to ensure our previously approved public debt is paid?  Does it mean he needs prior Congressional authorization to pay said debts only if actual payment is approved?  This is exactly the dilemma facing the President.  Why is this a dilemma?  Because at no time in the history of the United States has Congress ever refused to pay bills relating to Congressional!  Obama is the first president in our history to have an oppositional Party attempt to use the debt ceiling as a negotiating tool, knowing that failing to extend the ceiling will lead directly to our nation defaulting on our debt. 
        How many Americans have actually read Alexander Hamilton's Report on Public Credit? I bet not too many since it was published in 1790!  Perhaps Republicans need to go back and learn how our national financial system was established to bring us into the club of responsible nations? Yes we owe a lot of money, but the money owed is for spending that was already approved to be spent.  Why is additional authority needed in order to actually pay for that spending?  So, what would happen if we default on our debt besides becoming a "Dead Beat" Nation?  We become a bad investment for anyone looking for a secure return on their money while losing complete respect from the rest of the World and risk shutting down our entire Government (which is exactly what the Tea Party,  Grover Norquist and his ilk want).  But the cost to America's credit and image World-wide would be devastating.  Do we want China's currency to replace the Dollar as the economic standard for the World?  Do we want to pay higher rates of interest on money we will need to borrow for future spending due to becoming a credit risk? 
       So, perhaps President Obama should consider taking the risk of invoking an Executive Order to ensure our Congressionally authorized borrowing is actually repaid?  Perhaps this alone might establish Obama as the leader that did what he was required to do...to ensure the interests and security of the Nation are protected?  Would this not be a National Security issue too?  Are Party politics more important than the security of the Nation?  One thing is for sure, Alexander Hamilton will be "spinning in his grave" if our Nation defaults on our debt.

     Sorry folks, just got home from a long day and night.  Had a great time though with Robyn Davis and Joe Newman on The Robyn Report (www.robynreport.com), WWPR1490.  Check back tomorrow for the latest blog.  Good night everybody.

    You can hear tonight's broadcast!  Just switch over to the Podcast and Appearances Page and clink on tonight's show.

      Are Americans beginning to understand that what politicians say may not have any relationship with what they do?  I know, we have all come to expect to be misled by politicians, but when did we start to accept this as normal and "part of the deal?"  When did we stop expecting our political leaders to be honest?  When did we stop demanding their honesty?  Although this might upset those on the political Left and certainly surprise those on the political Right, I am out of patience with our dogged acceptance as a Nation that politicians of all ideological persuasions lie to us and we accept it.  So I for one, am no longer going to accept it, in fact, I am going to start demanding the truth from them.  But what can I do about it?  Watch me!
         Watch you do what?  Complaining is an art form in America, but no one expects anything to change.  What you got Rubin?  Well, for one thing, I have one book out in the public geared to educate on the structure of our government with its foundations cemented by events in our history, but I also am working on the next book geared towards attacking everything I perceive to be wrong with those in our government, including the special interest groups wielding money to influence elections, policy making and laws.  We also have our once glorious political parties, now corrupted by the influence of power and financial greed, who easily forget who sends them to Washington and who are owed their primary allegiance.  We now have an expanded Media, owned by conglomerates less interested in reporting and investigating news than shaping and manipulating it for public consumption and commercial market share. 
       Over the holidays, I had the fortune of meeting several folks just as concerned as I am about the state of our Union.  After hearing them complain that everything is Obama's fault, I floored them by explaining to them with examples that they all are to be faulted, but We the People share the blame for returning them over and over to Washington expecting a different result.  By the time I was done speaking with one group, I was asked a question I never had contemplated before.  "Would you be willing or interested in starting a new movement to clean up Washington?"
        Wow?  Huh?  You talking to me?  I had no answer for them, since I have never thought of myself as anyone other than the "messenger."  I was dumbstruck!  Some folks actually asked me  "if I was willing to take the lead to impart the change I have been so actively calling for?"  Realizing the time and place for such a discussion was not right, I deferred, stating only that my wish is to do whatever it takes to educate the American Electorate that we don't need to accept the dysfunctional status quo in Washington. 
       Their reaction?  They adamantly stated they will be attending my presentation Jan. 22 to the Venice Literacy Council, sponsored by The Gulf Coast Foundation.   So now the pressure is on...folks are planning on attending to listen to what I have to say about changing our national political agendas.  Really?  As if that would not boggle my mind enough, I checked in with the Literacy Council to see how many people they expect for my "talk."  The quick answer?  Over 300 tickets have been sold already! 
      So, if you are in the Venice, Florida area Tuesday Night, January 22 at 7PM, swing by the Venice High School Auditorium and see if I "bring the house down!"  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5.00 for students.  That way when you ask yourself what can YOU do to change the political climate in Washington, you can honestly say you watched Rubin give it a shot.  What was it that I called an ball player that started a game winning rally?  That's right...maybe I can be the "Fire Starter"  we need to get the word out.  Are you mad enough to take action?

        Each week I like to sit down and review what the Congress is actually voting on and whether it is truly a matter of national importance or in reality, measures designed to keep politically dividing US all.  Which led me to an obvious question: How many Americans really pay attention to what Congress actually does (especially when we all know they do so little to begin with)?  As I wrote last week about the extension in the Senate of the Foreign Intelligent  Surveillance Act and the proceedings of the FISA Courts, I now find it important to write about the actions undertaken by the House of Representative as they formally were called into session for the 113th time in our history.
            We all have heard that the House approved the initial band aid to Federal Flood Insurance Program to the tune of $9.7 billion and that additional relief will be addressed by the full House in the next few weeks.  But are we all as aware that the GOP led House also felt it necessary to act on a few other measures, some that make me want to "scratch my head" in wonderment.  Okay now, what could possibly be so bad for you to write about it in your Sunday blog? I mean, the Sunday blog is the most widely read posting of the week.  What could the House possibly have done to deserve this type of attention?  Well, here goes and I will let you decide if I am right to be puzzled, amazed and concerned all wrapped in one.
          As the House was voting to approve Rules established way back in the 1st session of Congress in 1791 (sounds good so far...honoring our traditional rules and all), the GOP led House added several Amendments that also passed along Party lines.  The House approved a two (2) year "relaxing" of the Rules on Ethics until 2014.  What the hell does "relaxing" mean anyway?  In this case, the GOP in the House approved allowing members of the House to accept more rides on corporate aircraft (provided they pay their fair share of the cost of the flight...yea, sure).  It also requires an economic impact report for all new Bills proposed (there goes projects that lead to experimentation like SCIENCE!).  The House also formally approved all budget matters in accordance with the Paul Ryan Budget proposed prior to becoming Mitt Romney's GOP running mate.  Huh?  Didn't the GOP run on this budget and plans for the economy and didn't a majority of Americans reject that plan?  Regardless, the GOP led House has passed it again!  In fact, according to The Associated Press, the House approved the measure making the Ryan Budget "the controlling federal fiscal authority."  I wonder how many Americans know this?  Screw the Electorate, the House will continue on its way without regard for the American majority.  The House went further with endorsing the payment of all costs associated with defending in Court the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which President Obama has refused to enforce.  Honestly folks, the GOP continues to push a budget slashing health care, Medicare, Medicaid, limiting spending on just about everything except Defense while supporting new spending on defending a measure most Federal Courts have already begun to strike down as Unconstitutional.  Will the GOP ever learn?
        But the House was not done working in their short week before taking more time off for vacation!  The House also defeated (along Party lines) an effort by Democratic members to prohibit "unreasonable limits on voting days and hours, shortages of voting machines, waits longer than an hour at polling places" and to create a national standard for reasonable access to polls.  Well, we know where the GOP stands on restricting voting access while refusing any restrictions on guns! 
       So there we have it folks.  Despite the Voice of the People being heard on election day and claims the Republicans have every intention of working with the Democrats, the House falls back into its tried and true obstructionist strategy.  What is it going to take to force the GOP back to the middle from its extreme Right ideological position?  Have the Republicans woken up from their November 6th slumber or are they "doubling down" on their belief that they alone are the real Americans with the real vision for our Country? Will Real Americans please stand up and take notice that although things change, they stay the same? 

       This morning's newspaper had a headline "Lost Confidence, Lost Momentum" alleging that consumers have lost their confidence in the national economy and that the loss could bring about a slower economic recovery than what was once hoped.  Really?  'Ya think?  As I have repeatedly mentioned, consumer confidence is a direct result of the political narratives created and communicated through the media. 
        But is our real problem in America the economy?  Step back and think about it for a while.  Is the economy and the deficit the real  number one problem we face in America today?  I think not.  Okay Rubin, now you are going against the grain of every politico, every mainstream economist and syndicated columnist.  So what gives with this crazy notion that the Economy and the Deficit is not THE problem we face.  It can't possibly be anything else! 
       But I believe they are nothing but sub parts to a larger problem we face across this Nation.   Enter the "Fiscal Cliff" narratives from both political parties.  Just as folks began to feel confident we were "moving forward" the dysfunctional Congress proves again that nothing can get accomplished in Washington without a contrived crisis!    First it was 9/11.  It then became the War on Terror.  It then became Weapons of Mass Destruction.  It then became Bin Laden.  Then the Housing Crisis, which rapidly became the Crisis on Wall Street, which then in turn became the Bail Out Crisis, which became the "Great Recession" and then The Health Care Crisis, okay, you get my point.  But why do I think the Economy and the Deficit are not the top problems we face in America today?  Just read what else is reported in today's newspaper article.
        "Spurred on by fears of sharp tax increases and government spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff," consumer confidence nationwide sunk in December to its lowest level in four months."  Wow, four months?  Has the collective attention span of Americans really been narrowed to SIXTEEN WEEKS? That's it?  Not four years?  Not a decade?  The real problem with America is our collective inability to pay attention to anything for more than four months!  How can we expect a vision of America to come from the Electorate when we collectively cannot pay attention to anything other than "Shiny Objects" or faux crises created to propel narratives designed to gain our attention?  How is it that virtually every crisis that crops up comes with a narrative typically designed to divide us instead of unite us?
       No folks, I am not buying the argument that the Economy and the Deficit are the top problems we face as Americans.  Instead, I believe the real problem is our inability to engage in any topic longer than four short months that requires a crisis to attract our attention in the first place. The lack of our collective attention span allows those in Washington to create and promote political narratives we are flooded with by the ideologically oriented for-profit media.  Sound radical to you?  Think about it. Without a "Shiny Object" or crisis to draw our attention, we can't seem to be bothered with keeping an alert eye on our government.  Worse yet, it proves why most Americans don't know or care to know  how political parties, interest groups and the media often work...and not always in our collective best interests.  It is time for America to wake up from its collective slumber and realize the "Shiny object" of liberty require our perpetual undivided attention and diligence!  If not, we will surely be heading into one contrived crisis after another with no end in sight!

      I know most of you checked in expecting me to write about the latest calamities in Congress and the lack of common sense employed by Speaker Boehner in allowing the emergency Hurricane Sandy Relief Bill to founder, along with allowing the Violence Against Women Bill to expire and not be extended, but what else can be said for the House and its GOP leadership?  As witnessed by the negative comments of Rep. Peter King (R-NY) and New Jersey Governor Chris "Krispy Kreme" Christie (R), you would think the region affected by Hurricane Sandy will have a long memory of the political "brush off" employed by the House GOP.  Regardless, John Boehner (R-OH) retained his Speakership in a House vote this afternoon as the 113th Congress was called into session.  It is yet to be understood how anyone can assume this session of Congress will be any more productive than the relatively dysfunctional 112th Congress.
       Instead I wanted to let you all know there is a very active group of concerned citizens in the Sarasota, Florida area attempting to bring together a coalition of citizen groups in order to push for change in Washington.
Yes, this morning I attended a meeting of the Sarasota Nation's Discussion Group along with 66 other interested citizens.  The meeting was alive with ideas and collective experiences in historic movements that included The Civil Rights Movement, The Collective Bargaining Movements, The Women's Movement and now a new movement to fix our system of government.  The meeting was broken into five (5) topical discussion groups.  They were all current topics relating to our Military and its related spending; National Health Care, Obamacare and related spending; The Economy and deficit spending and the need to improve our aging Infrastructure; Global Warming and the urgent need for governments to work together to find mutual solutions through science; and the need to engage in our democracy to make these necessary changes.
      Participants then broke fairly evenly to discuss these major issues in smaller teams, but you can bet I chose to sit in on the democracy discussion.  Why?  Although I can converse fairly easily on each of these topics, I felt that without an understanding of what st happening in today's democratic society, none of the other topics matter.  Not coincidentally, all of my fellow "democracy" discussion members felt the same.  Each person was to identify an area of concern within democracy and bring it to a discussion.  Having never been to such a meeting, I elected to hang back and listen.  Each person listed their concerns, ranging from Campaign Finance Reform under the Citizens United ruling to gun control to the need for a third political party.  One even mentioned the need to engage in active revolution!  Guess how old these folks are?  I would put their average age to be at least 70!  And they discussed revolution!?
     After hearing them all out, I was called upon to speak.  Without mentioning anything about myself (they all gave their credentials...retired historians, professors, authors and activists), I simply pointed out that most Americans are easily manipulated by political narratives supported by ideologically oriented for-profit media and that only with a long term view of educating the public in American history and government/civics would there be  the chance to change the system from within.  I also mentioned that to fight the power of money in politics, it might take as much or more money to communicate real history to the Public.  After a collective gasp, I was pleased to notice a small rise in the group's energy and a collective re-affirmation that Education is a key to making our political climate better for all of US. 
      Afterwards, each group's spokesperson rose and summarized their discussion findings.  It was agreed that interested and concerned like-minded citizens would need to step up and work together in an emerging coalition to spread the word that democracy deserves attention and that change is never easy, yet worth the effort.  I have to admit to you all, I found myself nervous speaking to my small group.  I was not sure if I could articulate my position well enough to be understood in the 5 minutes I had to do so.  Regardless, I think I spoke confidently because I know my objective is true to my beliefs that we need not seek a revolution, but a change by demanding our political leaders be honest representatives of the best interests of our country and not special interests.  And that to find leaders to actually lead, we need to first educate the American Public so they know when politicos and the Media attempt to misinform and manipulate US.  Please voice your concerns by seeking out a like-minded group of citizens in an effort to make and keep our Country strong in the generations to come!

      The Sarasota Nation's Group meets the first Thursday of each month at the Selby Library in downtown Sarasota, Florida at 10AM and their next Community Coalition Meeting will be held the first Thursday in April at the Herald Tribune Building in Sarasota.  Although due to my work schedule I cannot make these meetings, I certainly hope some of you reading this blog can.