As I sat and watched my nephews observe the 4th of July fireworks, I began to ponder where I "fit-in" in this nation's grand future. From a historical perspective, this country has always prided itself on its' ability to provide an equal, "free", playing field for potential success. Throughout history, immigrants have migrated to America, establishing new lives away from whatever hardships they faced in their homelands. And, while it is undeniable that many have established secure lifestyles for themselves, and their families, it is also undeniable that the divide between social groups is continuing to increase. With the 2012 Presidential election looming, there is pressure on both major political parties to "win-over" the hearts of potential voters. Speeches, commercials, and musical performances will all be geared towards targeting parts of the electorate that ensure the best road to victory. And therein lies my issue...I don't want to be "won" over.
Like many of my fellow young, optimistic, voters, I fell in love with the Obama movement four years ago. The idea of seeing a hip-hop cultured, poetry spitting, Muslim named, African American as President was too good to pass up (He kicked it with Jay Z for goodness sake!). And, while all of his decisions have not aligned with mine, I still stand behind him as this election approaches. However, I would be lying if I didn't say that my faith in the political system has waned substantially. Maybe it's the fact that we seem to be a country infatuated with the idea of capitalizing off of warfare (Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya). Or, maybe its the fact that, in a nation that has had its greatest historical growth in wealth, the gap between the haves and have nots has somehow also increased. Whatever the variety of cases may be, it is much harder for me to feel completely attached to this powerful nation.
In the past four years I have witnessed Tea Parties, Dream Acts deferred, Recessions, Arizona shootings, Wall Street's Occupied, Gaddafi killed, Bashar al-Asad ignored, threats toward Iran (as well as China and North Korea), Shaima alawadi murdered, Casey Anthony released, and Trayvon Martin unrested. All of this, and much more, has caused me to lose significant faith in the justice of our justice system. Now, don't get me wrong, I love this country. I would not want to live anywhere else. This country has made improvements over the years that have allowed me to obtain adequate education and an honest paying job. However, it is nearly impossible for me to ignore the fact that, as established as this country is, a large amount of people are living nightmares for their American dream. And, without trying to dissect the many potential variables that have led to this outcome, I have arrived at one simple answer...we have lost our compassion.
How else can one explain the continued cases of government corruption, inner city violence, and downtrodden school districts? How is it that, in the world's most powerful country, people have to choose either food or medical attention? In one household, a child is attending a school that will put him/her on the fast track to the Ivy Leagues. In another household, 10 minutes away, a child's only hope is that they will make it to the major leagues (Think of the difference between 63rd and Troost and Brookside in KCMO). And while some may say that this example is extreme, I say that it is extreme for there to still be such a fine line between the percentage of African Americans being incarcerated and those graduating from college. If we were a nation run by leaders who were sincerely empathetic, then these issues would have been confronted long ago. However, as is evident in the daily onslaught of negative political ads, it all comes down to one question for politicians...what does it take to win?
The desire to "win" people over and convince them to vote a certain manner has led to a divide in this nation that is black and white. You are either for something or you are against it. You are either: Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Liberal, Pro-Gay or Homophobic, Christian or Headed to Hell, Rich or Poor. The space for discussion is narrowed. The room for opinion is closed. Political election teams spend countless hours attempting to collect data and peg people into subgroups. These subgroups are designed to separate portions of the electorate and manufacture methods to attack them with convincing ads and campaigns. So in essence, fried chicken for the blacks, tamales for the Hispanics, and shot guns for the conservative whites. Whatever it takes to make these groups feel that you understand them. Kiss their babies, sing their songs, wear their clothes. As long as it increases your voting percentages, then it is fair game. And, whether or not the candidate is sincere in their efforts is irrelevant. Its simply a game that is to be repeated every 2, 4, 6, or 8 years. Once they get into office, their main job is to keep their political party pleased and maintain a strong enough following to ensure reelection or future book sales.
So this is where I find issue. I have lost my faith in the political structure. I don't fit into any particular subgroups...and I don't want to. I am neither purely Democrat or purely Republican. I am neither purely Conservative or purely Liberal. I am freeing myself of these subgroup constraints that attempt to identify how I should act, feel, and consequently vote. I will still continue to vote, because I do find merit in the democratic system. However, I will no longer try to find a party that "fits" my viewpoints. I am David Abdullah Muhammad and that means that I am a Practicing Muslim, African American, Humanitarian Cause Minded, Anti Homosexual Lifestyle, but Pro Gay (Human) Rights, Anti Guns, Pro Immigration, Anti War, Pro Self Defense (This is Different from carrying a gun), Independent, that understands and respects the idea of Socialism, but also recognizes the benefits of a free market economy. I believe in the sincere effort to help humanity rise towards equality and I believe in radical reform to do so. Pointing a gun in someones face or dropping a bomb on a village is not my idea of eradicating hate. And, I do not feel that our idea of democracy is the appropriate fix for every country. It will take extreme solutions to solve extreme problems and if that means that I have to stand on the outside looking in...then hand me a pair of binoculars! Word
