Enough with the fake outrage!!!

As our economy falters, our troops fight two wars, and millions of Americans continue to live without health insurance; our political leaders and noise machine media focus on the important issues: patriotism. I for one am sick of both political parties trying to prove which one is more patriotic. This constant quest for one-up-manship drives Republicans and Democrats to focus on the mundane and unimportant. But why? Why do both parties continue to focus on this patriotism competition?

There are two answers. First, neither party can force their ideological driven vision on all Americans. With Congress closely divided and an unpopular President, both parties are frustrated with their own inabilities. Due to their failure to compromise (or simply a lack of real ideas) politicans are driven to issues that have no real impact. But why patriotism? This is where the second answer comes into play: too many Americans buy into it. If we would demand more from our government; if we would demand more from Washington; if we were not so easily distracted from the real problems our nation faces, and actually demanded something, then maybe things would change in Washington.

Up to now, I have discounted the notions that 2008 was a "throw the bums" out election. Yet, as it becomes clear that Congress and the President have no idea as to what to do to help the American people, I am slowing becoming convinced that Washington has to change. However, that change must begin in the living rooms of America.