Read our lips...

May I ask you a simple question?

When you get up in the morning what is the most pressing issue of your day? My guess is it would concern your spouse, your kids or your job.

How many of you said that you wish the federal government would take over automotive manufacturing?

How many of you said that you wish the federal government would take over the banking system?

How many of you said that you wish the federal government would take over the health insurance companies?

How many of you said that you wish the federal government would take on Wall Street?

I could add to the list but you get my point. Our Founding Fathers were very clear about the limited powers of the Federal Government but what they feared is now upon us.

It's not as though people don't see what's happening. At town hall meetings across the country democrats and republicans are raising their voices against what they see as threats to fundamental liberties. For this they are called "unamerican". What is more "american" than telling your "representative" what's on your mind?

As a nation we've got our problems but most of them are with those in "power", not Joe the Plumber. Our representatives don't represent us any more; in fact, instead of representing us they resent us. And many of them seem to be scared of us. That's good.

Obviously they shouldn't have to fear for their physical lives but they should fear for their political lives. Our Founding Fathers tried to take "power" out of the political equation and it would be if the real government, the people, paid more attention to what's going on and who's doing what. When a people look to their government to fill their wallets or their stomachs they are doomed.

The Obama administration is telling us rather than listening to us. They are attacking us rather than embracing us. They are ignoring us rather than engaging us. They do so to their political peril.

But, many people are now afraid of their government. The incident a few weeks ago where the most powerful man on the planet chastised a police officer and said his actions were stupid, even inferring his actions were racist, has a real chilling affect. When he says to every postal worker that they are a big problem in America that has a chilling affect. When he tells corporations they should stay away from Las Vegas it has a chilling effect. When he is the one who will set executive salaries it has a chilling effect.

And now he wants to take over your health care decisions. That should scare the heck out of you. The government can't even handle a simple "cash for clunkers" program; how are they going to handle one sixth of the nation's economy called health care?

If you're not paying attention you need to be. If you're not speaking up you should be. If you're not a part of the process then don't complain later.

Get involved now when you can make a difference. Study the issues and let your senator or representative know what you think. If only a few more people would get involved it would have a powerful affect on local, state and national politics. You can make a difference.

(Note: For those who think that a pastor should stick with the words of Jesus and not quote Adams, Washington or Lincoln, just spend some time reading their quotes. It's because pastors have been silent that they bear some of the responsibility for the current mess that we're in.)