Bridging the Divide??

When the government wants information from us great campaigns have been developed.  However, when WE need information from our government where is this great effort? Not that effort has not been expended on our behalf, but effective effort at the level it is needed, that is what I question.

To say that I am disappointed in my government does not adequately describe what is in my heart. Outrage, no not quite that either. I am a builder and not someone who desires to tear something down.

“Don’t tread on me”?

From Wikipedia:

Benjamin Franklin published an essay in the Pennsylvania Journal under the pseudonym American Guesser in which he suggested that the rattlesnake was a good symbol for the American spirit:

I recollected that her eye excelled in brightness, that of any other animal, and that she has no eye-lids—She may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance.—She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage.—As if anxious to prevent all pretentions of quarrelling with her, the weapons with which nature has furnished her, she conceals in the roof of her mouth, so that, to those who are unacquainted with her, she appears to be a most defenceless animal; and even when those weapons are shewn and extended for her defence, they appear weak and contemptible; but their wounds however small, are decisive and fatal:—Conscious of this, she never wounds till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.—Was I wrong, Sir, in thinking this a strong picture of the temper and conduct of America?

I do understand some of the reasoning why we do not inform people of a disaster without being sure that it approaches soon. And yet, we have gone beyond that point now, have we not?

These huge efforts taking the US census sends workers door to door to take information from us. Why is that system or something like it, not being utilized to give out life saving information?

There are people who will not receive a warning any other way. I receive phone calls from military recruiters trying to reach my grown children at least once a month….a simple call reminding people to prepare for an influenza pandemic, is that impossible? The US postal system in years past was able to deliver IRS documents to my home, a simple brochure or pamphlet from HHS, is that impossible?

I have taken it upon myself to try to inform my town leaders, my neighbors and friends about pandemic influenza. This mission would have been accomplished already had a seed been planted by the federal government. Lack of leadership from the top is not allowing us to go forward at the bottom. That seed has not been planted in a meaningful way. Some people say that the state held seminars and the work that has been done is enough. I disagree. I strongly disagree.

Of the people who I have personally reached, it took me many, many, attempts in order to impress upon them how serious I was about the issue in order for them to begin to take it seriously themselves. We have to try, try and then try some more. We have to keep at it with a persistence and I just don’t see this coming from the US government, not toward the people themselves. Since the federal government is not doing this, the effort to inform falls apart at the state level. A breakdown at the state level snowballs into a failure at the local level. There has to be a constant effort on ALL levels for the message to penetrate to people in their homes.

I have said this so many times, but having a prepared home takes time. Folks just can’t jump in their cars and purchase all they need to survive for weeks at a time during shortages and outages while epidemics rage through our communities.

We are on our own to deal with this but we should not be on our own to learn about this. This approach just isn’t working. Speak loudly, speak often, speak thoroughly and honestly. Speak now so that we ALL can hear. Lead with a strong heart. I am willing to speak, I am willing to lead, and so should our leaders be willing to stand out in front and tell the truth.

I have written to my state representative….she dodged the responsibility. I have written to my President…he seems to be dodging this too. 

Do we have a nation of cowardly leaders who are out of touch with the lowliest among us – to those that they are sworn to represent? Give me the bullhorn – I am no coward, I will speak but if I am given the bullhorn (and the burden) I have taken your power – and rightfully so. Is that what you want?