It’s time to take the next step in our independence

As we celebrate Independence Day, we should be thankful for those who took up arms to win us the right more than two centuries ago to openly debate and have a voice in determining what’s best for our future, and those who have continued to fight, when necessary, to protect our independence.

We must also realize the struggle for independence is a constant battle we haven’t yet won.

According to dictionary.com, to be independent means to be free from the control and influence of others. America, to be truly independent, should be a nation whose course is determined by its citizenry.

Government at the local, state and federal level is influenced too heavily by corporations that have profit margins, not the good of America’s citizens, at heart. That is still a hindrance to independence, 231 years after our nations’ founding.

In the 21st Century, corporate money has more power over American government than do America’s citizens. One has only to look at the influence of political action committees on elections or the stranglehold oil has on our foreign policy to realize this truth.

America’s young people are especially conscious of this fact. John Mayer sings these words in his song Waiting on the World to Change: “It’s not that we don’t care, we just know that the fight ain’t fair… (But) One day our generation is gonna rule the population.”

America’s young people view their government with cynicism. Most of our leaders get into politics for the right reasons, but most are quickly swallowed up by a system controlled by corporate money. They can see that many politicians are more interested in sound bites and headlines, in catchy phrases and slogans, than they are in discussing issues and finding real solutions.

They can see that isn’t only the fault of the politicians, either. The mainstream media, strapped for cash and competing for the attention of viewers, generally oversimplifies the news. Politicians have to give snappy quotes or they’re likely to be misquoted or not quoted at all.

The media isn’t entirely to blame, either. It provides shallow news, and gives more importance to Brangelina and Britney than Iraq and Iran, because it sells. Americans are more likely to pick up a newspaper whose top headline is “(Insert any generic Hollywood name here) caught in shower with three young boys” than one whose top headline is “Earthquake kills 80,000 in Gabon.”

Many Americans aren’t motivated to be involved

The sad reality is that too many Americans don’t care much about genocide in Darfur, global warming or a state treasurer who stole millions from taxpayers, as long as they can feed their kids and have money left over for trips to the movies and four-wheelers. They see the system’s problems, but are comfortable enough that they aren’t motivated to change it.

Many who don’t have that level of comfort won’t vote anyway. They’ve been disenfranchised for so long that they wrongly believe their voices don’t matter. Or, like the youth, they just don’t believe they can make a difference.

They’re wrong. Corporations have so much influence over America’s government because Americans allow it. The next step in our nation’s independence is reducing that influence.

There are some easy ways to start the process. New Mexico needs to follow the majority of states and the federal government and place limits on campaign contributions. Government at all levels needs to put in place other checks on the influence of corporations. Lobbyists are an important part of the process, but their role should be to sell their employers’ stances with policy arguments – not with food, wine and corporate jets.

Corporate influence is daunting, and politicians won’t change the system without pressure from citizens. Why would any politician who is afraid to lose his or her position stand up to corporate influence if the voices calling for change aren’t, collectively, more powerful than corporate executives and lobbyists dropping money in their bank accounts?

Citizens need to devote time to government involvement. Don’t think you have time to vote? Your employer is required to give it to you. Don’t think you have time to keep up with the issues? Check out cable news during the commercials of your favorite TV shows. Don’t think you have time to write an e-mail to your congressman? Take a five-minute break at work to get it done. Don’t think you have time to call your state legislator or city councilor? Use your cell phone and hands-free set while you’re driving to work in the morning.

The vast majority of Americans who aren’t involved use time as an excuse, but the reality is that most of them just aren’t motivated.

Don’t let comfort or disenfranchisement get in the way of our nation’s independence. It’s too important.