Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot by calling our war against King George III and England the Revolutionary War.  A revolutionary war implies that the opponents of the government in power are aiming to change that government.  American colonists didn’t give a fig about changing the way the English government worked; they were fighting for independence. In fact, there was little agreement about what type of government they would end up having.

Thankfully, the government we inherited from our founders grants us all we need for a true revolution.  The challenge we face as a nation is that we are so busy attacking the “other side” that we have neither the insight nor the courage to restore a government of, by and for the American people.  An astounding majority of Americans (more than 90%) are deeply dissatisfied with the performance of Congress; yet in election after election we re-elect 92% of that same group of legislators.

Americans rail against special interests, unlimited campaign contributions, dark money, lack of term limits and hateful attack political ads.  The way out is simple, but especially challenging:

1. Ignore all of the attack ads.
2. Pay no attention to the money poured into any candidate’s “war chest.”
3. Forget which party you believe is the better party.
4. Don’t fall for any political candidate’s ardent but empty promise to support your religious or political beliefs.
5. On November 6,2018, VOTE. But vote against every incumbent US Senator or member of the US House of Representatives.  If there is no incumbent because of retirement or resignation, vote for the candidate of the other political party.
6. On November 3, 2020, do it again. Vote out every incumbent up for re-election.

Imagine a completely new Congress in which every representative knows that he or she must act to represent the people’s interests rather than kowtowing to some special interest group.  I believe this is what the Founders had in mind when they formed the US government.  No career politicians, especially in the House of Representatives.  No one becoming rich by serving the people.

Can we stop demonizing members of the other political party?  Can we care more about America’s future than we do about one party’s politically crafted platform that will be ignored after each election?  Can we muster up the courage to drain the swamp by ourselves rather than expecting politicians to do it for us?

All that remains to be seen; but one thing is certain. We will get the governing body we vote into office. If we don’t vote, we surrender to the will of others.  Join the revolution.

#VoteForNoIncumbents. #CleanSweepTheHouse. #VoteforAmerica.