Comments made by now infamous radio “shock jockey” Don Imus are very deserving of scrutiny from the citizens of the United States of America. After the work of those during the Civil Rights Era, it is the least we as a nation can do. If anything, the last thing that should happen is an institution of new laws that limit free speech any further than they are limited. In times like these, the law is the last thing that can help the nation. The scars of racism and sexism are still on the surface of our country and laws do nothing but complicate a situation that is already complicated.

Cornel West of Princeton University advocates for methods I agree with totally. It is time to re-examine race and democracy matters in the United States. In his newest book, Democracy Matters, West cites the efforts of Greek intellectual Socrates to urge his nation to dig deep within itself in times of self evaluation. The “Socratic commitment to questioning” saves a nation from self destruction because of the fact that there is a commitment made by said nation to make change for greater improvement.

It is not a coincidence that all events in the world are connected. This being said, it does not take anyone with many degrees to see that Imus’ comments and reasoning behind it are similar to President George Bush’s irrational rationale for the war in Iraq. In his defense, Imus is “not a racist” and he has rights protected by the First Amendment to say whatever he pleases. He says so time and time again after his public apologies. George W. Bush offers no real reason for the war in Iraq. Yet, words with no substance come out of his mouth and incite the support of those that do not realize this subliminal trickery. Imus offered no solution nor promised future discretionary measures against future comments in the future. Because he showed no promise of self improvement, MSNBC, the CBS Corporation dropped him immediately. President Bush offers no plans for improving conditions for our soldiers in Iraq thus showing the same kind of selfishness that Imus has shown in previous weeks.

I have the utmost confidence that if Imus were to follow suggestions mentioned before; he would not have lost everything he has worked to create in the forty years of his career. The failure to improve and accept criticism that would help the team has labeled him as part of the problem and not part of the solution. Bush’s failure to listen to a congress mindful of lives and money lost in Iraq is a threat to the well-being of our nation. This smells trouble the likes of a shutdown of all political activity as seen during the Clinton administration and a Republican led congress. Bickering between foes and lost of empathy does nothing to help America grow in a competing world market. It also does nothing to appease other countries that already see the United States of America as a land of hypocrites.

All is not lost though. America is on its way to achieving a truly democratic status that the founding fathers have dreamed of a couple hundred years ago. The only way to that democracy is self improvement. Ignoring the true problems will not make them go away. Gone are the days when the interest of the individual are met before the interests of the entire group. One can only dream of the day when America is a “true democracy”. For that to happen though, we must let go of the old ways that hold us back and invent new ways that pave the way for improvement. Hopefully President Bush will look to the actions of MSNBC and others and make the right decision before EVERYONE in the nation sees him for his true self.

It's Good to Be Back!

I'm back by popular demand! It's hard to believe but I was never really gone. Since my last blog I have been really busy. After several college acceptances, I have finally decided to attend George Washington University on a full ride! This is a great highlight in my young life. Now that I am not as busy, I have decided that this is a major time for more blogs. The world of politics is hot right now and it is my obligation to offer the best criticism a citizen can. Expect a website in the future: www.ayoungpoliticalmind.com . For now enjoy new blogs that will post. Like I said, it's good to be back...