A republic is a form of government in which the state is considered a “public matter” (Latin: res publica), not the private concern or property of the rulers. . . Wikipedia

We all know in our hearts that we tend to neglect those things we take for granted.  A relationship neglected quickly fades.  A vacant house deteriorates much more quickly than an occupied house.  Personal health as we age requires maintenance or it, too, will quickly fade away.  While we think we are invincible when we’re young, as we age we find out differently.

So it is with our republic.  It has aged; it has been tested for centuries, and now it is threatened.  We are in danger of having those who own the vast percentage of wealth in this country also buying the government as an added convenience to the continuation of their wealth.

It is not my intention here to be political, it is my intention to be civic.  Whatever one’s political beliefs, maintaining and caring for the republic in which we live is paramount.  Recently, under the thin guise of cleaning up the voter roles, many states have imposed daunting barricades to becoming a voter.  Our most cherished right as citizens is being challenged.

While today I have a driver’s license, a passport and other documents, it may not always be the case.  Many of us have seen our circumstances change in unexpected ways, have we not?  When I vote today I’m asked some questions that clearly identify me as me.  I’m also issued a county voter card that I carry with me but have never needed.

In November, millions of people who are otherwise legitimately eligible to vote, and have done so for many years, may not be able to do so because of these specious laws that ostensibly respond to a threat that truly does not exist.  I’m more likely to be struck by lightning 3 times this year than more than a handful of voter fraud cases might occur.

Warren Buffett said there’s class warfare all right, and it’s his class that’s winning.  Buffett stated this as a warning that things have gotten too out of kilter.  Neither a political system, a government, an economy or a culture cannot long survive such imbalance.  Those who wish to make the discriminatory rules and laws today will ultimately be caught in their own trap.  Apathy is the enemy.  Either we nurture and protect what we have inherited, or it will die on our watch.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/28/opinion/blow-wheres-the-outrage.html?_r=1&emc=eta1