Mr. and Mrs. Smith go to Washington

Wayne Leeper

The assembly of citizens in Washington on September 12 is reminiscent of the 1939 movie classic in which Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), leader of the “Boy Rangers,” is appointed by a corrupt governor to complete the term of a deceased Senator in the mistaken belief he was naïve and would be easy to manipulate.

News media estimates of the number of people assembling to show their opposition to the current programs and level of spending by our out of control government vary widely.  However, what is noteworthy is not the number of participants, but the quality and character of the participants.

Our government has variously labeled these Americans as, “Right-wing conspirators, Astroturf (Nancy Pelosi), lunatic fringe, unpatriotic, evil-mongers (Harry Reed), domestic terrorist (Janet Napolitano), mobsters, distorters of truth, Zealot-hordes, and Heirs of Bin Laden (Barak Obama’s website).”  This coming from a government professing to be “by the people, of the people, and for the people?”

Those who went to Washington are not your usual caliber of activist and protestors.  They were a picture of main street, middle America.  There were men and women from the “greatest generation,” using canes and walkers being assisted by children and grandchildren.  Women pushing baby strollers alongside men with children on their shoulders. From young to old, they were typical American families. There were no arrest, no violence, no obscenities, and no vulgar displays, all of which are commonplace in other types of demonstrations.  Instead, it was an extremely well-behaved assembly of those who represent the best of America and fear for the future of our nation, our children, and our grandchildren.

Did they carry signs?  Absolutely! (notably, all homemade)  Did they make their voices heard?  Without a doubt (and with no need for bleeping!)  Did they sing?  Of course (patriotic songs)!  Did they look like us?  Yes!  Why?  Because they are us.  They are main stream America.  Most of these people, by their own admission, had never taken part in a demonstration in their entire lives.  So why now?   Because of  concern for country?  In part!  Because of concern for themselves.  Some!  But the overwhelming reason voiced by these patriots was profound concern for their children and grandchildren.  If you don’t believe a 98 pound woman can lift a car, just put her baby under that car and see for yourself.

What we saw on September 12, and what we are seeing in town halls and tea parties across America, is the same thing King George saw just prior to 1776.  Those who King George dismissed as insignificant rabble became the founding fathers of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

How long will the elite aristocracy in Washington, D. C. continue to dismiss “We the People” as insignificant rabble, and with what consequences?