I want more.

Here is what I am told

It’s all of the political parties.

It’s all of the news outlets.

It’s all politicians.

What I see

A country divided. Fractured.  

Name calling.  No grey areas.  Assigning blame.  Not taking responsibility.

Games being played.  Americans are the pawns.  

I am over it.  I want more.  I demand more.

I want a politician who stands up for what he/she believes and not bow down to the President, a party, or those with money.

I want a politician who says they are a Christ-follower, and the evidence of this statement is clear to all.

I want a politician who doesn’t partake in name calling or blaming.

I want a politician who will admit they are wrong when in fact they are wrong.

I want a politician who is slow to speak and quick to listen.

I want a politician who surrounds himself/herself with honest, intelligent advisors.

I want a politician who takes into account what those advisors say.

I want a politician who is for the people - ALL of the people he/she represents and not just a select few who are like them.

I want a politician who sees an injustice and works to right the wrongs.  

I want a politician whose actions and words align.

Is this person too idealistic?  Will this person rise up?

I want news media who report the news in an unbiased manner.  

I want journalists who investigate all stories looking for facts and truth and not to promote an agenda.

I want to be able to trust what I hear and read.

I want journalists whose integrity is part of every story they write or report.

I want those who are making money off of politically charged false stories to be put out of business because Americans aren’t falling for the lies.

I want the news media to hold the politicians, big businesses, and others accountable, but to conduct themselves with honor and respect.

Is it possible to be a journalist and not write from a biased perspective?

I want Americans to demand more from those who are leading us.

I want Americans to want an end to the divisive tactics of those who have a voice.

In fact, I want Americans with a voice to be the voice for the voiceless.

I want Americans to not name call or demean someone because they believe differently.

I want Americans to listen to people who have different thoughts, conduct themselves with integrity, and have a civilized discussion.

I want the generalizations about political parties to end.  Just because you are a Republican does not mean you are a racist and if you are a Democrat doesn’t mean you don’t value human life.

Is it possible to disagree and discuss differences without being unkind?

I realize that what I desire seems impossible, but when did we stop expecting more from our leaders?

I realize that some will say that it is both sides playing a game, but when did we stop holding people accountable for their words and actions.

I realize that some will say it is the other news outlet and not theirs, but when did we stop really looking at who is handing out the truth? Stop thinking for ourselves?

I realize that some will say it is what is, but when did that become our level of acceptability?

I am a justice girl and i just want people to do the right thing.

I pray for people to rise up who walk with integrity and honor.  I pray that these people decide that their path is to be truth-telling journalists and hard-working, justice-seeking politicians.  I pray that the next generation of voters would do a better job of voting and holding their leaders accountable.  I pray that my children are wiser, kinder, and listen before they speak (or text or post on social media).

I am tired of settling.  I am tired of feeling like I am just voting for the one I dislike the least.  I am tired of second guessing every single thing I read and just assume it is all lies.  I am just tired.  

Although my one vote and one voice doesn’t change how the game is played in America, I demand more from myself.  I don’t want to play the game because the most vulnerable in our country are the ones who keep getting hurt.  I don’t want to play the game because the game continues to promote systemic racism.  I will do what I believe is the right thing.  I will do my part because I want more for me, my family, and my country.  I cannot expect change if I continue to be silent and not expect more.  After all, change starts with me.