The United States of America. The very name of our country implies freedom, as a collective nation. The foundations of our laws--the Constitution and its amendments-- should guarantee the liberty and freedom. Time has taken its toll on these yellowed documents, government degrading more rapidly than the paper "We the People..." is written on. The democracy of President Washington has become the bureaucracy of Washington, D.C.. Politics have made government top-heavy and inefficient, mishandled by the daunting task of existing as the world's largest democracy. "Politician" has become as dirty a word as "Big Brother." Bribes are the sole route to action in the world of dishonesty, selfish greed, inactivity, and unkept promises. The $300 screwdriver used for the repair of a jet fighter is but a symbol of corruption and inefficiency in Big Government. Presidents agree with any person or issue that will bring them votes, and Senators accept "gifts" from people or companies wanting government contracts or tax cuts. The politicians' greed obscures their seeing the full picture of important events and issues. They cut beneficial domestic programs aimed at poor and inner-city families, while doubling the money spent on foreign aid. Politicians say they're trying to cut the national debt, even as they raise their own salaries. Their minions are no better. The ATF, DEA, and FBI try to cut crime, and succeed only in initiating bloody shootouts with armed U.S. citizens. Meanwhile, the drug cartels invade the streets, paying off cash-hungry agents and addicting the poor masses to a life of crime. The economy, too, is weakened by Big Government; too many laws cripple U.S. companies that try to compete in the World Market. Slowly and secretively, a few gain power in government, the strong stealing it from the weak. The heads of the CIA and those who control economic policy have taken authority from the Senate and President, becoming equals with both the legislature and the executive office, and wielding authority like a hydrogen bomb. Popular with the people or not, the head of the CIA and the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board answer only to Clinton, and need justify their actions to no one else. The people must stand up for the preservation of their liberties. Our government must change and evolve to fit our society, to re-establish freedom of actions, thoughts, and intentions without apparent threat to the Government.

by Cole M., Vulture Staff