Tuesday, May 31, 2005 | 9:21 a.m.
Most Americans do not have an appreciation of the respect our founders had for average citizens and their right and duty to petition the government. They envisioned the citizen as in an oversight role for our elected officials.
Free speech means that we can moan and whine about our concerns to relatives, friends and neighbors, but unless we express them to our elected officials there will never be change.
It is unfortunate that we have allowed the Republican and Democratic parties to govern for their own vested interests and power, with service to America being secondary. Some elected officials just follow their party's dictates, but others, however, put service to America and their constituents first.
The only way we as citizens can be sure which is which is to be politically active by asking questions and expressing our concerns. If you are not satisfied with the responses or receive no response at all, follow up by expressing your displeasure. We the people are the key to better government.
Isn't it odd that citizens in emerging democracies have more of an appreciation of their roles than many Americans?
Complacency, blind trust and apathy will cost us our republic. We are in jeopardy as a sovereign nation due to actions of federal politicians who, in some cases, are putting their careers above service to America.
It doesn't take much effort to phone, e-mail, fax and write to politicians with your concerns or suggestions. The media, when it does its job, is a willing ally. It is up to you to take advantage of it. Silence isn't golden, but free speech is.
FRANK PERNA
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