Our Government: What's Good, What's Bad?

People have many different opinions about our government. Whether it's bad, what they think the government should be doing, or any other thoughts/ideas people could possibly have. It's actually one of the greatest things about democracy, that we can have those said opinions. Freedom of speech, just one of the many rights that are granted to us as United States citizens. But many of these rights are taken for granted, lost in a sea of greed, and selfishness as the future progresses. We live in a marvelous country, but do we really appreciate all that we have? I believe that while democracy and what it stands for are two of the greatest tools mankind can wield, mankind has lost the power, the cord now unplugged, and needs desperately to have it rejoined with the outlet.
The United States is a nice place to live. We have clean water, electricity, all the latest technology, food, transport, and, oh yea, an opinion....that doesn't matter whether it's what the government believes or not. It's a fine thing, and one that could kill you in other vicinities. In the upcoming election, people ask each other, "Oh did you hear what McCain said today? What did you think?" not even realizing that because they live here in this country they are allowed to do just that, have an opinion.
While I would like to think that it's all fun and games, there are problems in the governmental system we have. I appreciate and respect our rights, freedoms, and political decisions, but at the same, wish that some did not exist. Corruption, greed, and dishonesty are three terms that come to mind. Today Wall Street crumbled another 400 points, and people are starting to panic. Why? What will come, will come, (though it certainly seems to be coming fast). It is time for the government to step in, but not only that, it is time for society to step up as well. No more corruption, or greed, in investing/banking would be a useful start. Having people tell the truth about their incomes to receive loans, would be another useful improvement. Where is the benefit of having a failing economy for politicians, or anybody for that matter? What is the delay, on trying to stamp out the corruption, greed, or dishonesty in that market? Is it *gasp* perhaps because the government is in accordance with these policies? Is it time for us to weed out those so called good-ol'-boys, who sit in comfort while the average citizen struggles to make ends meet? All of these questions seem innocent enough to ask, and yet, harder to acknowledge and admit that we need to. Is it really so hard for us to say that our government needs improvement? For most, no it really isn't. They have no trouble expressing how terrible they feel our country or government is, and will tell you vehemently about it for hours. And yet, here they sit, still complaining, while the action awaits to be initiated. I am also guilty of this charge. Yes, I have complained about aspects of the government from time to time, but like all whiners, did nothing about it.
It is time for us to stand up as leaders and do something about it. Face our fears and fix the problems. This is a democracy, is it not? Full of opinions, rights and good people. We have the power, and the rights to have an opinion, now lets enforce it. A government for the people, and by jo if we can't get up and do it, who will? In the words of Big Julie, we need to stop, "slowin' up the action."