By William Crandell, The Democratic Voice

While attending a recent political event, I was accused of being anti-corporation, anti-Republican and just anti-American in general. I disagree with these charges and feel that just because I refuse to allow members of our government to run roughshod over the poor, women and any other group that they have chosen to attack because of an intolerant agenda does not make me a bad American. On the contrary, it makes me a responsible American and one who embraces the spirit of this country and the founding principles of equality, freedom of thought and standing up for those which are oppressed.
But I would like to address these accusations. I don’t consider myself anti-corporation. Corporations made this nation the industrial giant that it is and do a lot of good things aside from the obvious which is producing jobs. Bill Gates, for instance, has done a lot for education and the poor of the world and along with Warren Buffet operates The Giving Pledge where 105 billionaires around the world have agreed to give up at least half of their fortune for philanthropic causes. Corporate entities like McDonalds do a lot to help the unfortunate like supporting the Ronald McDonald House which helps a lot of families every year and the corporate giant also gives millions to other children’s charities as well. The list of corporations aiding people goes on and on. But I don’t like the idea that just as many of them are putting profit above the welfare of this nation and I will not accept them trying to buy this government and you shouldn’t either. It is cheating and they need to be held accountable.
I’ve also had some great conversations with Republican politicians most notably the state representatives from our district, Sharon Tyler and Dave Pagal. Even though they didn’t agree with me on the topic I felt that they sincerely listened to my thoughts and I could tell that they were open to compromise. I feel both of them try to vote with their conscience and do the right thing and that’s all I ask. That is the sign of a good politician and lately there hasn’t been much of that in Lansing or Washington. Too many members of the GOP feel like “we’ve won control, now its payback time.” The problem is that the poor and the voiceless are the people paying the price.
I think many of us forget that America was built on the ability for two opposite groups to compromise. For every great capitalist that we celebrate in History Channel documentaries, there has been a great labor leader or human rights movement that has helped to shape this nation and fought for the rights of its citizens. America has a diverse history and every aspect of it needs to be celebrated. As an American, I feel speaking out against corruption is not only my right but it is my duty and that is not going to change.