So now what? After having almost two full months to deny our reality, today many Americans were reminded once again how close we are to socialism. I could write for days about Obama’s speech. I could pick it apart and attempt to get you to see just what a load of garbage he spewed forth today. However, I believe I’d be preaching to the choir and in the end, accomplishing very little. What I will do instead, is define what in my opinion, is the “fight” of our lives, and map out how we can win.

Let us first address the word “fight”. I put the word “fight” in quotes because at this point in time, it is more of an argument. I call it a “fight” because I’ve spoken to many people who have expressed a willingness to take it to that level. Many feel that this country is under siege and are feeling like there is no where else to turn. At least liberals have Canada and Western Europe to run to. Americans have no where to run. (No, that wasn’t a typo and I’ll address that later.)

This “fight” is no longer about Republicans and Democrats. This “fight” isn’t even about left and right anymore, as there will always be two sides to just about every issue and that is as it should be. This “fight” is about defending and re-establishing the American way of life. What no American can deny is that socialism is not American. When we’re hearing that “only government” can save the economy, we are, in fact, hearing that socialism is the solution. That is why I define the two sides as Americans and Liberals. At this time Liberals – not Democrats have taken control of this country and the outcome will be unacceptable to Americans.

A Democrat is not a Liberal. That needs to be stated clearly. The Democratic Party served a very important role in this country and they have been hi-jacked in much the same way the religious right was accused of hi-jacking the Republican Party. Looking out for the rights of Americans who don’t have the political or financial clout to look out for themselves is noble and is an undeniably huge part of what made the USA the greatest nation the world has ever seen. There was a time when the role of the Democratic Party was to do just that. 

Doing “good” feels very good and that can become addictive. I think any half decent human can concede that point. We all love being loved. It is in our nature. Doing good for others earns love and admiration. Can any of us get enough of that? For many the answer is yes. We’re able to fill that void in other ways. But what happens when there is no filling that void? What happens when that void is so large that you can’t fill it by helping a few people? Do you then believe you must help everyone – whether they need it or not? Why stop at people? What about animals? Trees? Perhaps you can only fill that void when you’ve saved the planet? For most of us logic dictates that you can’t save everyone which is a very important point – most of us, including Democrats, are not liberals.

This defines the “fight” and defines who is “fighting”.  Now, let’s address not only how Americans can win, but in my opinion, the only way we can win.

It is time for Americans to once again rise to the occasion as we have so many times in our nation’s amazing history. The task is formidable, but is incredibly simple. Sometimes I think that its simplicity makes people believe it could never work. It can work. And it will work. It has to work because the consequences are unacceptable. 

I know that at this time Republicans and conservatives are spending most of their efforts on figuring out what the next step needs to be, how to craft a better message, and how to win an election. I honestly believe that these efforts are spent in vain, as the one thing the Republican Party has made clear (ironically) is its inability to communicate to Americans. 

Again, this “fight” is not about Republicans and Democrats. It is about Americans and Liberals. The questions and discussions must revolve around these two things. Associating with either Party is secondary to associating with being either American or Liberal. What role do you want government to play in your life? Is it up to you to make the most of your life regardless of the obstacles? Or, is it up to the government to remove the obstacles for you? At the end of the day, who owns you?

I believe this question, and ultimately the answer, will determine who wins the “fight”. We cannot continue down the path of debating the merits of either political party. It is time to change the rhetoric of the debate and more importantly it is time to change the mindset of its participants.

“Solutions” are irrelevant if they are implemented by a political system that believes it owns its electorate (as we have today). Americans believe that the only person they own is themselves. We do not take on ownership of another. Do we help? We sure do – when we can. 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina come to mind as examples. What Americans don’t do, is take ownership of another American. That has been known to cause wars in this country, right? Liberals are all too quick to take ownership.

It will be up to Americans to have this conversation with Americans, whether Republican or Democrat. It will be up to Americans to make sure there is a clear distinction between Americans and Liberals. Blue collar Americans are not liberals. Black Americans are not liberals. Hispanic Americans are not liberals. Immigrants are not liberals. The elderly are not liberals.

In the end, no political party is going to save America. In the end, the government is not going to save the economy. In the end, Americans will once again rise to the occasion and take ownership of their own futures because the consequence means the end of America.

The solution lies in changing the debate. It starts at the kitchen table and ends in Washington.