J. Parrish Lewis

It’s not a simple thing, to care for a child, but it’s a worthwhile one.

Over 200 years ago, The United States of America was born, a shrieking baby in a scary world. Despite the clash of egos and the differences of opinions, the Founding Fathers (and the underappreciated Founding Mothers who supported them) put aside their disagreements just enough to unify around a common goal: the creation of a new democratic nation that represented their best hopes.

That feat of imagination and determination seems pretty spectacular, especially today, when we’re so used to the gridlock that’s become common in our political system.

America the United grew up, somewhat awkwardly, and faced its fair share of challenges. Although America would suffer the trials of youth, she persisted, in the care of people who cared. Differences in opinion continued to grow and sometimes became more entrenched. War happened, and we made it through. Trial after trial was thrown at America, yet still she persisted, backed by the people who supported her. America’s parents had passed on, and this young body of promise continues to find her footing.

Time again, the people of America have triumphed over opposition both within our country and without, winning more rights for people and seeking to make a difference in the world.

Now as we all know, the last few decades have been difficult in many ways, and different than it has been in the past. America had become a sullen teenager. She’s still pretty awesome, and the people do love her. The Left loves her. The Right loves her. Hey, even the middle loves her. After all, she’s our girl, isn’t she? But she’s a sullen teenager, and she’s needed our guidance for quite some time now.

Unfortunately, we’ve already seen the stewards that we’ve elected into government falter. Money and power has swayed America’s progress. We see this widespread, and we have politicians caught up in the mess of how to truly parent America. Our government is suffering, whether they disagree or not. We the people are suffering, to one degree or another. And yes, America, too, is suffering. The country wants guidance toward maturity, and wants to cast aside her jaded cloak of immaturity.

There is hope in the 99%. The 99%, represented wisely with the non-violent direct action of Occupy Wall Street (and Occupy EVERYWHERE ELSE), has become foster parents. We have America in our care. We have our country’s life in our hands. We can guide her to new heights. Our government has the ability, if they will listen, and listen carefully, to take our messages to heart. We elected them, after all. They merely have to represent the people, the 99%, more than the 1%.

It’s not a simple thing, but it’s worthwhile.