Lincoln’s words have fallen by the wayside

None of us were around when the thoughtful words: “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people” were spoken at Gettysburg. But we can all appreciate the thoughts contained in these words spoken by President Abraham Lincoln. He was truly and idealist.

However, I wonder how he would feel about our government in 2011. A “government of the people,” would seem to imply that the people of our great nation will all be able to participate in the government. Of course, that would be rather impossible. Instead, we have a representative government which is controlled by financial gurus. Isn’t it obscene to think of all the millions of dollars spent to elect representatives who so often seem to think only of their own security?

“Government by the people” again seems to present the idea that the people will have some control. How many senior citizens felt that they would enjoy a break on property taxes because they had completed the exemption form only to learn that their taxes went up because the numerous taxing bodies increased their tax rates therefore bypassing any freeze? And, were we the people overjoyed to learn that our tax assessor possible makes over $100,000 in yearly income?

Lastly, our government is “for the people.” What a fantastic thought. But just who is our government for? How many ex-politicians are receiving in excess of $100,000 yearly in retirement while so many people in our country remain unemployed? Of course, since they are “for the people,” how many politicians own more than one house, while their constituents may have been foreclosed on, may be living at a homeless shelter, or many be living on the streets?

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people,” when will it happen?

Richard Kastner

Aurora