Government, "...of the people, by the people, and for the people..." Those words by Abraham Lincoln illustrate what the Founders envisioned with this grand experiment known as the United States of America.

Freedom, truth, liberty and justice, are the hallmarks of this great nation, but listening to the politicians of today, one sometimes questions if we have lost our way. As Ronald Reagan so eloquently stated, "politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."

We have liberals, conservatives, progressives, greens, tea parties, moderates and libertarians who call one another socialists, fascists, commies and nazis. So many labels' but at the end of the day, all must take a stand for what they believe in. "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is always a vice." Thomas Paine

Democrats and Republicans are all fighting for the support of Independents, while dipping into the pockets of lobbyists and special interests. So, is what we have here really so bad when compared to other nations? "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." Winston Churchill.

Big government or small government, tax too much or tax too little, there has to be a point where we realize what Thomas Jefferson stated, that "a government big enough to supply you with everything you need, is a government big enough to take away everything you have."

And what of our politicians? It has been said that, "the best minds are not in government. If they were, businesses would hire them away." Can't think of too many professions with lower approval ratings than our current Congress.

Capitalism or socialism, both sides shout of the evils of the other. Well, some telling quotes might illustrate what some thought of these terms. Regarding capitalism, Marx said, "the last capitalist we shall hang will be the one that sold us the rope." Or this one from George Bernard Shaw. "A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."

Political arguments ranging from health care to cap and trade, from immigration reform to sending American heroes to war, or tax increases to tax decreases; whatever the issue, we must always remember that we never want to end up in a place where we lose our freedom, or end up in a position such as Lenin described, "it is true that liberty is precious; so precious that it must be carefully rationed."

On the other hand, politics has always been great theater. Whether it was then or now, the antics of imperfect politicians in an imperfect world can sometimes make us laugh. "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." Will Rogers.

So remember, when it comes to politics and government, "never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied." Otto Von Bismark.

The citizens of this country are the rudder of the American ship of state. Have faith that they will get us back on course when we drift too far to port or starboard. This is a great nation and while we may disagree on many issues, remember what we all share in common. We are Americans.