Tough love for political whiners

\"He's blurring the lines between church and state!" "He's taking government funds to aid religious organizations!" "He's a theist!"\nBlah, blah, blah.\nThis is all you've got? There's plenty to complain about: cutting reproductive counseling overseas (no, I'm not pro-choice, but I am pro-education and pro-women's health); unsettled voter concerns, in Florida and elsewhere (not necessarily GW's fault); lack of response to my personal letter. \n But, "He's being to church-y?" "He's a do-gooder?" Come on, people. If this is why you're complaining about President George W. Bush now, you're really reaching.\nHoneys, sit back down...shh. I know it's important to keep church (mosque, synagogue, temple, etc.) and state separate. I'm all about diversity, harmony, individuality and group hugs. Whatever your religious or nonreligious beliefs, you can be my friend. Although I'm a big God fan and my faith is very important to me, I'm a big non-fan of shoving one's religious beliefs down other people's throats. Government should not interfere with personal faith or non-faith. \nWhile we can't all agree on one god or even the existence of said god, we can agree on the importance of human kindness. Our nation can stand united on the necessity of compassion, education, generosity and unity. (OK, end of sappy list. But my heart is in the right place.)\nI say if the government is willing to take steps to aid religious, civic and charity work, I am willing to be flexible enough to see the good in this unprecedented (pun absolutely intended) step and work with it. Whether the food drive/blood drive/diversity panel/benefit showcase is happening in the Indiana Memorial Union, Hillel Center, Wright Quad or St. Paul's Catholic Center or anywhere else, I say "Amen!" Um...I mean, "Yay!" \nPerhaps the reason Bush's proposal has met with so much opposition is that Joe and Jane W. Citizen might be asked or feel compelled to...gasp...DO something about our country's problems instead of...relieved sigh...only complain about them. \nWe can all talk big about the horrible state of our nation's schools, racism, pollution and other American works in progress, but do we do anything about them? Do you volunteer to help the organizations and causes you believe in? Do you write to your state and national representatives?\nDo you even know who they are?\nWhile I'm on my soapbox, Jim Reader, did you even vote?\n"The lines were too long."\nWah. Try fighting in a war, being thrown in jail or protesting for the right to vote.\n"I wasn't sure if I was registered or not." \nIt's not like Election Day is a secret. You have the time and resources to find out where and when you exercise your most precious right.\n"I didn't like the candidates."\nIt's called a primary. Use it.\n"My vote doesn't count!"\nWhat is this, Florida? Of course your vote counts.\nI know political and social participation are not as simple as I make them seem, by my point is this: You have a right to complain, but only if you have a) voted b) done something, if possible, about your beef and c) made sure your heart is in the right place. \nIf you're complaining just to sound smart in a political discussion, keep your head above water with your extreme left/right/middle family members or get brownie points in a class, save it. \nOur nation doesn't have time to sit around and whine.