As we sit and watch what is taking place in both Congress and the Senate today, this steadfast division of partisan politics literally tearing this nation apart, I am left to wonder – where are you all?

Historically speaking, it is neither the left nor the right that win the presidency nor the seats in Congress and the Senate, but we, the Independent voters, to whom the politicians come seeking the vital votes that will place them with the charge of governing our nation.

We read the issues, review voting records, listen carefully to both sides -- all before casting a vote.

Granted, we may lean either left or right but will more often than not vote on the issue as opposed to the candidate.

We see the direction the far left is leading this country: increased spending, failed promises, and an unwillingness to step across the aisle even to consider what the right has to offer on several issues.

We’ve seen what the right has to offer this country: protection of corporate assets over the middle and lower class interests, the slashing of budgets in areas most needed by the inner cities, endless wars, and a divide in this country the likes have not been seen since we first stood against King George and declared our independence from the Crown.

The one thing both parties seem to have in common is the fact they are completely and adamantly unwilling to work together on any issue at all facing this nation. As a result, we, the people, are left in an abysmal state of flux; a purgatory of hell between two greater hells threatening to burn us all. I have to admire those who have found the courage and the constitution to rise against their government and demand better. However, it seems even such a feat is not invincible to the influence of partisanship and lobbyist funding.

The National Tea Party began with true American intentions; enact their rights to protest as protected by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and demand change of our government. Stemming from roots of anti-taxation it soon grew across the nation, both in fervor and in numbers, appearing in headlines and news casts around the country, gaining immediate media attention. This was both a blessing and a curse, it seems.

Although, arguably, the core of the party is still run on the foundation of anti-taxation, they have been polluted by lobbyists and special interests, as well as celebrity politicians and political figures such as Palin, Limbaugh and Beck who have only helped transform this party from a genuinely patriotic tour de force into a political circus. A mockery.

They had to. They simply had no choice. This organization was simply too much a threat against the status quo to be left to their own devices. After all, the last thing certain political players want the average American to realize is the sheer power we have when we manage to do what they can not: come together on issues and demand change.

Fringers, as I have come to call them, indeed have power in modern politics. But it is limited power, serving only to create an emotionally-driven voting base who would instinctively vote against an opposing party rather then for a particular issue. Left in the hands of these individuals and the powers who control them this country would be left to decay like some forgotten kill. We are a house divided. It is only a matter of time before we collapse. Those of you like me realize this and are concerned.

However, the Fringers alone can not win the seats in Congress and the Senate, nor the presidency. We, the Centrists, have the ultimate power because we hold the majority of votes. Nothing in this country can be done – or undone – without our support. Granted, even we are split on certain issues revolving around healthcare, civil rights, military spending, etc. but we have the one ability the Fringers, and, as it seems, Congress and the Senate lack. We have the ability to talk. To discuss the issues amongst ourselves. To see things from opposing views without resorting to emotionally-driven attacks.

Most of all, we have the ability to change our minds. To see, to hear, to learn and to reflect upon all of this and cast a vote on an issue, not merely a candidate.

We hold the power of this nation in our hands, in very ballot in every state, county and city in this nation. We may be more conservative or more liberal than our fellow Centralists, but we stay away from the fringe and that, my friends, is our greatest strength. And our greatest responsibility.

As I watch these Tea Partiers gather and shake their fists, carrying signs and shouting protests against our government I am left with admiration for their strength and resolve. Concern for their new direction. And bewilderment at the lack of Centralist action. We, who try to choose no side, must finally make a choice for America. We must make a stand.

We need an organization. One that will gather, in your town halls, city parks, and front lawns. We need our voice to be carried to the Hill as well. We need to tell the government that not every American stands on the fringe and if they wish to carry our vote they must step away from the fringe themselves and come closer to the center.

·                             NO – we will not allow uncontrolled spending and taxation to fund pet projects and special interests.

·                             NO – we will not allow budget cuts in programs vital to inner city needs as a means to fund pet projects and special interests.

·                             NO – we will not vote in favor of taxation on the middle and lower classes and allow cuts for the upper class.

·                             NO – we will not remain silent as non-vital jobs such as customer service, etc. be outsourced to foreign countries.

·                             NO – we will not sit idly by and “hope” the economy recovers without an immediate and clear jobs bill.

·                             NO – we will not allow special interest and lobbyists to continue this free frenzy of ‘pay-per-vote’ politics – a leading factor in partisan politics.

·                             NO – we will not support a healthcare bill that does not cover the vast majority of Americans without raising taxes to cover exorbitant costs.

We have heard of the “Party of NO’. Well, we should show the government just what a real party of NO can accomplish. Without our vote, government is capable of nothing. They pander to us, beg of us, promise us anything. They have offered blank checks to the American people and it is about time we call for payment in full.

This is not a republican movement. Nor is it a democratic movement. It is neither a conservative nor a liberal movement. This is an American movement. But it needs your help.

If you are a Centralist, or if you are tired and fearful of the current direction this government has decided to take this country, use your power and constitutional right as an American and share this information in your area. Create groups.

Talk. Learn. Share. Rise up against the Fringe and demand more of our government. It doesn’t matter if we have a democrat or a republican in the White House – or an Independent. As long as the Congress and the Senate continue to pull this country apart in its partisan war the Administration, any Administration, is powerless to enact true change. In short, this country needs you. All of you. All of us.

James Madison in 1789 gave us the foundation to control this county, to seize the power from government back into the hands of the people. In 1791 this foundation was made into Federal Law by means of ratification. Revolution comes in many forms, from the firing of a cannon to the whisper of a single voice. There is a reason the right to protest is the First amendment: it grants us far greater power than the Second or any amendment.

Together we can use that whisper and turn it into a singular streaming voice of demands and with it, change the face of this nation and put the power of the people back into the hands of the people.

No one can do it alone. But together, no one can stop us.

To avoid any hint of partisanship I am simply calling this the National Organization.

N.O.

The party of No. The party of the people.

And, as much as I hate to say it: we have the power – if we do nothing, we are as guilty as any Fringer.

Now only one question remains. Will we stand by, silent, and allow this country to be torn into ruin by polarization and partisanship or will we rise from both sides of the political forum and remind the government they have been given their power by we, the people, in exchange for promises of change. And now we’ve come to collect.

Peace.