I couldn't agree more, Mr. Paul, I couldn't agree more.

That's right. I'm hosting a contest.
 Quite a few people have done it on xanga, and while it's been entertaining, a nice part of the blogger/xangan culture...it's just not really been something I thought about doing. It's not what my xanga's about, you know? Entertaining. I'm pleased when it sparks the minds of those who comes across it, even if I make folks laugh...but it's not my purpose here.

But, more and more, the trend in my little niche on xanga, on the blogosphere...with all the others here who far outshine me around this internetly neck of the woods -- I've noticed that we've all been a little frustrated, gloomy.
 "What can we do? This doesn't seem to be enough. It's all speeding by us, worse and worse...what the heck can we do to change it? We HAVE to change it."

Well, I was talking to my good friend SaturnNights (if I may be so bold as to call 'em my friend) today and I realized something. Alone, it's difficult to start things that need doing and that the government is doubtful to start out themselves -- though they should. But money's not the answer to all problems, there's always an alternative, if we can just think of it. The answer is always thought and discussion.

So here's the rub; The world needs you. It needs us.

What better way than a contest?

So to get it started here's what we need;
Ideas for what you win. Art, stuff, whatever -- volunteers for making or getting/giving those things (I'm willing to be the main person if I can swing the idea...maybe with help).
And a list of things we need in this country, and in the world, and ways to do it...from there; volunteers.

As you get on your way to achieving it, you get your reward (and it'll be totally unique to this contest), and you change the world.

Maybe not cut-and-paste type easy, but not too hard, right?

It'll keep our summer busy at least, xD goodness knows we're not busy enough.

DISCLAIMER; No idea is too small or too big.

Problems, things we need to work on;
~~The government's attitude/opinion toward us citizens; that we're almost disposable/expendable, worth ignoring, that we're not their bosses, etc. (Submitted by Nine_Star_Lotus)

Hmm. Well, mostly, I'm posting this to provoke some thought. The fourth is a very significant holiday, for us Americans. Every year I can I usually make it to the fireman's festival...they hold rides, bingo, yummy carnie food, as well as a demolition durby and fireworks...in support of the good folks who put out fires and save lives everyday...while we remember why we celebrate this holiday.

But, the times may not allow for things to be as they've always been for me growing up. The last few years we've seen alot of bad come out of our society and government, leaning toward fascism (and our country is not alone in this trend). This year more than ever have people begun to see this and try to do something about it. More than ever in our lifetimes.

So, do you think you'll always have a reason to celebrate?

I always will, even if there are no more celebrations someday (hey, I'm not ALL knowing to know such things for sure). We'll always be free, if only in spirit. And I will always honor those who've fallen before us. That's reason enough for me.