Wake up, America. The world and your fellow countrymen need you.

You've been asleep for too long, stuck in an apathetic consumerist daze while rich politicians shred our Constitution and funnel our economy into their wallets through stealing our freedoms at home and imperialistic warmongering abroad - and it's your fault for putting these people in power. Our economy is teetering on the brink of a collapse into a third-world economy; our President thinks torture is a valid technique; and our money is worth less and less with each passing day.

In the meantime, America, you've been fiddling with your IPods, driving SUV's, and being cheerleaders for an illegal and immoral war based on deception that started because our President sincerely believes that God is talking to him. I'm not condemning you, America - our schools are failing, our media ignores stories we should all be told, and even your religion has been perverted so you can be lead around by the nose. I understand you, and I'm not going to give up on my fellow citizens yet. I know that even if you disagree with my opinions, you know and support my right to express them. I don't care about your political affiliations, religion, age, gender, sexual preference, skin color, or how much money you make - I believe in you, America. This nation is the greatest nation in the world thanks to every last one of us. For all of our flaws and mistakes, Americans are honest, freedom-loving, hard working and compassionate folks.

So, I have a favor to ask of you, America. From upper middle class white Protestant male Republicans to disadvantaged single black women on federal aid to Hispanic familes working minimum-wage jobs, all of you, I want to ask you to do just three things for yourself, your neighbors, and your country - united, we are powerful and unafraid. First, America, start asking questions about what you're told. Second, please read more books.

So far, so good?

Here's my last favor: realize that your - our - President, Senators, Representatives, and Governors are not leaders or rulers. We are. This country is by, for, and of the people with liberty and justice for all. For too long have we placed our faith - our dreams - into the hands of the "leaders", and it has nearly destroyed us when our trust was betrayed. Rise to your feet and demand the respect you deserve from your government: the only thing you can lose is fear; what you will win is pride in knowing that you all did your part to make a better future for generations yet to come by defending all that makes us great.

Sincerely,

A Concerned American