Over the past several months I have studied and learned about Epicureanism. You can Google that and read or listen to ‘The Swerve’ by Stephen Greenblatt to find out more. This search will lead you to an ancient Roman philosopher, Lucretius and ‘The Nature of Things’. It has been an amazing journey for anyone to take and I recommend it highly.

There are several aspects of Epicureanism. I have most enjoyed the ‘live for today’ attitude that I have worked to adopt. We have no idea what tomorrow holds, so seize the day! I had also worked to adopt an ‘I don’t care’ attitude toward politics. This second piece came into stark contrast for me last night as I was watching the Independence Day firework show while holding my sleeping four year old son. I was struck by the thought that each generation ‘sleeps’ through our youth while the previous generations work to ensure that the next generation’s future will be even brighter. For the first time in American history, it seems that current trends paint a bleak future for my four year old. He sleeps, relying on me for everything and I watch knowing that his future is not brighter. That is a bridge too far for me. While the government is working, I believe we should step back and let it work. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the two party system has ceased to be effective for American government. Both parties are so very similar in working to maintain their control by caring for their constituents more than nurturing our Republic.

So, no, I can’t sit idly by and let the work of my family’s roughly 350 years as Americans. While we are not rich, we have long been part of a vibrant middle class. It has long been understood in my family that it is my duty to ensure that my children are better off. As a family, that involves hard work. As an American, I refuse to sit idly by while both parties sacrifice this Republic just to remain in power.

I’m sorry Epicurus and Lucretius…this Independent is fed up with the status quo.