I think the American government is now the most corrupt government in the world.

In any crass political calculation drilling for oil will always win more votes than putting a price on carbon. But if I recall what I was taught in fifth-grade American government class we elect presidents to do more than crass political calculations.

What the Founding Fathers created in the Constitution is the most magnificent government on the face of the Earth and the reason is this: because it was intended to preserve the American society and the American spirit not to transform it or destroy it.

President Bush once said that marriage is a sacred institution and should be reserved for the union of one man and one woman. If this is the case - and most Americans would agree with him on this - then I have to ask: Why is the government at all involved in marrying people?

One side of the American psyche wants smaller government lower taxes and more choices for individuals even if those choices increase risk. The other wants a strong social safety net to protect the weakest among us even if it costs more to minimize risk.

It is through states that the American people get the job done every day often in spite of a deeply flawed bureaucratic federal government.

Americans want government that is leaner more efficient and less intrusive into their personal lives.

This administration in Washington that's in power now clearly believes that government is not only the answer to every need but it's the most qualified to make the most central decisions for every American in every area.

Corporations often partner with government after natural disasters as many companies did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As a rule however long-term civic/corporate partnerships are still rare .But this need not remain the status quo as many opportunities are available for such partnerships.

It is unfortunate that Americans are no longer aware of what the constitution says and what their rights are. Because of that we are often very passive about what happens when the government violates those rights.