Midweek Mood Check: Elites, money, and crime

America is bruised, beaten, and damaged in too many ways to count.

That does not mean we are not still blessed to live here — blessed to live in the greatest country in the history of the world. However, it also does not mean that we can turn a blind eye to the many very serious crises plaguing our nation

Top of mind for many Americans today is their failure to keep up with a flagging economy. As prices everywhere seem to skyrocket, everyday voters simply aren’t buying into the politicians’ reassurances (or are they outright lies?) that the “U.S. economy is remarkably strong.” If it is, consumers certainly aren’t feeling it yet.

According to new data from Rasmussen Reports, a mere 19 percent of Americans say their personal finances are “getting better these days.” Only 20 percent say their incomes have kept up with inflation over the past year. Clearly, this sentiment stands in direct opposition to the official White House analysis, which asserts that economic “growth” in 2023 “was stronger than expected.”

“Americans know the economy is not good for them,” said Convention of States President Mark Meckler. “Their dollar is shrinking, inflation continues, and they are suffering. And yet, the ruling elitists remain extraordinarily disconnected from the plight of average folks.”

SEE ALSO: Tax Day is an affront to the American people. Here's why.

Additionally, a growing number of Americans express deep concerns regarding the safety of their cities, particularly noting perceived inadequacies in addressing violent crime and theft in urban areas. A staggering seventy-two percent believe that our legal system releases convicted violent offenders back onto the streets prematurely. Concurrently, incidents of shoplifting have surged by over 19 percent in the past year alone. This escalating issue not only jeopardizes public safety but also affects consumers directly, as businesses frequently pass their losses onto customers.

“Crime is tearing apart the fabric of our society, and regular Americans understand that a big part of the solution is keeping criminals in jail,” Mark contended. “The elites, in their gated communities and behind their private security, think everything’s fine.”

“Something is going to snap,” he added.

As Mark’s commentary highlights, one contributing factor to these quandaries is that many of today’s societal leaders — the distant elite — are too far removed from the struggles of middle America to understand the damaging effects of their policies. Through an Article V convention, We the People have the opportunity to reclaim governance and ensure that elected officials prioritize the interests of the populace they serve.

So, if you’ve had enough of complaining about the problem and want to actually do something about it, sign the Convention of States petition below!