The Hunger Games: A story of how big government is not your friend.

This past weekend, millions of teenagers crowded theaters around this country to watch Katniss Everdeen definitely challenge President Snow authority. What is it about this story that is igniting the hearts and minds of the youth around the country? A movie does not become a blockbuster just because it has great actors and spends a lot of money on advertising. In order for a movie to become a blockbuster, there must be a story that ignites the hearts of a nation.

The Hunger Games is a story about a land called Panem. Panem endured a civil war and the people in the metropolis won. The Capitol enslaved the 12 districts and required that each of the districts produce goods for the Capitol and then the Capitol would take care of the needs of the people. However, the reality of the situation is that the wealthy elite living in the Capitol take more than they give. The Capitol flourishes while the districts suffer.

It is clear to us in watching The Hunger Games that what is in President Snow’s best interest is not necessarily the best interest for the people. President Snow and the wealthy elites do not live by the same standards that the people live by. The Capitol is living in great opulence while the districts are living in utter poverty. The ruling elite have divided the districts and by keeping them separate, they are able control the people. The Capitol understands that if the districts unite they would have the ability to seriously challenge the existing power structure.

For years, the Capitol has found great entertainment in dividing the Districts. The ruling elite have pitted District against District by forcing children into a duel for their lives all in the name of entertainment. As I watch the Hunger Games series, I see the similarities between the land of Panem and the United States of America. For years the political elites have been able to expand their power by dividing the people of the United States. However, rather than dividing us by geographic boundaries, politicians divide us by race, party, and income.

Why are millions of American teenagers rushing to watch Mockingjay, Part 1? They are coming to watch as the people unite against overwhelming odds to overthrow the oppressive tyrannical government. They are watching as Katniss gives a voice to the people as they find their strength to stand up for their rights to live free.

Most people understand that big government is a huge problem in today’s world. However, people do not see that there is anything that can be done. People are hopeless and are resigned to defeat. There are Katniss Everdeen’s today who are speaking out against those who are abusing their political power for their own self-interest. Rather than silencing the messenger, maybe we should rally around them and encourage them to continue to stand up for our freedoms and liberties.

We have to remember that we the people are the ones who give the government its power. We have the ability to take this power away from anyone who abuses it. However, we do not take politicians power away if we keep electing the same people.

We need to elect people who understand the difference between a statesman and a politician. A politician is always concerned about their next election and repaying the special interests that elected them. A statesman is one who is thinking about the next generation and representing the people who put them in office regardless of their race, party, or income. Which type of politician will you vote for?

More info at http://www.markmeuser.com

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Mark Meuser’s priority is to insure that your future, your children’s future, and California’s future is bright. The spirit of entrepreneurs in California is as strong today as it was during the gold rush. It needs an advocate in Sacramento, and Meuser wants to be that advocate. Ensuring that our communities stay strong—and grow stronger—requires a long-term vision for future generations, and Meuser has that vision. It is time to elect a representative to Sacramento who will fight for the citizens of Contra Costa and Alameda counties.