My faith in the American people

(And the Germans, the French, the Canadians, and the Scottish people we've met on this trip)

Is getting stronger.
Good people. Caring. Generous. Curious.

But it is also making the contrast between "the people" and "their" government more stark.

Take background checks for gun purchases.
"Polls have shown as much as 90 percent of the American public supports universal background checks. But the Senate on Wednesday shot down a measure that would have required such checks for guns purchased at gun shows or on the Internet."

The American govt no longer even pretends to represent "the people" - they clearly represent (and fear, and are dependent on for campaign cash/tv ads) lobbying groups which represent business interests. And especially Senators like Ron Johnson, from our "home state" of WI.
Sad.

http://m.host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/infuriated-constituents-take-aim-at-ron-johnson-on-his-facebook/article_dcd84967-f092-5f24-bd05-c1d88d672a90.html