So, ya'll have made my argument for me. America is made up of a bunch of "not funny" Bu--sh---ers. Or are you not a representative sample? So much for looking for intelligent comment from somd forum. Course I figure most of you are imports. Let me hear from the born & bred.
Is a family tree that has folks fighting in the American Revolution (1770's) and a signer of the Declaration of Independence "born & bred" enough for you?
What's stopping you from finding out about them?
If you can't find encouragement in yourself, you aren't going to find it in anyone else, nor should you depend on anyone else for it.
Honey if you can't find it in yourself, you're in a wod of hurt! Did your parents depend on others for their hope and desire to learn about the politicians of their times? Sitting around moping and posting on somd isn't going to get you a whole lot. If you want to know about the representatives and senators, get out there and educate yourself! Obviously, you know about the internet or you wouldn't have found your way here. Once you get some background knowledge about the players, start doing internet searches to find out what's being talked about and what the issues are, but be careful! There is a whole lot of propaganda out there (always has been, nothing new) and you need to know how to navigate around it. Perhaps you should start researching "propaganda" and "information literacy" before you look into making up your mind about some issues. Once you've done that, STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER and get out into the world -- find a few groups and listen to what they have to say.
I'm assuming, since you've spoken of losing your parents, that you are an adult. Pull up those big girl panties and get out there and find out stuff!
Nobody's going to give you hope on a silver platter, no matter WHO says that they will! You are responsible for your own thoughts and actions. Girl up and be an American and stop whining and get out there and DO SOMETHING!