I have listened to enough political bull crap the last few months to last me a lifetime. In earlier years, debates and skirmishes between parties were fascinating. Times have changed. I’ve grown too old to like this stuff, and the times are too bad for such shenanigans by our elected officials.
One thing I hope everyone caught is the fact that the word “leaders” wasn’t used to describe the folks in Washington, D.C. The Republicans and Democrats might be a lot of things, but leader is not among them. I like to think of more positive individuals such as, well, nobody in present positions of political power comes to mind. We are a nation bankrupt of true leaders.
These elected people might do well to remember that they are stewards of the country. That means that their jobs are to make decisions that benefit the citizens, as well as the country. The American voter didn’t send them to Washington to get rich or powerful. Their jobs are representing the will of the people.
Representing the people means just that. It does not mean pushing the agenda of a political party or some splinter group with radical ideas. It means listening to constituents to learn what is important, not what is politically expedient. Then the senator or congressman must look deep into his heart and choose to do those things that help the people. It has nothing to do with helping the lobbyists or the corporations to maintain their special deals and privileges.
Partisan politics will destroy this country. The Republicans had several years when they held power in the executive and legislative branches. During that time they crammed down the throats of Americans the things that served their party or their ideology. The Democrats fought tooth and nail and tried to filibuster against any legislation that came down the pike. Now the Dems are in power, and they evidently learned little from the past because they are now doing the same thing their counterparts pulled before. The Republicans have taken on the Democrats role by opposing anything that is suggested.
The US is in deep poop. Our economy, and with it our way of life, nearly crashed. President Obama took over a reeling ship and spent billions to regain control. The country faces a deficit that might someday act as a tsunami that sweeps us away. What was he to do? Cutting taxes wouldn’t do much good for so many people out of work. The Republicans have lambasted the president, but just what would they have done? This country should hang its head in disgrace that so many of its citizens have inadequate or no health care. The Dems want to involve the government; the Reps want to keep the status quo. All the time, too many people must choose between medical care and housing or eating.
The time to “just say NO” is over. If these guys keep it up, the gridlock now present will remain as our country comes to a complete standstill. The time for partisan politics is over. If individuals won’t represent the people and provide the needed leadership, they must be defeated and sent home to face their angry, confused, and desperate constituents. Lead or get out of the way, all of you. Work for us, the citizens, instead of your own elections team or the narrow and hateful views of some fringe group. Inspire us; don’t destroy us.
4 comments:
Hello Joe,
"We are a nation bankrupt of true leaders". Joe, that is a (very) profound statement and ever so true. Now we are heading toward a country that is bankrupt. Joe, I am in total agreement with you on all points you have made. It is very sad elected officials take the oath of office, for the purpose of monetary gain via their political prowess and persuasion. As you said in part, they are doing the opposite of the very reason they were elected.
It would be my wish for both parties to lay aside their party, political and capitalistic agendas. Begin working together toward a common goal, working to serve the citizens of our country, collectively finding solutions to problems and issues, re-instating the integrity of our country, simply doing what they were elected by the people of our country to actually do.
Also, it is evident by presidential election numbers since the Bush/Gore run, we are now a country divided about 50/50 by political parties, not united as one people. I think a big reason for this division is due to fragmented media. People tend to believe almost any and everything they hear on radio, view and hear on television or read in print media, and base their decisions on what they have read, heard or have been told. The political powers and media strategists are aware of the brainwashing power of media, its influence, use it to their advantage, and in many instances, for deceitful or dishonest reasons. Personally, I do not listen to the radio because the music (if one can term it that) stinks now days, talk shows do my head in, and I do not watch TV at all. Other than an occasional movie or an educational piece that feeds the mind something useful, that is the extent of my viewing. Furthermore, I would have to do that at someone's house with a TV, because I don't own one!
Pardon me, ran astray there, I shall now return to the actual subject matter! I would find it very interesting to have some actual voter profile statistics. Primarily, how many people in this country actually research whom they are voting for? For instance:
1. How many people vote solely based upon evidence they receive via media (radio-TV-newspaper) outlets?
2. How many people vote because they like the way someone looks?
3. How many people vote for someone because their friends or family are voting for them?
4. How many people vote because they don't know why -- they just are?
5. How many people vote because they have acquired actual facts through personal research, thereby, allowing a person to make a sound decision through applied knowledge and sensible reasoning for voting for a particular candidate?
I am neither a Dem or Rep. One could term me as a Republi-Crat! When I view a candidate of interest, I do the research. My concern is not about the party, my concern is who has performed best in making decisions regarding the interest of the people and our country, who has a reasonable performance record for getting things done, simply put, who is the best woman or man for the job based upon factual research. Then again, with that being said, all the research in the world wouldn't make any difference in the current political climate. However, I shall remain in hopes for the best, and maintain the belief, "there is good in all people".
Joe, thank you for sharing your writings and talent with us. I continually enjoy your posts, no matter what the subject. God keep you and your family safely in his hands. You are blessed. Continue to keep, "the common spectacular".
Right On! All I hear is people criticizing Obama, when he wasn't the one who got us in this mess. I despise partisan politics. The time has come to work together.
So True Coach. Politicians in this country have grown to rely and depend on one another and special interest groups instead of the people who sent them to lead. The only time you'll ever hear about what the voters want is around election time, and upon being re-elected, it's business as usual. Great stuff as always.
I like it Joe! They have to think of us for a change!
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