too many people are worried about who will win on 'So You Think You Can Dance' instead, Brandon. Your message largely falls on deaf ears.
A sad and heartbreaking truth is that a majority of American citizens hold their current political system in complete contempt. Not that I blame them.
The pervasive view I hear from many is that a bygone era of American political discourse, which arguably led to the development of the most prosperous and multi-ethnic nation the world has ever seen, has gradually disappeared.
Instead of thoughtful deliberation, practical lawmaking and tolerable representation at the nation's Capitol, the American people are given a picture of something far worse. Washington is its caricature. On television and in print, Americans see persistent corruption, greed, self-dealing and elitism. There is a menacing sense that the sacred obligations to which our elected leaders took an oath to uphold have been ignored at best and consciously broken at worst. I fear that the latter is closer to the truth.
There is a silver lining to the story, however. I say all this simply to point out that no matter what your politics are, and no matter how much you think you don't care, now is not the time to give up, lie down in disdain and let government wash over you. One day soon, you will take your head out of the sand and realize that the things you value -- your property, your personal freedoms, and your income -- have all changed.
But worst of all, you will come to understand that you let it happen without whispering a single word of dissent. Don't make a mistake and think that willful ignorance of what seems to be the ugliness of it all will immunize you from the strong hand of government.
If there was ever a time to care about politics, that time is now.
Brandon D. Elijah
Martinez
Comments
too many people are worried about who will win on 'So You Think You Can Dance' instead, Brandon. Your message largely falls on deaf ears.
Putting party first has become the standard.
I agree with cn, again. Party, not position, seems to be the primary standard. Our current group in DC, and several before them, all need to be looked at for their accomplishments and goals, not their smoke screens. A total turnover in Congress would not be a mistake. An end to lobbyist gifts should be enforced. All congressmen should have the laws applied to them. "All I want is world peace". I know it won't happen. Everyone thinks their rep. is the best.
And Presidents should not go on the David Letterman show what a great way to cheapen the Office..... is he a President or an hollywood entertainer.? (hmmmmmm)......God what a dufus barry is!
I think one point this author makes is correct: what we SEE is bad. I wonder, though, what needs more adjustment: the lens through which we are looking, or the subject we are looking at.
Steve, I would say the subject we are looking at. The federal government has gone way past its constitutional authority over the citizens of individual states.
Great letter Brandon. So much truth. If a politican wants to become great he or she should become a servant. Most are full of pride and promote themselves and pride always comes before a fall. Those who serve thrive and those who feed their pride fail. So many are praying that in this country all truth come to light that politicans are falling right and left and that will continue untill all corruption is exposed. Then we can choose to vote in more corruption are vote in honesty, truth and those who will be servants.
Whatever happened to government by the people for the people? It seems like it is now government by the few for the benefit of those same few. I agree, we must start looking at our leaders, not just those in Washington, D.C. but those at the state level and here at home as well. We must start looking at what they have accomplished, if it what we, the people, want. If not, it is time to get rid of those who poorly represent us.
As long as Congress is freely re-elected to 10-20-30 year REIGNS, there can be no improvement. Term limits on Congress NOW.
It's important to be aware and involved. Don't let anyone tell you that you are wasting your time being informed. Let them keep watching cartoons while you watch news, read and write. By the way, I predicte landslide victories for Republicans in the governors' races in VA and NJ. It has begun.
Ummm... I disagree with this letter's premise. Voter turnout was 57% in 2008. Since the 1970's presidential year elections have been ranging between low to mid 50 percentage points. My hunch is that this mid-term election will be higher than the normal mid 30 percentage points. If voter turnout is trending down, it has not been a recent phenomenon.
I for one would like to see our elected and appointed leaders held to the same rules as amateur sports ... The power and money that we let them be influenced with is our own fault ....
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