Words from My Ideal Candidate…
September 18th, 2008.
Rant by Me: Who is the Ideal Candidate?
I decided to write this because of my complete disgust with our government and how, at all levels, the idea of wealthy men and women (most with powerful connections) are pillaging this country. I am speaking specifically about the political complex, the people in power, those who make decisions for other people.
I hesitate to focus on the Republican and Democratic parties, but considering they share the bulk of power it is unavoidable to dismiss them. The simple fact is; these parties control all aspects of our lives, and the influence our country has around the world can and does influence people who don’t get a vote.
I’m not writing this to educate you of my position on wedge issues or discuss my moral beliefs (more on that shortly). This diatribe is not about my position on an issue or even your position. The only unbreakable belief I will share through my example of the “Ideal Representative,” is the thought of solving problems and prospering as a country depends on all of us having an opportunity to speak for us.
Let me first expel the stereotypical markers of myself, so you may have an understanding of me if you should pass me on the street or even share more intimate things about ourselves in conversation. I am a Caucasian male aged 36 years. I was born and raised in California with stints in Canada, Germany, and other parts of the U.S. I currently reside in Wisconsin. I make a better than average yearly wage working for a large privately held corporation. I am married and have a couple fists full of children. My past is riddled with ups and downs, probably much like your own life. However, all in all, I think of myself as a well rounded person.
When it comes to “key” issues which may or may not affect me, I have some grounded beliefs; against the death penalty, pro-life but feel it is not my choice, not for gay marriage from a constitutional perspective but feel they should have the same rights as a married couple, for campaign finance reform, healthcare reform, education reform, and any other reform which may have ever fallen the grip of corrupt politicians. I know! I know! I’m sharing my beliefs even though I said I wouldn’t, but after second thought and considering the direction I will head for the rest of this story it is important to get some of those things out in the open. Read on and you will see what I am talking about…
It is about living within a true democracy. It is about being heard. It is about representation of all without the threat of special interest influence. It is about all of us taking back our country from the two-party oligarchy. It is about healthy political change.
“My Ideal Representative”
A town hall speech to his or her potential constituents…
“I am not here to sell myself, my past, my resume, my home, or anything else which may allow for a profit, or prove to you my stance on the issues is the right thing for you. Although, I do feel it important we have a mutual understanding of the issues from all possible angles. This may allow us to make a decision which is best for all of us and our families. Of course, at times, we will disagree. This is inevitable. You and I have lived our lives under different circumstances. We may share many common beliefs, but the fact is we will not always agree.
I believe we are all created equal and deserve not only a voice to make change but an opportunity to prosper without the influence of a smaller, more powerful vote which threatens to have your representatives make decisions based upon the most benefit to themselves. It is this corrupt connection between those who speak for us and the ones with the money that is shutting you out and allowing for an unequal representation of all of us.
If leveraged properly the power of this country and the positive influence on those who do not get a vote will far outweigh the repercussions of allowing the corruption to continue.
There is a solution to the problem, and those who have provoked my desire to represent you have known about it, yet never attempted to make the change. Why should they change their policies and disengage from corruption if there is little to gain for themselves?
I want you to know how I feel we should make our decisions heard and become effective, well-informed, citizens who confidently punch their ballot because they are educated about the issues when it’s time to vote. These ideas are not new, but if implemented will go a very long way toward the right path for everyone, not just someone.
Have you ever noticed politicians jam their agendas down your throat before being elected, but then you may realize they don’t best represent your beliefs after elected? Shouldn’t they come to the table without an agenda and promise to represent what the majority of people want when a decision needs to be made, regardless of their own position?
Would you like a representative who educates you, then listens to the majority on an issue, and acts for all rather than for the special interest groups which paid him or her to make an opposite decision?”
I feel this is a “Must-do Change” to perpetuate the idea of a true democracy:
Campaign Finance Reform – I feel this is the single biggest issue with the corruption of our politicians today. To get into the intricacies of how it all works would be laboring, so I’ll give you my version, which is dumbed-down for myself! As it stands now, politicians are allowed to illicit funds from others in order to run their campaigns for office. Where the problem primarily lies in this relates to larger entities (i.e. corporations) giving money to the politician for the purposes of spending toward advertising and marketing their position to you, the voter. Look, we all know politicians focus on certain areas of our diverse population which will ultimately give them the numbers they need to win. However, the influence on these voters is exacerbated by the fact the politicians have the fiscal resources to bombard you with what you want to hear. Or in most cases convinces you the other candidate does not represent you. It is a status quo thing, you know? For instance, is offshore drilling necessary or do politicians feel compelled to promote it because 65% of Americans believe it would help during this energy crisis? Or, have 65% of Americans been convinced it is necessary?
This, of course, leads me to my post from September 16th, 2008. The one about Campaign Reform. John McCain and Russ Feingold have taken steps to address campaign finance reform – although there are loopholes in their plan, but the bigger issue is the way in which our politicians do business. It is all about the power play, about getting you to vote for them regardless of the nefarious means needed to motivate you. Campaign finance reform does us no good if there are alternate ways to generate funds for a campaign – as is the case with the Republican and Democratic National Committees. Did you know these committees can market and advertise their candidates with money raised which is not counted against a candidates campaign? In this particular case, as it relates to the current campaign for president, John McCain benefits most because he can claim to be a reformer while benefiting from the huge coffers within the Republican National Committee.
The bottom line is most politicians are motivated by power and money. Your interests, I should say, our interests play second fiddle to powerful people clamoring to be the next George W. Bush. Oh, the legacy.
