I have no allegiance to one political party. I prefer to be a free thinker, and not someone who “goes along with the crowd.” I like to make decisions based on reason and common sense. The only people who get to tell me what to do are the people who sign my paycheck. And, as far as I can tell, 95% of all politicians (right or left) have their own interests at heart – certainly not yours or mine.
In 2008, we had a presidential election. I didn’t know who to vote for but I did know that it wasn’t going to be for the McCain/Palin ticket. I met Sarah Palin briefly and, while a seemingly gracious woman, she appeared to be nothing more than a piece of fluff. She was attractive, but lacked the wisdom, strength, and competence that I expect from our nation’s leaders. John McCain’s advisors made a serious error in judgment when she was chosen as his running mate. If he had campaigned with Mitt Romney, I believe I could have gotten onboard with the Republicans. But John McCain alone – with a piece of fluff beside him? No way.
Truth be told, I wasn’t impressed by Barack Obama either. He didn't seem to possess much experience either. I was in a quandary. With a press of a button, I got to have my say – one precious vote – yet, in my opinion, there wasn’t one person worthy enough to deserve it. I thought about not voting at all, but that wouldn't have accomplished anything. So I contemplated voting for Ralph Nadar, to send a message about my dissatisfaction with the two candidates offered, but I knew it wouldn't make any difference in the long run. After reading as much information as I possibly could, and talking with dozens of people about our political options, I made up my mind on the way to the polls. I voted for Barack Obama, but not with those feelings of “hope and change” everyone seemed to be talking about. I voted for him because I had "hope" that everyone else knew more than I did, and that I'd "change" my mind about the vote I was casting. Two years later, the unemployment rate is still high, illegal aliens are still taking advantage of our country’s welcome mat (and obvious idiocy), and the middle class is still bearing the burden of financial responsibility, while the rich continue to get richer. American jobs continue to be lost to lower-paid competitors in foreign countries. In the past 18 months, my stock portfolio has begun to improve and grow, so that’s one positive thing to happen during the new administration. But I know far more people who are out of work than I did two years ago, and household budgets are going up while salaries are staying the same, so I see things are not exactly going swimmingly.
There was a midterm election this week and the Republicans made huge strides. I’m perplexed. They’re high-fiving each other like they just won the Super Bowl. Is everything all better because of this? Is the country supposed to suddenly believe that this is the NEW “hope and change?” Sure, nobody is saying that but they’re unquestionably acting like it. Why are Americans so easily placated by politicians who put on a good performance? I’m so embarrassed for us, as a nation. We look like a bunch of suckers.
Personally, I need to see a politician make effective changes before I can rationally put my faith in their promises. That’s not cynical, it’s logical. George W. Bush got the disaster ball rolling with the war in Iraq, where there turned out to be no weapons of mass destruction. Having blind faith in Jesus is one thing – but to expect the world to accept the claims of our military and president was quite another. We were absolutely devastated by 9/11 but, the real truth is, we were deceived with the fear of fictional genocide, and I find that inexcusable. He ended his term with the government bail-outs because of corporate greed and political corruption. Just exactly who was running this country for eight years?
Barack Obama has had to take the fall for the bail-outs because no one seems to remember who was in charge before he stepped into the presidency, and everyone expected him to come into office with a magic wand to fix it all. But he’s no miracle worker, that’s for sure. He’s let our country down by not being in touch with Americans. He has not prioritized issues as well as he should have. He focused on universal health care, when he should’ve been putting that fervor into returning jobs to this country and putting our citizens back to work. He has enough advisors to get his priorities straight, yet he’s failing miserably. It may be puzzling to understand why anyone would want to go into politics in the first place. However, the money, perks, and power obviously make it all worth it.
So here’s a message to all Democrats: You’ve gotten your wake-up call. Something’s brewing in DC and it’s not Columbian dark roast but, make no mistake, it’s going to be bitter. And to Republicans: It’s time to put your money where your mouth is. You don’t just get to take your victory and enjoy it. You need to do the hard work you promised to do. If you say you can fix things, you need to DO IT. Americans can’t afford any more governmental mismanagement. And to both of you: Please work together to compromise and make decisions based on the common good for all people because united we stand; divided we fall. Hey, Washington! In case you hadn't noticed, we're falling.
