A Revolutionary Ideal!?!

I'm sitting here, on election eve, just thinking about how things are going to end up tomorrow. I think I have a pretty good idea, but we will get into that in a bit. For now, I just have to say that the elections can't be over soon enough. I don't know about anyone else, but I have absolutely had it with the political adds. All of them.

And the debates? Worthless. Almost as useless as the political adds! All either candidate seem to be worried about is to counter what ever negative point the opponent has brought out. Did we get a clear answer of any of the moderator's questions out of either candidate? Did anyone glean a single positive thing about what either candidate has done or plans to do? Did anything new or suprising come out due to the debates? That depends.

It depends on wether you listened to the recap at the end or not, and what network you normally watch. (Not that broadcast stations are politically biased or anything.) To tell you the truth, just the fact that we have to depend on reporters and supposed political experts to tell us what the candidates meant by the words they chose is extremely frustrating.

However I did get some useful information from the debates on my own. I learned that one is a "Maverick". and the other says "Change! We can do it." (There was something else, but I forgot.) Basicly, that is pretty much it.

Meanwhile, things are pretty much a mess, and in order to make an educated decission concerning who might be able to lead us out of some of the hardest economic times our nation has seen in a while, we are forced to wade through mountains of negative political claims, frantic fingerpointing, and the exposure of half truths and insinuations that come from questionable or anonymous individuals. Who has the time?

Let me rephrase that. Perhaps "We" need to change. Let me put it this way. Our entire political empire is based on a two party system. (I learned that back when they taught stuff like that in school.) Democrat or Republican. (Oh I know there are other parties, but c'mon, who are we kidding here! A non Democrat or Republican candidate? For President? What would the world think of us?)

Thing is, the system seems to fail us sometimes. A system that has built in checks and balances that are supposed to keep the whole system running all nicey nicey. At least on paper. But remember, even communism looks good when it's all written down.but in practicality, not so terrific.

I think our system breaks down because it is antiquated. I further believe that due to it being antiquaited, it is open to corruption. (I know the thought of our government being tinged by corruption is shocking, but if it is a surprise to you, you heard it here first!)

There are those out there that argue there is nothing wrong with our system of government. They argue that the younger up and coming politicians will inject new life into the parties, respectively, and that things are just peachy keen. Well, thats like giving a 90 year old a blood transfusion from an 18 year old. The new blood will help keep the 90 year old alive, but don't expect them to change all that much.

Despite all the hype, both parties have firm beliefs and positions which separate them from one another. Depending on your political stance, you are either a Democrat or a Republican, for the most part. Further, chances are, you are most likely affiliated with the political party that your parents were. If you look back further, chances are, your family has probably been affiliated with the same political party since any one in your family can remember. (I know that isn't always true, but more times than not it is.) The problem is, the same ideals and beliefs and ways of each political party have pretty much remained the same, all the way back as far as you can go.

Also, as far back as you can go, you will find a rift between the two main parties. A division if you will. But that rift seems to widen as you look up the political ladder. On the ground level, where most of us stand, (you know, the "Joe the Plumbers" of the our nation) the rift is little more than an opportunity for discussion. Yes, some can be incredibly pig headed in regards to their political affiliation. But also at ground level, we can all agree, no matter of affiliation, we all need to come together to get through the woes we face and will face over the next several years no matter who has the reigns.

The real problem is getting over all the crap that has been thrown at us over the last several months, choosing the right person for the job and placing them in office. So which one do we pick? (I haven't a clue!) As far as I am concerned, I unfortunately have lost trust in those who can spend millions of dollars in a bid for one of the most powerful positions a human soul can occupy.

It also makes me angry that the voice of the people falls on the deaf ears of those we elect more often than not. I get angry when I realize that those we have elected pay more attention to fulfilling their personal aspirations then looking out for the welfare of their constituents.

Hmmm. I suppose I have a few thoughts on the subject.

Like, for instance, political report cards for our elected officials. Yup! Good old report cards. A running report of the bills either voted for or against. How many campaign promises have been kept, or are being worked on. A general report on just what each and every elected official does for the people who put them in office. With it, the right for the people to decide whether the individuals are indeed doing the job they were elected to do, and the ability to fire them if they are not. (Accountability I believe they may call it.)

Lobbyists and special interest groups should be forced to sway by the importance of their cause only and monies or gifts from these groups must be prohibited. How can we trust those we elect when we put them into a position where temptation abounds. Remove the temptation.

Prohibit negative political adds, or adds which reveal only half truths or words taken out of context. If adds of a negative nature are allowed, then full disclosure of all the facts need to be brought out so that those who will be voting have all the information instead of cleverly manipulated false and half false statements.

Either get Debate Monitors who are not afraid to speak up when a candidate has failed to answer a question asked of them, and maintain control of the debate, or just stop having them altogether. Debates should be strictly structured and the candidates should be restricted to answering questions posed to them or explaining things they wish to accomplish and how, and why their ideas will work to better our nation. (After all, isn't that going to be their job anyway? Be kind of nice we aren't electing a crack pot like the last one!)

Call for the immediate firing, (Not that mamby pamby impeachment crap) of any elected official who abuses the position of their office in any way, and the immediate filing of criminal charges if they are appropriate.

All I am saying is that if we want our government to work for us again, we need to make some harsh decisions and make some drastic changes. Our system can work, and does for the most part. Though, we need to break up the old boy network we presently have representing us. We as citizens need to demand more from those we elect, and we need to tell them that the status quo just isn't enough any more.

Make your voice be heard.