Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
Most people get into politics for all the right reasons. They want to make a difference, give back to their country (or town, county, state), stand up for the common man, put common sense back into government, affect positive change, lower taxes. Blah, blah, blah.
But once they get into office, their psyche changes. Sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. They fall into the trap of us (government officials and backers) vs them (interfering citizens). They segregate and insulate themselves from the very electorate that thrust them into office.
Politicos feel that they know what’s best for everyone, so their will must be done. They have some “vision” that is unequivocally correct, and it must be implemented despite any objections. The infidels just don’t know what’s good for them.
Of course, the “good old boy” network also comes into play. That means not only business as usual, but business trumps the environment, fair play, and the will of the people. Decisions must always consider first how it affects business. After all, it’s affluent businessmen who make campaign contributions.
Our system needs to be cleaned up. No, … disinfected! First step, get rid of the two party system. We need a 10 party system (or whatever). We need all campaigns to be on equal footing, which means the government will subsidize elections and no private contributions will be allowed over $500 (or whatever).
We need accountability. We need local and county government meetings to all be televised. Why do most politicians so adamantly oppose televising their meetings? The answer: Because they don’t want too many opposing voices. If Joe Public has to actually get off the couch and come to the meeting, he’ll opt to stay home and mind his own business.
Until real change takes place in our system, we’re no better than the tyrannical British we expelled over 200 years ago.
- Mountain Man