I hate politics. Those of you that know me may find that an odd statement. It is true.
I follow politics relatively closely, because it effects all of us. Unfortunately it seems those in power have absolutely no interest in the people they were elected to serve. Many involved in government are in it for the power and money. These civil servants all too often forget they are just that, civil servants. They are part of the economic elite. The reality is that politicians have money, and are not feeling the economic crunch that the majority of Americans are going through. When was the last time you heard about a politician's house being foreclosed, or being laid off because his employer could not afford to keep him, or outsourced his job, or worse?
These same folks then polarize our society. Turn friends against each other and often convince people to vote against their own self interests. Governing may not be easy, but it is simple. Do what is best for the majority. Not what will keep you in office, not what your lobbyists pay you to do, and definitely not what will make your buddies richer.
Someone smarter than me once said the difference between a statesman and a politician is that a politician thinks about the next election, while a statesman thinks about the next generation. I haven't seen a true statesman in years.
I just read Were You Born on the Wrong Continent: How the European Model Can Help You Get a Life by Thomas Geoghegan and I think you would really like it. Lemme know if you want to borrow it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just gave my mom your email address - she's looking for a magician to perform at a benefit for a nonprofit. It'd be at a winery and there will be lots of people there, so you might be able to hand out a lot of cards.