Election Time

I listened to an interview with a political candidate on the news the other night that caused me to stop and watch - I am not a television watcher, but I do keep an ear turned while I read.  The candidate was telling the reporter that she didn't know how to run against someone who she knew nothing about.  

When did elections become a contest of running against someone?  When a person runs for an office, they should be running only against themselves.  They should feel they have the qualifications for holding the office and the ability to represent their constituents in the best way possible.  Why do candidates feel they have to run against someone? 

The media takes the blame for smearing candidates and officials, but in reality the opposing candidates are the investigative reporters.  The candidates are the ones who find the dirt, research the records, and audit the accounts of those with the audacity to run against them for public office.  Wouldn't it make a difference if these same candidates met with the constituents and discussed the problems they are facing and to actually get their opinions on the issues of today.  That is only a dream!  That would mean a personal sacrifice on the part of the candidate - the candidate would actually have to do something and meet face to face with the constituents.  How ridiculous! 

Recently a local candidate came to "ask for" our votes.  I was coming out of the garden as he came toward the house.  I had met this man many times on previous occasions, but hubby said he wouldn't know him if he met him on the street.  I invited him in to meet my mate.  His response was he didn't have a lot of time and he had a lot of people to see.  Warning signs went up, but he came in met hubby and discussed a few issues.  My point is this - if hasn't time now to talk to us and tell us about himself and what he stands for, what will happen when he gets elected.  Will he have time to hear our opinion on the issues or our complaints on the service we are receiving?

Candidates, do you have time for a meeting on a campaign ad, but you don't have time to attend a one hour town hall meeting where you can meet face to face with the constituents of your area?

Candidates, do you have obligations that prevent you from speaking at a community committee meeting, but you can play golf with the lobbyist that is funding your campaign?

Candidates, do you listen to your constituents desires on issues or do you support the big business that donates money or gratuities to you and your political party?

Candidates, do you know what the issues are?

This year, vote smart!  Know your candidates or at least try to get to know them.  We will still make mistakes, candidates will still present themselves in the most positive way possible only to let us down.  Remember, the political party comes first and the constituents come second.  What does your political part support?  What is your political party's stand on the issues?  If the candidate is an incumbent, his/her voting record is easily checked as is his/er attendance record.

Yes, vote smart, but more importantly vote!

Happy reading!
Belle

Just a Thought

I am always a little miffed at people running unopposed.  All these gripes and complaints against our elected officials and the threats of voting them out on election day and then no one cares enough to provide themselves or another viable candidate to challenge the position of those receiving the complaints.  If one is so unhappy with the jobs these officials are doing then why are they running unopposed?  I say to you "you know you didn't mean what you said so 'take it back'."  Sounds a little childish doesn't it?  Well, that is what all the picking and bickering sounds like through the years.  The threats, the name calling, the temper tandrums are  al childish is you are not willing to stand behind your words. 

It is a challenge to run a county, much less a state or a nation.  The citizens expect services that reflect the amount of taxes paid however very few citizens are cognizant of the cost of the services provided.  To oversee the operations of any government entity is a challenge and to do so pleasing all the citizens is an impossibility.  To verbally attack a person that has offered themselves up for election is a right of the people, but to do so unjustly is slanderous. 

Do you keep your promises?  How do you vote out someone with no opposition?  Citizens are so fickle.  They can be vehemently opposed to an elected official one day and so apathetic when it comes to finding a candidate that represents their beliefs and ideals.  Does that mean you can't make them happy no matter what?  Yes, I think there are people like that.