How long will it take?

So many new faces taking office this week or soon thereafter.  Their positions or seats won by promising to represent the will of the people; to do away with all the overspending in progress now; and to return freedom to the people of the United States.  How long will it last?

How long before the first lobbyist reminds a senator or representative of that campaign contribution that helped get him elected?  How long before a lobbyist promises a contribution to ensure re-election?  How long before the "let's make a deal" starts and the campaign promises and the constituents are thrown to the wind?

The one thing I have been told or heard by elected officials consistently is "but you don't understand; you don't know how it is."  It seems so easy to make promises, plans, and set up objectives that one or two months down the road don't mean a hill of beans.  Politicians forget the constituents and grow on the power and the people they are now exposed to and have the ear of.  It all comes down to power and control and no matter who is elected or what they promise, power and control take over and they are no longer interested in the wishes or thoughts that put them in office.  Friend or foe, it doesn't matter - they are the important ones now and they are making the decisions.

One warning - elections come often.  Tread carefully.  Now more than ever before the American people are watching and are no longer apathetic to what is going on in their government whether it be local, state, or federal.

Just some thoughts, so until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

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

Have you noticed

• that more people are voicing their opinions on important issues in our government
• that elected officials are speaking out in support of their constituent's wishes
• that personalities have been put aside and focus is on the constitutionality of issues
• that the apathy of the people is changing as our freedoms are being threatened
• that people are becoming more educated about our constitution and our government

A long way to go and not much time to get there, but the journey has begun!