Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A non-American look at American politics

For years, I observed that American voters cast their votes according to whichever party they grew up with in the home, rather than the issues for which their politician stood and acted on. Granted, I am not well-informed myself on the focus points of each political candidate, as are most people, but isn't it important to know what and who you are voting for instead of the party?

That being said, I like the opinion of Senator Evan Bayh. To quote the article I read:
"[Bayh] declared the American political system "dysfunctional," riddled with "brain-dead partisanship" and permanent campaigning... Bayh argued that the American people needed to deliver a "shock" to Congress by voting incumbents out en masse and replacing them with people interested in reforming the process and governing for the good of the people, rather than deep-pocketed special-interest groups."
I think that is the key to change, not a single man in office. That's the great thing about America -- the power is held by the people, not a single person or family. And we have so forgotten that fact.

We are the ones responsible for putting men and women in government, who are supposed to represent the American people. Likewise, we are responsible and must bear the consequences of putting the wrong people in government. If all a politician does is speak empty words, then by all means get rid of such insincerity and uselessness. The old saying of "Action speaks louder than words" holds true for all eternity. You would fire a useless employee in a heartbeat, why not a seat-warming, career-campaigner politician? What good is all the credentials and promises without any action to back it up? If I were promoting managers, I would promote someone with a high school diploma yet possessing people and leadership skills with a proven-track record over someone with an MBA and a 4.0 GPA.

Along with privilege comes responsibility -- all eligible Americans should exercise their right to vote and exercise it
carefully.

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