I’m sick and tired, and I’m not going to take it anymore! This line, from decades ago, movie, Grid, expressed the frustration of one individual, that what seemed to continue, was happening, and how, instead of being cared for and represented by our elected officials, so many of us seem to be, simply, cared for (and abused/taken advantage of)! Little has changed, since then, especially for the better! We continue, being witnesses, of the same as always, where these people care more about their personal/political agenda, and/or self-interest, than to help the service, to the greater good, and to try, a meeting -of-! the minds! There are at least 5 examples of this type of ongoing behavior, and the reality is that it’s only when voters start demanding more and better from these people, than we have to date, that things really, really change! With that in mind, this article will briefly attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss these behaviors and why we should be concerned and disappointed.
1. direct links: Although politicians have often been seen as far less than honest and honorable, in these past four years when Donald Trump was president, we have witnessed so many outright lies, according to many political fact-checkers. His misstatements of him, distortions, denials, and other behaviors of his seemed to not matter to his core supporters, who continued to believe and follow/support him! He created a frequently used phrase. Fake Facts, and/or Alternative Facts, which had the impact of trying to normalize this path of action and rhetoric! Without, the public demanded, a higher level of behavior and integrity on the part of public officials, this will happen, again, and perhaps even more frequently, for many others!
2. Excessive political spin: Although, we hope, some degree of political twist, when you create a mindset where individuals believe they are not only entitled to their own opinions, but also to the facts, has the potential ramifications of harming the common good!
3. Setting your personal/political agenda, before serving: How can the public benefit unless/until the greater good is consistently the highest public service priority? Why do we continue to allow anything less than this?
4. Not addressing priorities: When politicians put their political interests ahead of those of the majority of the public and vote against the wishes, etc., of the citizens, as indicated by the differences between many polls/public opinion polls and the votes of politicians on issues significant, is contrary to the priorities and perceptions of the majority of citizens! Officials feel entitled though, because there seem to be rarely any electoral ramifications etc!
5. Too much partisan politics: I have never observed the level of political hypocrisy that we constantly witness when representatives themselves use rhetoric etc. to justify their shifting positions based on partisan politics as we have done in recent years!
Wake up American and demand more and better service and representation from those you vote for! It’s up to all of us voters!