Monday, April 18, 2011

A Concerned Constituent

While these guys duke it out...

who goes down for the count?

Remember the day when public service more predictably lived up to its name? Strong differences and disputes were still the norm, but the civil servant of yesteryear prioritized city, state and national needs over his own, seeking a direction (often the result of compromise) that would benefit the entire electorate. Guided by the prevailing interest of arriving at reasonable, equitable solutions, representatives found ways to disagree without being disagreeable. Progress was made.

Today, the absence of civility among politicians in Washington and elsewhere is both disappointing and disturbing. Without effective and respectful discourse, the best interests of our country are neglected, and stalemate ensues. How I would love to see our leaders focus more on "getting it right" and less on getting re-elected.

Who, if any, will take the high road in days and years to come? How will we manage to elect people who really want to help (and not just themselves)? Is such a thing even possible? And if not, what does that mean for the nation at large? I shudder to think...

I'm not laying the blame on one party or the other. Republicans and Democrats (along with other contentious factions, powermongers, and attention-seekers) are equally guilty of looking out for number one. This is an equal opportunity rant I'm making here, and I'll wrap it up quickly. The fact is, we need political leaders that are staunch patriots, not self-serving peacocks.

With that in mind, I would like to send the following note to the powers that be...

Dear Congressmen, Congresswomen, Senators, Councilmen/women and the like:

More serving and less strutting.
Please!

Signed,

A Concerned Constituent

Anyone care to sign on?

23 comments:

larainydays said...

I like to think my congressman brother, Jeff Flake is such a man. He is running for the Senate in 2012. You can check him out here http://www.jeffflake.com/

jen said...

Laraine's brother is my congressman, and he is that kind of man. But he's one of the only ones in Congress, and there's not a lot one man can do.
Can I be John Hancock and sign the biggest?

Susan Anderson said...

That is really exciting, Laraine. I only wish you lived in my state so I could vote for him!

Sign away, Jen...and go for the gusto!

=)

Brian Miller said...

woohoo i will sign on...it makes me sick!

anitamombanita said...

Grow up boys and girls, no? No wonder there's so much apathy in the political process...

Karen Mortensen said...

AMEN. I hope you send this to one of them.

Joy For Your Journey said...

I am totally with you on this one! Both parties are making me sick. I don't see much chance of change either. I am sorry to say.

Sistas in Zion said...

Hopefully they all read your message LOUD AND CLEAR!

EG CameraGirl said...

Sad to say, politicians act no better here in Canada.

LeAnn said...

Sue, Well said!
I think it is just more evidence of the signs of the times.
Blessings to you! LeAnn

a man said...

have mercy.

4 Lettre Words said...

It's scary now, huh!? Great post, Sue.

Donna said...

Wish I could be all politics free, but this is the US and you hve to vote for someone, huh? The good the bad and the ugly!

CB said...

I can only say "Amen".
I am also sick of the narsacism (sp?) around me. Everyone is pulling for the person who will serve themselves the best - not what is best for the country - UGH!

Amy said...

It is sadly true. I honestly don't like election time because there is so much mud slinging and so little actual debating or presenting of platforms. IT makes me sad that people believe that is the only way to get ahead. Sigh.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Gosh, you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay nicer than I am, Sue. "The absence of civility"?

More like 'the overwhelming presence of assininity'.

Hey, it should be a word.

Anonymous said...

well said Sue...

deb duty said...

I agree, but I've about given up that it will ever happen.

Lisa Loo said...

Well said.
It makes it all the harder for someone like me who struggles to understand all the issues without adding who did what when to whom. Argh....

Caroline said...

Amen.

I am SO tired of the atmosphere in DC these days and I direct my exhaustion towards just about every politician. I think most Americans share our sentiments in a lagging economy and a housing market that is really pitiful.

Darlene said...

Well said, well said. You voice my opinion exactly. I am truly begining to dislike politicians in general. I know there are a few exceptions but they are so alone and cannot make a difference unless they can get a few others to agree with them and everyone seems to go for the party line and I am almost beginning to believe that I am in no party at all. I dislike all of them!!! So,what's to become of us? That is the big question. I wish someone truly had the answer. We are in such a muddle and we will never dig our way out of it. Much worse, it is a poor legacy for our grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will be forever trying to get out of the debt created by this AND the last administration.

Grandma Honey said...

I never thought of such things when I was younger. I use to think politicians were really just out for our benefit...but with differing ideas of how to go about it all.

Jess said...

Me too- I guess they've live up to their name con-gress the opposite of progress