Heres one of my essays (my daughter says I need to learn to be to be more brief -- Im working on it!) about the importance of the Independent movement. First, here is what someone posted on a friends thread: I think the problem is the system, pure and simple. Folks go in thinking they will change things, then they find the corrupt, horse trading system does their idealism in. Big time. For some if just takes longer than others. Each level you go higher up brings more temptations and exposure to folks who have more power and positioning than you do. More to offer more people, not necessarily the citizens. I used to get into these discussions with my pol stepfather all the time. His answer when I was SO sure I was right and my guy was better than his slate guy? There is a little larceny in every mans soul. True...oh, how true. Our present system caters to that larceny and has for over 200 years. We elect all people on what they spew out and feel in the present. They, and the issues, will change by next week in this circus of a land. Here is my response (slightly edited -- for brevity!): I know what you say is what many people believe, including myself, at some levels. Part of the problem is that politicians, as humans, should be allowed to change their minds about issues without necessarily being called flip-flopping sell-outs. As Ive started on the first steps of a long journey toward Congress, Ive already found myself influenced by my friends and neighbors to see many issues in a different light and Ive changed my mind on a few things. Is that bad? Or is it how I should represent my district? Do I take only my ideas to Washington? My real obligation is to not take any bought-and-paid-for demands to Washington. (And there are certainly some core issues which I wont change my mind about, based on principle, but some details can and should be open for discussion.) As for the larceny in every mans soul...Id agree that everyone has a weakness, somewhere, a chink in the armor, but there have been examples, through time, of people not acting on their worst impulses. People who have stood up to tyranny and temptation and not given in. And if the system is the problem, then lets change the system. Its NOT impossible. Think about those who wanted to end slavery...seemed impossible at times, Im sure, but it happened. Women seeking the vote...seemed impossible because only men could vote to change the situation! But it happened. Campaign finance reform must happen. Corporations must stop running this country. Special interest money must be taken out of government. There is a good draft of a potential piece of legislation called the American Anti-Corruption Act. Described by organizers: The Act would transform how elections are financed, how lobbyists influence politics, and how political money is disclosed. It’s a sweeping proposal that would reshape the rules of American politics, and restore ordinary Americans as the most important stakeholders instead of major donors. It seems fairly impossible at the moment that it could pass, but nothing is impossible, and it would be my number one goal, because no other real change will happen until our elected officials stop filling their pockets and purses for personal gain. It takes electing Independents -- I wont accept any special interest money -- who will have access to the members of Congress to ask them every day if they plan to support the anti-corruption act. Because if they wont support this legislation, then they are in favor of corruption and their constituents need to know that. (I envision a press release every day from my office listing the members of Congress who said yes to corruption today along with a list of their financial backers.) As for the chink in my armor. Im not sure what it is as it relates to politics, but its possible theres more than one and by putting myself out there like I am, Im likely about to discover what those weaknesses are and then all of you will find out, too. I only ask if you start to hear things that you come to me before you start to believe the things youve heard are true, because there will be a lot of rumors and misinformation, Im sure. (Do you think?) I hope everyone in District 8 will know that at the very least Im aware that larceny lurks, and Im trying my best to fight it. In myself and in the system. (And the editing didnt work. Its not shorter than the original post!)
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 14:07:47 +0000
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