Do you want to be ruled or governed?

Posted on September 27th, 2010 by admin

Image by jcbwalsh via Flickr

The closer it gets to the midterm elections, the more it appears as if the representatives in Washington are paying less attention to what’s good for the people of this nation and placing greater emphasis on holding on to their jobs, and ultimately their power. Otherwise, these professional politicians will have to resort to finding a real job or become a lobbyist, after the legal waiting period, so they can influence those taking their place. That’s the way the system works.

This is not a one party thing, although the Democrats proved they are willing to use scorched earth tactics to divide and conquer by stirring up class, race, nationality and religious bigotry to attain their goals. What the citizenry wants and needs is for them to address the real issues: out-of-control spending, a mounting deficit, the increasing national debt, continued high unemployment, protection of our borders and providing an environment where businesses can flourish so workers can enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Republicans are hoping to take seats away from the opposition by circling the wagons and trying to block, by any means, legislation supported by the party in power. Of course, along the way, billions of dollars in new spending and little amendments to bills have been approved, because the majority has the votes to jam through most anything it chooses. So, the Republicans talk while the Democrats continue to pass bills.

The squabbling among Democrats is apparent as incumbents distance themselves from the administration and the leaders in both Houses. It’s interesting to note that in current campaign ads no one is referring to passage of the health care bill as a reason they should be re-elected. For now, it’s every Democrat for his or her self.

With the Republicans, the disruption is coming from outside the establishment leadership through the anti-tax, anti-spend, anti-big government Tea Party and inside from those who sympathize with this populist movement. Will these factions come together in the spirit of party unity in the final month before November?

Many people believe that a lopsided House and Senate, along with a president all from the same party, are not in the country’s best interest. U.S. politics is based on a two-party system, and if one side has all the power those on the other side have none. Americans seem to prefer a balance of power. Since government operates on a representative basis, the people expect to be represented by those they elect. Over the past nearly two years, the governed have grown to feel left out of the process. Maybe that’s why polls indicate that two-thirds of likely voters believe the country is on the wrong track.

Americans do not want to be ruled; however, they are willing to be governed through inspired leadership supported by an understanding of and for the people. The voters go to the polls next month to decide who will represent them for the next Congressional term. The results will speak volumes about what the electorate really expects and how strongly the voters believe in it.