Fed Up With Politicians and Phonies

Did you ever wake up in the morning and decide that the world around

you is too filled with liars and schemers and nastiness that it causes you

to barricade yourself in your safe and sane cozy nest?

That's how I felt when I woke up this morning.  I was thinking about a

blog post.  I thought about writing something sweet and cheerful, but

given the current political and social climate, I felt too overwhelmed by

all the negativity surrounding me to come up with a post that would be

all sunshine and lollipops.

I knew it was time for a major catharsis because I am up to my ears

in this type of unwelcome behavior.  So, if you are not ready for a

rant, leave this post right now and come back tomorrow when I am

in a happier mood.

Let me clear the decks by saying that I am an Independent.  I am not 

a member of either of the two major political parties, nor do I desire to

be because they both equally disgust me.  It's been a very long time 

since I had any faith in politicians.  

I grew up in an idyllic village of suburban Chicago along the shores

of Lake Michigan.  It was and still is the type of town that is associated

with pretty homes, green lawns, and a nuclear family with a dog.  The

American dream.  But, not too far from our family's little utopia was

the "big shouldered" and tough city of Chicago.  A city well known for

it's corruption and gangster style politics.  So once I ventured out of our

snug little home, and into the real world, I was introduced to the rougher 

side of life.  I was saddened by what I discovered in my beloved city of

Chicago, and I still am.

But, not being content to remain forever in the Chicago area,  I felt the need

to get out into the world and explore and explore I did.  What I discovered, is that there

are both good and bad people everywhere.  I do not agree with those who insist on

painting America as the greedy and selfish nation and we are the villains of world

altercations.  There are plenty of villains in foreign lands too.  Life is not as black

and white as some would have us believe.

Greed and selfishness abound in all lands.  Wherever you go, you will find those

who want the whole pie for themselves and will keep you from getting a slice.

So how do they do this?

Those in power create laws to keep the citizens in line.  Do they uphold those laws?

Most often they do not.  They consider themselves above the law.

Lobbyists and special interest groups push their own agendas.  Are these

agendas for the majority's good?  No, not often.  Primarily these agendas

are pushed to line their own pockets without thought of the well being and

or livelihood of others.  There is so much behind the scenes wheeling and

dealing in Washington that it's hard to have faith in anyone.

It is not surprising to me, that this election year has seen a backlash of

voters fed up with both parties.  I am not a socialist, so I could not get

behind Bernie Sander's campaign, but God bless him for speaking for

others and stepping outside of the box.

I don't know how to begin to fix this mess because it is so pervasive.

However, I do have some ideas for beginning to unravel the current

quagmire.

First ~ Term Limits.  The longer one is in Washington, the more 

there is the potential for corruption.  I did spend a period of my life

working for a politician's re-election, and learned this truth first hand.

They leave their home states with all kinds of goals and promises to 

their constituents and then those promises are pushed aside.  The longer

they are in Washington, the more tainted they become.  

Second ~ reject political dynasties.  Our nation fought for it's freedom

from England.  Did we establish a monarchy?  No, we did not.  So

why are we mimicking a monarchy by exhaulting familial politicians?

I'm not naming names ~ we all know who they are.

Third ~ forcing politicians to uphold the voice of the people.  If

a candidate wins the majority vote, that vote must be upheld.  I 

don't care if the "powers that be" like or dislike a candidate, that

may be their opinion, but it's not their right.  If we let them get 

away with that, they will trot out some old war horse who they

consider a good candidate because it's owed to them for their

time spent in the political party.  Politicians are NOT owed anything!

They are paid to serve only.

That just scrapes the surface of my attitude toward politicians.

Trust me, there is much more, but I won't bore you with that.

However, my blog post title is ~ Fed Up With Politicians and

Phonies.  

So what about the phonies?  Why are they grating my nerves today?

Here is my second rant ....

Fed Up With Phonies

We all have met them.  They are the ones who preach to others on a

myriad of topics, but don't practice what they preach.  They are the

ones who will willingly and repeatedly break laws and then have

the audacity to critique others.  All I can say to someone like that is

shame on you.  

I have no respect for someone who breaks laws and puts others in

harm's way by their actions.  It is selfish, dangerous, immature,

and unprofessional.

For those of you who stayed with me through this post ~ I thank you!

I feel so much better now that I have spoken my mind.  Any time you need to

do the same, I am here to listen.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley