Did you miss part 1? The Set Up talks about our innocent beginnings. We learn social skill sets in school. Communication, interaction, teamwork. We form opinions and rank one another. It ties into this post, so it is suggested you start at the beginning. Don’t worry, we’ll wait.
Politicians
This is NOT a political rant. I don’t discuss politics [or religion]. It’s all about personal preference and unless and only if I care that much will I share my preference[s]. Not today, sort of. Although it may turn into some sort of rant just the same.
I watched – because the television station cut in on what I was already watching – the signing of the Health Care Reform Bill into law the other day. I missed Vice President Biden’s slip. Why do I always miss the good stuff?
I didn’t miss the faces in the crowd [of Democrats]. Did you catch it? I don’t know who he is, but he was to the left of the President [our right]. He was tall with dark hair and when they were standing and applauding he turned to his right [yours and mine, too] and smiled one of those “we actually DID something” smiles.
How many times do our political representatives say they are going to do something and then actually do it? I’m sure you can count on one hand. Think about it. It’s all talk, talk, talk. And whether you like him, hate him, agree with him or not, you really have to acknowledge that President Obama is DOING something. Finally, a politician that says what he is going to do and does it – he did promise health care reform.
Oh, let’s not argue the bailout thing, since we all know that President Bush started that. Remember, when the Republicans had the majority vote right before the election? Selective memory, perhaps?
The point, because there is one, is simply this – we never grow up!
Shocked? Really? You shouldn’t be. You’re guilty of this. Sure you are. Yes, you are. Don’t argue with me. Just own it already.
The Social Circle
We learn how to act socially in school. If we don’t go to school [homeschooled] then we better be learning social interaction in another way. If not, then those children will be socially dysfunctional [not the word I wanted, but not as offensive]. I’ve seen this in homeschooled children. It’s not their fault. It’s the parents for handicapping them. Stop doing that!
Back to our social learning. We learn how to get along, or how not to get along, in school. We elect our first representatives for student council [student government?]. And how do we decide who represents us? Ah, popularity. If you’re unknown you’re not elected. What a shame since popular does not necessarily mean best choice or even good choice. Popular is just known.
How do we elect our politicians? Yes, popularity. Learning something yet? Not yet? Stay tuned.
A smooth-talking confidence trickster makes his way into congress (where the cynical would suggest he’d have plenty of company) in this comedy. Thomas Jefferson Johnson (Eddie Murphy) is a con man from Florida who gets the bright idea that a scam artist could make a tidy sum if he was able to get inside the political arena. When a Florida congressman named Jeff Johnson dies and a special election is held to replace him, Thomas puts his name on the ballot as “Jeff Johnson,” and enough confused voters check the ballot for him that he wins the race and is on his way to Washington D.C.
- The Distinguished Gentleman
See it now? Popular does not mean qualified. It just means known.
We elect based on a name. We elect based on who gets the most advertising. We elect based on other people’s opinion. We’re lazy. I’m not arguing with you this time. We ARE lazy. If we weren’t then we would have term limits so politicians aren’t still in office when they are 100 years old! Really, a goal to retire at 100. Well, goody for you, but not on my dime! How can a 100 year old know what is going to be needed in the next 100 years.
Not for nothing, but it was selfish of Ted Kennedy to remain in office when he was as ill as he was. You mean to tell me he couldn’t work his political magic as a private citizen? If he would have gotten out when the getting out was good he may have been able to sway his constituents into voting in a replacement of his choosing. Instead, the democrats lost the seat. Maybe that was a good thing.
Do you see it now? We haven’t changed. We are NOT evolving. We are stagnant. They are the mean girls and we are allowing them to control us. Yes, WE. WE are allowing it. WE are not trying to stop it. THEY are pulling all the strings because WE are letting them. WE WE WE WE WE. Own it! It is YOU and ME.
Ignorance is Not a Valid Excuse
Not in the eyes of the law or in anything else. The information is out there. Get informed. Be informed. Take responsibility.
I can tell you I don’t like the idea of paying for health care or being fined. I’m unemployed, have no health insurance, but I hardly ever see a doctor [knock on wood]. Yet, I’m fined every day when I’m asked to pay a tax for something or other. Okay, it’s called a tax or a fee or a permit. We all know it’s the same damn thing.
Besides, the government has been running health care all along – who do you think funds all the research [politicians are all over this] – only now they are being a bit more honest about it.
Your Turn
No lazy ignorance allowed here. Be honest, but respectful.
Twitter: websiteweekend
I’m voting out incumbents across the board next few elections.
If everyone would do this, we’d have the whole mess cleaned up within a few years.
.-= Dave Doolin shares some words of wisdom ..How to Practice Blogging Like a Master – You can do this =-.
[Reply]
Anne Bender
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
@Dave Doolin, The trick is in getting the sheep to stray from the flock. There is also great use of fear tactics. In our community it’s the fear of losing school programs due to budget constraints. They want to raise personal property taxes [which will not put a dent in the problem] or they will cut band and college prep courses. I’m not biting. They need to learn practical money management skills, then they can talk to me about the need to raise my taxes.
[Reply]
Twitter: justcommentary
Well Anne, you can post on That’s Right I Said It anytime. Give my a shout and I’ll set up your login.
I fully understand the concern of both sides when it comes to the health care bill. What I can't understand is how so many people can sit on their hands for decades ignoring the problem of our health care system and once someone wants to fix it they all of the sudden have something better and all but fight to the death to derail it.
I think we need term limits too. In fact, fire every single politician and lets start out fresh.
Any politician that gets rich from being in office should be prosecuted.
As far as being old, when you start driving 10 miles an hour below the speed limit it’s time to move on and out.
One more thing – every single law and mandate should apply to every politician too, no exceptions.
.-= TRISI shares some words of wisdom ..Good Samaritan Or Idiot Driver? =-.
[Reply]
Anne Bender
Twitter: AnneOnline
Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
@TRISI, I’ll be in touch to take you up on that offer for sure.
We do need to start voting out and rotating our elected officials. After about 10 years they are complacent anyway. It may not even take that long. Yet, the president can hold office for 8, so all others should at least get that.
Nothing is ever going to be perfect, but until we are will to do something, anything, nothing will change. Health Care Reform is a large task, but working together it can be tackled little by little. The problem is everyone wants credit and no one is willing to share. Do we ever grow up?
[Reply]