Obstructionism in the Political Process

As a citizen I feel helpless to combat the overwhelming tide of professional hacks.  Yes hacks.  “WE THE PEOPLE” work hard, do our best, and think we are electing officials who will look out for OUR interests.  It appears we not only are naïve, but we also seem to be stupid.

We go to rallies, we stuff envelopes, we send dollars and we carry signs.  Why do we do all these things? Because we believe we can make a difference?  However, when push comes to shove, when these elected officials, who we have supported, have to make a hard choice between the “people who sent them” and the “people who pay them” it is always the later who get the vote or favor, or consideration.

So really, who is the obstructionist?  Where did this wonderful concept of a people’s voice, a representation in the process go astray?  When Senators or Representatives support a position that is contrary to the majority of their constituents they have become the obstructionist.  They obstruct the process and the office they were sent to fill.  They have aligned themselves with the “rich and powerful” lobbying groups who will line their pockets or “war chest” for the next term.  It’s more about being there than doing what is best for the folks who sent them.

And all the while these same Obstructionists come home on the weekends to pander to those of us who will still come out to the meetings, carry the signs, and leave a dollar or two in the basket.  When will we learn?

It is becoming clearer each day as I listen to the reports and read the federal accounts, we have a Senate that is virtually shut down by a bunch of angry men and women, who want it their way.  Never mind the fact they are the minority (40%), they just want it their way or nothing will happen.  Screw the majority rule concept.  The thought of a year where nothing of consequence has been enacted, a year of fighting, a year of lost productivity should turn the stomach of every taxpaying American. 

Complain as we do, grouse about it while talking to friends and just plain being disgusted with the process, nothing will happen until “WE THE PEOPLE” take a stand and insist on TERM LIMITS for all elected officials. 

Too long has the “professional politician” being a thorn in the side of good government.  Too long has “seniority” had too important role in who does what, when and where, not to mention where you sit at the table.   Too long has the American taxpaying society put up with these “pampered, frail egos!”

We have identified the Obstructionists and they are those who have served in congress too long.  They have served beyond the time of their fresh ideas and high ideals.  They have run for reelection so they can return to their DC office.  This right of return becomes the goal rather than what is more important, what they propose, what they can do for a better society. 

It is time to have all elected officials and their staffs, sign a non-competitive no contact agreement (for at least 10 years) when they get elected or appointed to a federal position.  We must close the revolving door of influence within the government.  The same must be true for those who are running for an office or appointed to a staff position. They must not have been involved as an influence peddler to the federal government for the same period of time.

Since we now have a Supreme Court ruling that any corporation or group can give UNLIMITED funds to a campaign fund for an elected official, the public must take up the fight for TERM LIMITS.  If we do nothing we will get what we deserve, and that will be NO REPRESENTATION and the OBSTRUCTIONISTS will have won!