Okay, so it's been a little while since I've had a post, but duty has called elsewhere this semester (internships, newspaper articles, rowing, class and EXCEL planning to name a few).
I was prodded into posting about politics--a topic I loathe in everyday discussion--by recent postings on Facebook by friends. I voted in the 2008 election and prepared myself well for the decision I made (which I have only shared in confidence with a few close friends). I understand and accept that politics is" required" for the functioning of our democracy and our country; at a basic level, the discussion and debate and rallying should be useful in proving who is most qualified and prepared to serve our country in many capacities.
However, I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with how members of our country's political parties conduct their everyday business. As far as I'm convinced, each side is as guilty as the other. I truly believe that more often than not, what is done or said is more for purposes of gaining power rather than furthering or helping out our nation. Now I understand that being "in power" is typically necessary for creating change, at least when it comes to the higher national offices, yet I just do not see where this fight for power evolves into making a difference. I don't want a politician by trade running this country. Sure, I want someone who knows what is going on and understands it, and many politicians fit this description. But I just don't see their fallibility ever show, or their party's.
I feel like we rarely see candidates who have made mistakes or changed their minds and admit it. Usually I see hypocrites instead of helpers. Do I want a candidate for president or any office who messes up? No. But I accept and understand that it happens, and I would rather see someone admit it and explain what he/she learned from that than brush it under the rug or pass blame off elsewhere.
Maybe I'm just complaining about something that isn't really a problem and that my perception of things is skewed. All I know is I seem to be finding more people who are turned off by any political discussion because it all seems so messed up or leads to conflict instead of resolution. I am a die-hard Independent, so don't bother asking me who I voted for 4 years ago or who I am voting for this year (I cringe when I think about having such limited options to choose from, R or D).
And I know this little memo doesn't exactly comply with the "if you have a problem with something, work to change it" mantra, but I'm hoping to perhaps draw some of my like-minded friends out of the woodwork and maybe learn a little something useful about what can best help our country in any number of areas. If I'm alone, cool, I'll just keep to myself from now on regarding this. But if I have any sympathizers, I would enjoy hearing your take on things. Cheers.
