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.
Connor, it's like you are reading my mind and putting down in blog form. I agree with you 100% on EVERYTHING you said.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a household where talks of politics were never conducted with even a small degree of civility (because the other party was clearly "evil"). The only thing I got out of this upbringing was a disdain for hearing opinions rooted in blind absolutes and sharing them without any attempt at respecting human dignity.
Although I will do my civic duty and vote in each election, I too have become disillusioned with the system and personally see it as "broken." Our competitive, individualistic society has pushed us to this point, and its sad to see people using representative positions to garner more political power when they should have their attention focused on representing our interests.
Whew. I'll stop ranting now too. I typically don't talk about this much either for fear of starting a riot. Good points all across!
Good points, but from the outside looking in to politics, especially national politics, it's hard to really judge it. I interned in DC and in a district office for two different Congressmen and it isn't as bad as the media makes it out to be. Additionally, the media only focuses on the high profile, more powerful or power hungry politicians. There are many great men and women in office that are not "politicians by trade," who have worked in the private sector first, and who go into Congress their freshman term with no thought towards re-election and just continuously try and break the status quo..But the voters don't pay attention, we aren't informed by the "Lamestream media," and they aren't taken seriously by their parties because they aren't yes men.
ReplyDeleteI think there's hope for our generation of leaders, I really do. I go to a lot of political conferences and the politically involved are just as frustrated as the not involved...I truly believe that things will get better with each new generation.
Keep writing, Connor!
Lots of love,
Snow
Josh, amen brotha!
ReplyDeleteSnow, I appreciate your comment. When I said politicians by trade I didn't believe that everyone is one, just really what you said in that those who are seem to be the only ones we hear about. I think as a reasonably educated college student I can be aware of this, but my worry is for many who aren't aware of media biases. It's all so complex! If you have faith in future, rising generations then I trust your opinion...I hope things get better!
Thanks for the encouragement,
Connor