by Lynette Alice

Created on: May 18, 2010

It is hard to believe the American political system represents my interests or the interests of any average person out fighting the world to make ends meet on a daily basis. It is completely possible many people that get involved with politics on a variety of levels from the community activist to the chief executive may have entered the system to serve the people initially, but somewhere along the line got sidetracked. Sometimes that may happen due to becoming drunk on power, greed, or the desire to force a personal agenda. A politician can even get sidetracked by sliding down the slippery slope of repaying the individuals and entities that helped vault them into their career.

However it happens, it is far to common a part of the current American political landscape. There are so many constituents to serve with so many differing needs and wants that it is impossible to serve everyone in the manner they feel is just. All too often, rather than make tough decisions that are unpopular with voters, but the right thing to do in regards to the utilitarian value, they take the easy way out. They follow the golden rule - just not the one children are taught. They follow the adult version which states he who has the gold makes the rules.

In doing so, far too often actual needs are overlooked. At times the will of the people is overlooked because it goes against the personal will of the politician. Summary vetoes are far too common as are announcements made that regardless of how the people, House, or Senate vote, that they will only be slapped down because something does not fit the current agenda. It is not just the federal level though by any means, it happens on the state level as well. In actuality it can be seen all the way down to alderman that manipulate the system for their own gain or the benefit of those that can keep them in power.

To be a true an excellent political leader, one has to have the ability to set aside their own preferences and listen to the people who endowed them with power by trusting them enough to cast ballots in their favor. Some shining examples do their best to honor that while others abuse it. If the American political system - or any political system for that fact ran correctly - abuse would be the exception rather than the rule. When constituents spoke they would be listened to - not just during the election season but all seasons. Politicians would show the people they represent respect by answering questions and concerns in a timely honest manner rather than stalling, double talking, or wholly avoiding anything which may be difficult.

If the American political system represented my interests, there would be an actual effort to reign in deficit spending and pay down the national debt. Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen would have everything they needed to do their job efficiently and with the utmost safety - and when they came home promises made to them would be honored. Rather than have thousands of programs to address small issues contained in hundreds of problems, there would be comprehensive plans to address issues at their root and truly solve the problem rather than treat the symptom. 

If the American political system represented me, it would be a system that asked me what I needed and did not need along with every other voter, and then it would give us what we needed rather than what a smattering individuals have deemed is in our best interest based on their own personal preferences.

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