Lesser of Two Evils
2/15/2008
It is a shame that voting in America often comes down to the lesser of two evils. There doesn’t seem to be a politician around that is trustworthy. No matter what their campaign promises are, once they are in power they are subject to all sorts of bribery, corruption, and special interests.
Yes, we all want “change” but what exactly does that mean? Withdraw from Iraq, kick the illegal immigrants out, improve education, universal healthcare - yeah those are the standard answers. It’s hard to tell if someone is just reciting a newscast or thinking for themselves when they offer those examples.
Perhaps I am more cynical of our government. When I hear about the new and innovative ways in which our government wastes our money I don’t know if I should congratulate them for being innovative or start a coup d’état.
Anyone can find examples of wasteful spending; there really isn’t a challenge in that. A bridge to nowhere in Alaska, a teapot museum in North Carolina… How can elected officials get away with this? They were elected to best represent the popular vote but I find it hard to believe that’s the first thing they think about when decisions need to be made.
In lieu of a complete overhaul, which those in power will never allow to happen, a few things need to happen to restore a little bit of respect in our government and country. If you are a lobbyist, you need to start looking on careerbuilder.com because your job needs to be eliminated. Big business pays you to schmooze with elected officials and sway them to act in the company’s best interest, not necessarily (and most often not) in the interest in the people that got them elected. In my book that’s called a bribe and it’s illegal and immoral. Without lobbyists officials might just be able to look at issues for what they are and not what they are worth to them personally.
The Electoral College is so antiquated that it serves no purpose anymore. Popular vote should decide all elections. I don’t care which state has a larger population and I certainly don’t care to protect the mortally wounded two party system. I would love to see a three or even four party system. Which ever candidate gets the most votes nationwide wins – that’s not rocket science.
If a candidate even thinks about raising taxes they are off my list instantly. With all of the pork being spent don’t even think about asking for more. I never asked for or approved a teapot museum in my state. As a matter of fact, I want a refund. How dare our government claim they don’t have money for healthcare or Social Security? Stop spending tax payer money like its someone else’s money in endless supply!
War isn’t pretty and I have a great appreciation for what our armed forces sacrifice. That being said, bring them home from every foreign country. We need to take care of ourselves for a change instead of trying to be the policemen for the world. All that has done since Vietnam is get our troops killed and make more enemies. Sure we need foreign policy but if two countries want to fight over which grains of sand are theirs sell a pay-per-view ticket but lets not get involved. They have been fighting over that piece of land since before the U.S. existed and will continue to do so with or without us there.
We have our own natural resources so forget about the Middle East and start drilling in Alaska. We have enough smart minds to develop alternative sources of energy. Let them do their thing and get big business and the lobbyists out of their way.
I understand why illegal immigrants come here. Hell, I would probably do the same thing for my family if I was in their position. The only reason I do not want them here is because of the economic drain they put on our system. I do not deny the services they offer but educating and healing them is not a right they are due. The process of legal immigration needs to be modified and sped up. Let them come here IF they are willing to pay taxes like the rest of us. I’m not willing to pay for their education or hospital bills.
Government is too involved and too big. It is not their place to regulate every issue. We don’t need or want Big Brother watching us at all times. Less government equals less spending. See how that works?
I don’t see any candidate still in the race that completely agrees with my views. I guess that is to be expected. The one candidate that supports reducing government (and in turn government spending) has my vote as of right now. Unfortunately this individual doesn’t have much or a chance of winning their party’s nomination. Do I throw my vote away and vote for them anyway since he might run as an independent? Show I choose the lesser of two evils? What a crappy dilemma to be in as a voter in the most powerful country in the world. One thing is for sure though I will vote no matter what. Who I vote for is irrelevant – you need to vote for the candidate that you think epitomizes your views.
Why? Just Because!