It is time you learned something about politicians: they are a smart breed. Every single one of them, even the ones usually referred to in the media as “idiots.” There is no way a common idiot can master the arts of both double-speak and selective truth telling to such a degree that they can influence the majority of the voters in their respective districts, states, or nations to get elected.
They usually don’t tell you what you need to hear, but instead convey what they want you to hear. These words have the magical ability to stir people up into an absolute flurry of passion that causes voters to open up their wallet or give up their time. However before you follow the battle cries of believable change (with no definite course of action) or join the revolution (what are we revolting against, by the way?), step back and do what most Americans fail to do on a daily basis – think.
In my opinion, two of the most hot button issues that should have been handled ten years ago are those of social security and our country’s health care. We hear promises that they shall be fixed but are given no results. Bias aside, I absolutely applaud President Bush for making an effort to try and fix social security. It does not matter if you appreciate the idea of privatized social security or not, he is the first politician in a long time who gave a concerted effort to reform this ailing system. His proposals caused a national stir with fierce proponents of both sides coming out of the wood work. But in the end, it did not matter. Senators and representatives alike bickered the bill apart and nothing happened.
Health care is in the same boat. Something needs to be done, but the realist in me knows nothing will be accomplished. As long as someone is willing to pay the bills (Uncle Sam or insurance companies), prices will continue to increase. This is great as long as you are either willing to live in poverty or are lucky enough to have full coverage through your job. The only people who get screwed are those who unfortunately fall into neither category.
People see the flaws. And the sad part is, anyone who tries to do anything about them is annihilated by either the media or the opposing party, often unable to win reelection afterwards. This brings me back to my original point of politicians being smart. Most of them know not to come anywhere near these issues if they want to keep their jobs. It is not that they do not have plans or proposals. No, any politician worth his salt has his own ideas for fixing these problems. Rather, these ideas are kept top secret, because they are waiting.“For what?” you might ask. It is simple really – for something to break. In this world, timing is everything. The day social security collapses, AARP and our generation will be willing to do pretty much anything to save the system. When it costs over a thousand dollars for a physical, socialized health care suddenly does not sound so bad, even if we all know it is a giant mistake.
This electoral season, don’t get carried away by rhetoric. Look for the few gems who will stand for what they believe in, even if they know it is hopeless. To President Bush, for standing by his social security plan, policies on Iraq and tax breaks, I salute you. To Ted Kennedy and John McCain for proposing a viable solution to immigration, I give you applause. Pray this electoral season God gives us brave men and women willing to take chances like these men have in the past few years, even if it is a long shot. Only then will true change occur.
Popularity: 21% [?]
