Saturday, September 08, 2007

Where'd all the good people go?

In light of the latest political figure caught with his pants down (ok, almost), I can't help but roll my eyes, shake my head, and well, change the channel. I am not a Republican, but I am an American and Senator Larry Craig's actions don't disgrace the right, they disgrace all of us! So easily we forget that we live in a global community--outside our borders we are Americans, not Republicans or Democrats, and we are all viewed together as one body of people. While the latest scandal most definitely gives the left an even better shot of regaining the White House (yahoo!), I can't help but feel embarrassed that our political system is full of the kinds of people that shouldn't be running this country. This comimg from a girl that has dreamed of running for public office since fourth grade. This coming from a woman, who on most days would refer to herself as an idealist. Well, not today. Today I am frustrated, angry, and disgusted with the way our leaders represent us. I have had enough of the mud slinging antics of Washington that make most Americans turn away from respecting and understanding our political system. I am a mere 26 years old, it is not quite my time to run for public office--and the question is, am I cut out for it? My husband constantly tells me that I am not "dirty" enough to run for office. Does anyone else think that is sad and completely revolting? I do. In fact, it is heart wrenching for me, as this is all I have ever dreamed of doing. I hate to say it, but he is most likely right. I want good people to run for office . People that do what is right, that don't give in to political shenanigans (yes, that's right shenanigans), and stand up for what they believe in. I am a huge Obama supporter, but I just hope with the campaign season already well underway, more than a year away from election day, that he doesn't give in. I hope he remembers where he comes from, what he has been through, and doesn't try to change who he is because some political pollster tells him to. This country needs someone we can trust--a person who can give us our dignity back. If, as a country, we aren't sick of hearing more about what US Senators are doing in airport bathrooms then what laws are being passed, shame on us.

What happened to public servants? When did everyone become politicians?



"Abraham Lincoln did not go to Gettysburg having commissioned a poll to find out what would sell in Gettysburg. There were no people with percentages for him, cautioning him about this group or that group or what they found in exit polls a year earlier. When will we have the courage of Lincoln?" -Robert Coles