I've read countless posts about how our political system in the U.S.A. is flawed by greed, corruption, and stupidity. I don't agree with everything that's being done either, and I hold those accountable by my actions and words. I let them know I don't like it by writing to my reps or not voting for them during election time. But, could you change the system? Do you have fresh ideas or see the solid foundation being destroyed and you want to preserve it? The only way to do this would be to run for office, it could be a local office seat or one higher up the ladder. Think about it, and then respond. I await the truth.
[question posted by gitfiddleplayer]responses and comments:
I think that is a great idea. What our government needs on all levels is more average people. Not rich people for the good ol' boys club (or the good ol' girls club). People who realize what it means to have to try and make ends meet and struggle from paycheck to paycheck. We have a ruling class in this country. Most of our elected officials are mutil millionsaires. They look out for their best interst and their buddies best interest. Therefore we need to replace them with people who will actually do the job and realize how what our government does and does not do actually effects the average american. [lilwonders123]
Lil and Rod, you're both right. Lil the political watch group is called the American people, but the problem is that we've become so acustom to bordem with politicians. Its true, you can't run for office unless you're a millionaire and to get your voice heard, you have to get on TV and the libs control the media, and if you got on FOX news you would be preaching to the choir. I don't say that to knock over your lemonade stand, I say that to let you know that I'd be willing to take one of your no paying, high pride jobs of keeping tabs on my representative. Rod, how is the easy part, why is the hard part. Why would I want to care about what somebody else in a political office does? Convince somebody of that and you'll see why we should all be held by the same rules and standards. I didn't post this question to make any money on myLot, I did it to find out the people who still give a crap about making changes. I want to inspire the greatness in each of us, not just obtain another thing on my resume. [gitfiddleplayer]
I would if I thought I had a chance of winning. The pay's good and I reckon I've got a better idea of how the country should be governed than most mainstream politicians. But I'm no good at public speaking, and - being a bit on the radical side - it would be an uphill battle to sell my party's policies to the voters. You need to be a natural orator to be a politician, and I express myself best through writing. [Citizen_Stuart]
As a matter of fact, I'm a member of a new party. Although we'll be fighting our first election soon, I expect it will be a few years before we start getting people into public office. I do a bit of blogging in support of "the cause" and I expect I'll get involved in writing leaflets etc before long. I did make a small contribution to the manifesto. [Citizen_Stuart]
If ever i have the chance, i will not wanna run for political office.. It's far too choatic and complicated with alot of things involved.. ANy minor mistakes can cost u your whole career.. PLus, it does not involve just the politics within the country, but all the countries in the world.. And thus, watever i do, i have to think of everybody, be constantly updating myself of things and technology.. ANd the process of running for the office is a tredious way, and once we get it, life wun be any easier too.. And so, i wun wanna be involved with any politics at all.. [kun2349]
That's the difference between the governing bodies in singapore and the USA.. AS singapore is small, we talk about unity and thus we try to co-operate well and speed things fast.. But i do really admire our MM, Mr lee for wat he has done for singapore ^_^ [kun2349]
When I was younger, in college, I used to want to run for something later on. But, I was a Political Science major and I had to work my way through college, so I was never able to get that start with the college political system and activities. I also had some other setbacks and realized that being a politician was definitely not for me. Now, however, I wouldn't run for all the money in the world. You get judged and criticized for every tiny thing that people perceive you do. I don't like having my words and ideas twisted around like I see with the other candidates. [desertdarlene]
It is a dog kill cat world, and most of them running are power mad people. You would live under a lot of scrutiny, but you could bring out the best in people, despite what they want disagree with, I've yet to see a politician do that since Ronald Reagan. [gitfiddleplayer]
I wouldn't because my views on most things are unpopular -- so I would never win any election. That's why I write -- so I can put my opinions "out there" and let people ponder them. [persephonie]
Welcome to myLot. Are your views unpopular or radical? [gitfiddleplayer]
Actually I have thought about it! The trouble is, without a background in law or government, the money to back me, and name recognition I just don't have a clue where to begin! I have played around with the idea for a couple of years now, and my husband and mom both seem to think that maybe I should. I am not sure I could handle the stress though.lol [mehale]
Those are good suggestions! Thank you, I will give it some more thought and see what I can do. [mehale]
There is a challenge mybe but I'm not interested,thank's., [as2006]
I agree with you about the political system, it is broken, and no one wants to fix it. The old saying "money is the root of all evil" should be on our money, because most of it is passing through Washington before it gets to us. I would like to run for office, but who can afford it, why do you think that it cost so much money to run for office? Do you think that they want any farmer, or common person running for office? [markss1975]
I agree, I just hope that all of the American people rise up and take our country back. We don't need to spend half a BILLION dollars on an election. [markss1975]
I wouldn't do it. For one, I am a convicted felon; even though I served my time I am not eligible to hold public office. Number two, I don't want all the headaches involved in political service. There's just too much politicking involved in politics. [myklj999]
Yes, I know and exercise the power I have as a voter. Luckily Illinois is one of the states that allows ex-felons to vote. [myklj999]
I'm still considering it actually. Mostly because a few friends have said I should. They say my way of thinking could be beneficial for the country. I'd like to change and mend the system, The foundation itself is sound...it's just the walls of this "house" are infested with bugs -- lies, corruption, greed and misinformation. Even if I personally didn't end up being the one who changed it all -- I'd prefer the people themselves to do that anyway, it's THEIR government, it's what should be happening. I'm young yet though (I'm a teenager), so I've some time to figure it out ^_^' but it's a good thing to encourage -- to get people to take a more active role in this country. [xParanoiax]
Thanks. Well, see I have volunteered a bit before -- recently as well, and my family's gone through trouble and tragedy too, so I do know who needs people to be working for them, to help them step up, instead of crushing them until they can't breathe. I don't like to say that people need heroes, because I'd never claim that I could ever be one for anybody. But, they need someone, and if more people don't try to be those someones, then we're all in trouble because...it's the good people, the regular people that make up this country...it can't run without them because the corrupt will always destroy themselves -- sooner or later, and they'll try to bring everyone down with them. It can't last this way, so, steps must be taken...and everyone's got their own parts to play I think. So if this is my part, then I'll be more than happy to play it. If not, I won't be crushed, I've friends who're going into the military this year...and I know that circumstances will bring more people to roles which help us all. But what people often forget is, just because it's likely, or possible, doesn't mean they should fall complacent. The voices of the struggling are important, if they quiet and work and toil in silence...then those people we need, whoever they are, probably won't hear them...may not even see them to become inspired to do something. People need examples. Especially this country, and our government. [xParanoiax]
No, I don't have the time to waste with ignorant people who just give me a hard time. I hate to bicker when, it is time for me to be very mature... It is just too much of animosity going on.. [cream97]
I understand, its not for everyone but don't tune out yet. Something might be said that sparks you to take action. [gitfiddleplayer]
not at all.i will never run a politics in my life.the truth is that i hate politics.i never interfere in those matters whats happing around. [prajitnair]
Blah, blah, blah, ... shiiiiiiite, or get off the pot!!! We need to 'stop expecting that someone else will vote our will! I'm running, I hope to win, I expect to win -- based on issues. And, if I don't, then there is no one to blame except the 'comfortable' electorate. I'm getting my message of fairness and justice out there, if the public wants to vote in the 'status quo', then so be it. They will never again be provided a more 'fair-minded candidate than myself. So, let the People speak! Are we tired of disrespect and nonsense, or are we efforting ourselves for just more of the same?????? Only ' The People' can say!!! [ladyluna]
I like your passion! Is that your opening speech? The problem with the people is that they can't connect with their reps, they don't feel they listen so they stop talking and that's not good dialog. The status quo has a low standard and it doesn't seem to matter to people anymore. Fairness and justice are supposed to be conjoined twins because one should always follow the other, the problem is the word has gotten too far from the definition. [gitfiddleplayer]
No. I'm not into politics and I don't even read politics on newspaper. My father is a politician for over 20 years now but he's the only person in our family who is in the political world. It wasn't in my interest even knowing what's going on in the political side of our country. I guess it's too corrupt and a lot of wars. [thaMARKER]
Welcome to myLot. I guess you have an insight most of us would want. Thanks for voicing. [gitfiddleplayer]
In my oppinion power is something that can spoil even the best people. The system is not corrupted only in USA but all over the world, and we, the little people, would like to change that. But I think that who ever gets the power will use it, maybe not as much as the politicians do it now, to make their life better. Because when one sees billions in front of his eyes and knows that if he steals just 1 000 000 that will be just 0.001% so he thinks, with 1 million I will be filthy richa and nobody would even notice it because it is just 0.001% anyway. So he steals that million. If that money was ment for pensions than each person gets instead of 1000 999 dollars. But people don't sleal just 1 million and there are many procedures with the money so many people actually take a bite and at the end people don't get 999 but maybe 950 or even 900 or less. I think that polititians do that because they know that they can and when they see that everybody else is doing it they think it would be stupid not to do it because if everybody else is getting rich why shouldn't they. i have this friend who always says I am agains the corrumption in this government but still if I had the power I couldn't garantee that I wouldn't do the same. [lorelai]
It does take a lot of dicipline, I think most people have it but something takes over we fall prey to our selfish desires when it comes to money. But if you could keep strong in that temptation it would go so much further for those running for office. [gitfiddleplayer]
I do have lots of ideeas and all that but I also cant stand politicians that act like idiots and I do get fired up and lose my temper that is way bad for someone in such position I will be on the news every day (for using bad language, storming off or atacking someone with a high hills) lol [violeta_va]
Wear flats then. You should voice your ideas, some of the best ideas were never heard because a small voice must shout in order to be noticed. [gitfiddleplayer]
I think the biggest problem is that it costs so much to run for office. Only wealthy people can afford to get involved in politics. When people aren't wealthy then they have to fund-raise, and that is what leads to corruption and "dirty dealing". [onesiobhan]
It does cost a lot to run for office, no doubt about that, and fund raising means money, and money means greed and corruption. But, if you got a group together that changed the perception of fund raising it would go a long way to show credibility don't you think? I think the fundamentals of politics has gone too far from the base. [gitfiddleplayer]
good day, I think I would only run if I know that the majority of the people would want that change and help me do the process of improving the political system. [blackmantra_x]
I think that any change would be helpful now. [gitfiddleplayer]
Actually, since politics seems to be in my blood, I have thought about it, or maybe I should say "fantasized" about it. I'd probably be a nervous wreck if I had to speak in public and then there's the small matter of money...lol I agree there are a lot of problems with our government and there sure are some politicians who are crooked and corrupt but, while I know it's fashionable to attack everyone in Congress, I actually believe there are some who are really there for the right reasons and really care about public service. However, I know these people are few and far between! You'd think that in this age of You-Tube and internet blogs it would be easy for an unknown person without a lot of funds to get their voice heard but I guess not but maybe if we all worked at it we could change that. By the next Congressional election in 2 years maybe we could get some grassroots candidates on the ballots from here on myLot. We could call it the myLot Party! Annie [anniepa]
Good idea. I've thought about how You Tube could promote a candidate, it would have to be announced and publicized and everybody would need to get behind it. myLot Party huh? I like that, we could tweak it, not to say that it wouldn't sell, I'd like it better than the Blogger Party. I know that there a good people in the House and Senate and its guilt by association right now. I was told to find the needle in the haystack you have to burn the haystack. That would be the only way to find out the good ones. [gitfiddleplayer]
I might consider it, but basically I find board meetings and everything that goes alaong with them to be very boring. I'm also not sure that I would be seen as a leader by members of the community. One never knows what the future holds however. [snowy22315]
Yea meetings are boring but its the only way to get everyone together to find out what's going on sometimes. A leader is not someone who leads but creates other leaders. One person alone cannot do it, it takes like minded people and alignment with all ideas, and those who can execute those ideas to better a community, that's what makes a leader. [gitfiddleplayer]
I find politics very boring and don't even follow them. I certainly wouldn't run. [blackbriar]
Okay, I hope you're at least registered to vote. [gitfiddleplayer]
No, I would never run for political office. It is not a responsibility I would like to have. Plus, I don't think I would be very good at it anyway. I have a bit of an attitude problem and a lazy streak. [lilybug]
Those are good combos to get things done, or have somebody else do them, but maybe not in politics though, you're probably right. [gitfiddleplayer]