Our politicians aren’t getting us anywhere
February 13, 2008
I don’t vote.
Gasp!
Please allow me to clarify. I’ve never voted. I’m not registered. I do not plan on it, at least not in the near future.
Are you disgusted with me yet? Are you wondering if I’m a true American? Did I miss a few Flintstones vitamins growing up or something?
No, I do not vote. Yes, Flintstones vitamins are still delicious. No, I have not lost my mind. Yes, I’m still an American. Perhaps I’m a bit of an idealist, but I am quite unhappy with much of what our government and society has predicated.
For those unfamiliar, our political landscape sounds like some sort of mixer: Republican party, Democratic party, Libertarian party, Constitution party, Green party – the list goes on and on. Contrary to what many are led to believe, the real party is full of predatory influences of greed, fame and power.
I may be preaching to the choir. While many voters can be disillusioned by their like or dislike for particular candidates from a particular political party, I am thoroughly sickened by the systemic societal inadequacies created as a direct product of our alleged leaders repeatedly pushing policy that only perpetuates the problems decades of predecessors have created.
If you’re reading this column waiting for me to analyze the likes of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John McCain, you’ve come to the wrong place.
I don’t necessarily have anything against any of the candidates other than the fact that I see them as the best at playing their chosen game of politics in America at this juncture in history. I’m actually elated that at least a segment of our country has come far enough to acknowledge that a worthy presidential candidate can be something other than the usual middle-aged white man.
But that’s not enough. I want more. We deserve more.
We would be in a much better situation if greed did not exist. Not just greed for money, but the insatiable hunger for power. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not completely cynical. As with any profession, I’m sure there are politicians who are truly fighting for the common good of the people. The problem is that such an approach is so undeniably anti-establishment that supporters are pummeled with rhetoric and other political moves before the idea can truly get off the ground.
No, I’m not a communist. No, I’m not a socialist. No, I may not even be a realist. But I do want what is best for me and you. The status quo just is not cutting it. Our system has been compromised, and it is getting worse.
Not since the post-Civil War reconstruction era has the wealth gap been so wide. In case you’re not up on your history, this refers to the days of super-rich men like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. In the last 40 years, the census shows that the top 1 percent of households have grown from a net worth of 125 times that of the median to 190 times that today. The statistics could be quoted for hours. However, the point is quite clear.
Our socioeconomic system is built on the premise of political policy aiding the super wealthy and throwing the scraps to everyone else. Sure, there are more millionaires in America today than ever before. But are we really getting anywhere when the truly elite control more of the wealth than ever before?
If you cannot see the connection between wealth and national politics, I advise you do two things: Do some research on bureaucracy and the wealth gap and perhaps get an eye exam. You’ll be enlightened, and you’ll literally have better vision.
So, are you ready to go vote?
Rory Geraghty is a senior electronic media production and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].