THE QUEST TO STAY IN POWER

Before the last election I received a phone call from the Congressional Campaign Committee soliciting funds. I declined to donate and expressed an opinion that because I felt the Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and the Congressional Majority had failed to hold the former President accountable for his misdeeds. The solicitor began what ended up being a rather long solicitation call. He argued, very forcefully, that it was more important for the Democrats to stay in power than it was to pursue the former President for his misdeeds. I couldn’t have disagreed more then…and now!

About a week ago I listened to a Democratic Strategist, Steve McMahon, argue on the Ed Schultz Show that it was more important for Democrats in Congress to capitulate on the Public Option in regard to healthcare reform so they could remain in power. The same old tired argument.

Let’s get this straight here and now…we didn’t elect Senators and Congressmen, or the President, so they’d have a long and prosperous career. They were elected to make things better. To hell with whether they hang on to power. And, what good is power if you don’t use it for the good of the people. If they’re looking for a career path they need to find a job that provides for upward promotions. I don’t care if they stay employed simply because I voted and elected them to a prestigious position. We’re not voting for them…we’re voting for us. So, if they want to accept our “temporary job,” they need to do something that benefits us…not prolongs they’re precious careers. The candidates who improve society usually do stay in office for a long time. Those that don’t serve the people normally slip and fall along the way. I give you Ted Stevens (Senator – Alaska), Larry Craig (Senator – Idaho), Richard Nixon, Joseph McCarthy (Senator – Wisconsin), et al.

I would suggest the best way to stay in power is to do something positive. People reward that. Oh, there are those that are mesmerized by the power of elected office, or captured office in the case of dictators…but, those personalities normally end in tragedy, and rightfully so!

Reforming healthcare isn’t about staying in power. It’s about getting needed medical care to children, women, men, the poor, the left out and those who’ve given up hope. Vote the right way and the people will reward you. But, the voters don’t give a damn about whether you have the majority after the next election if you’re not doing any good for the people.