2008 Woodie Awards
Hold politicians accountable
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Opinion
Bush did it. Clinton did it. Nixon did it. All of them were caught, too. How many politicians do you know that have, in some way or another, lied and paid for it?
In fact, how many politicians do you know that were altogether dishonest or cheated the system in some form or another?
You may attempt to count them all, but no number will satisfy the answer to this question. Most, if not all, politicians have lied to us in some way or another during their reigns in whatever office they held, be it a senatorial or presidential level.
It is true the media often blows the behavior of lawmakers out of proportion, but they aren't being horribly off-base by holding politicians accountable. After all, the well-being of our cities, our states and our country is in their clutches. You would want to know if your doctor had a history of malpractice before he operated on you, and you have the right to know if a representative, senator or even mayor hasn't completely abided by the laws of the land - and if they haven't, their reasons why.
This makes going to the polls to vote hard for citizens. How can we trust the words coming out of their mouths aren't just lip service? Barack Obama might not live up to his word. Hillary Clinton and John McCain might not, either.
Most politicians are just saying the words they think most Americans want to hear. They are the flashy images on the side of a soda can that blare the words "fat free" with fine print on the back labeling the skyrocketing caloric content. With every politician wanting to be your friend, judging one or another can become extremely difficult.
Behind the cheesy grins, into their minds where no one can see, there are often hidden agendas, scandals and lies developing.
This is not to say all politicians have a hidden agenda; it just feels like they do. Whereas it is wrong to judge an individual based on a representative group, it must be considered that our own welfare, as well as the welfare of the ones we love, is often at peril in the hands of lawmakers.
At this point, all one can do is pick the lesser of the evils. Going in with the mindset they're just saying what you want to hear, keep in mind some of their indiscretions, but remember that they're human as well. The history of a person often plays a role in his or her future. Hold politicians accountable for their actions, and don't let their sugar-coated words seduce you. Remember, Barack will do it. Hillary will do it. Mccain will do it, too.
In fact, how many politicians do you know that were altogether dishonest or cheated the system in some form or another?
You may attempt to count them all, but no number will satisfy the answer to this question. Most, if not all, politicians have lied to us in some way or another during their reigns in whatever office they held, be it a senatorial or presidential level.
It is true the media often blows the behavior of lawmakers out of proportion, but they aren't being horribly off-base by holding politicians accountable. After all, the well-being of our cities, our states and our country is in their clutches. You would want to know if your doctor had a history of malpractice before he operated on you, and you have the right to know if a representative, senator or even mayor hasn't completely abided by the laws of the land - and if they haven't, their reasons why.
This makes going to the polls to vote hard for citizens. How can we trust the words coming out of their mouths aren't just lip service? Barack Obama might not live up to his word. Hillary Clinton and John McCain might not, either.
Most politicians are just saying the words they think most Americans want to hear. They are the flashy images on the side of a soda can that blare the words "fat free" with fine print on the back labeling the skyrocketing caloric content. With every politician wanting to be your friend, judging one or another can become extremely difficult.
Behind the cheesy grins, into their minds where no one can see, there are often hidden agendas, scandals and lies developing.
This is not to say all politicians have a hidden agenda; it just feels like they do. Whereas it is wrong to judge an individual based on a representative group, it must be considered that our own welfare, as well as the welfare of the ones we love, is often at peril in the hands of lawmakers.
At this point, all one can do is pick the lesser of the evils. Going in with the mindset they're just saying what you want to hear, keep in mind some of their indiscretions, but remember that they're human as well. The history of a person often plays a role in his or her future. Hold politicians accountable for their actions, and don't let their sugar-coated words seduce you. Remember, Barack will do it. Hillary will do it. Mccain will do it, too.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
jacksmith
posted 4/04/08 @ 12:02 AM CST
YOU MIGHT BE AN IDIOT:-)
If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. (Continued…)
jacksmith
posted 4/04/08 @ 12:03 AM CST
DON'T BE DUPED !!!
Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. (Continued…)
JenT
posted 7/21/08 @ 2:44 PM CST
I got tired of being talked down to by close-minded, unresponsive politicians. Once they get into office, it seems they lose respect for the people that put them there. (Continued…)
Matt
posted 7/22/08 @ 12:24 PM CST
I'm annoyed that I spent 5 minutes reading jacksmith's rant that revealed nothing more than a crush on Bill Clinton.
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