Looking to the Inside
31. Oct, 2009 Written by:
Joshua Lyons 
10 Comments
Are You Finally Ready To Trust Your Conscience?
Most politicians are not bad people, but the system has a way of chewing them up and spitting them out. Once in the system, they learn to play the game and almost always compromise their integrity when it can be justified and even sometimes when it cannot. This is done while we look the other way if it’s “our guy” and/or they give us something we want. That’s the insidiousness of democracy and these “representatives” continue to do anything to stay in power.
Many of the problems that we face today can mostly be chalked up to our divisions fueled by our two beloved major parties. While we’re fighting each other and pinning down scapegoats, the hotshot politicians are laughing all the way to the bank (you know…Citi, Goldman, so on and so forth).
I don’t believe citizens who still identify themselves as Republicans and Democrats are happy with the destination that either of our parties is taking us; they simply don’t know how to address mess they find themselves in. My gut tells me that the majority my fellow citizens want a representative to rely on defined accountability, common sense, and a set of principles that value the unalienable rights and responsibilities of the individual.
Additionally, I don’t believe the moderates and independents are the sissy’s that they’re portrayed to be. I don’t think these folks “just want everybody to get along” like a sad Rodney King line. I think they are looking for a leader to say what he means and does what he says – PERIOD! Many of the people in this group have simply caught on to the game that the politicians have been playing for so long.
Accountability is a key to success. We the People forget what we ate for dinner last night; politicians count on this! Make your campaigning representatives document what they will and won’t do, and make them provide you with a report card on how they are living up to their promises! With web technology, this is beyond simple.
We need citizen statesmen, not career politicians. Career “public servants” result in massive corruption. When you see earmarks by a representative – this is not actually us getting “our piece of the pie.” Although generally accepted as a necessary evil, make no mistake – this is unethical and it robs us citizens of our proper influence! Until we stand our ground, our masters will manipulate and control us. It is our responsibility to not hire a snake oil salesman even if his opponent is greasier! Doing so will stifle proper representation – we will never see honorable people if we keep up this perpetual cycle!
Another key to success is that We the People must also not ask our campaigning representatives to give us everything under the sun. Here’s a secret…it sends the wrong message. When we tell them we’ll vote for them if they take care of us…what do think they’re going to do? They’ll take your vote, assure you that everything will be alright with them at the helm, and then move on to the next sucker.
These things aren’t easy to hear…they’re not easy to say – that’s why almost no one says them. But these are not times where we have the luxury to not be direct…nor do I think you want a load of bullocks…do you?! You know how many people I’m going to tick off because of what I’m saying? People have deep seeded ties to parties, candidates, and friends in high places. It doesn’t matter…IT CAN’T MATTER. If we keep down this path much longer – we will follow the lemming leaders right off the cliff!
I am not going to follow them, but I am going to look for a principled, citizen statesmen. One who would represent me only to the extent of where their authority ends.
The Federal candidate I want to hear from would state the following:
- I will run for office for no more than “X” years
- I will not weigh in on matters not specifically enumerated in Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution as was originally followed for the first 70 years of the nation
- I will use my position to inform my constituents through various media outlets of the corruption in government and the usurpation of the rights and responsibilities of the states and their citizens
- I believe that my actions in this life will affect judgment by my Creator and I am fully aware of the consequences
- I will document my adherence to these promises on the front page of my website
The State candidate I want to hear from would state the following:
- I will run for office for no more than “X” years
- I will, through legislation and bully pulpit, assert the rights and responsibilities of my state and its citizens and hold the federal government accountable for its usurpations of authority not granted to them.
- I will use my position to inform my constituents through various media outlets of the corruption in government and the usurpation of the rights and responsibilities of counties, municipalities, and individuals
- I believe that my actions in this life will affect judgment by my Creator and I am fully aware of the consequences
- I will document my adherence to these promises on the front page of my website
Even if you think this is unrealistic because, “hey, that’s just politics.” Isn’t this how you’ve been feeling?
Come join us and become part of the growing movement – this is one bandwagon it’s ok to hop on. Our children’s future depends on it.
Joshua is the co-host of The Forgotten Men radio show Saturdays at 12 noon, Eastern, on AM930 WFMD – and the co-founder of We Surround Them Frederick.
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Awesome! I'd rather vote for no one than some elite hack that won't follow the constitution!
Well said Allen. Adhering to the Constitution is key!
-Joshua
ForgottenMen.com
Right with you on that, Joshua! Never ceases to amaze me how many politicians will do anything they can to avoid even talking about the constitution. Well, other than occasional lip-service to placate the masses…as you've written here, though, the time is ripe to stop putting up with that!
" I believe that my actions in this life will affect judgment by my Creator and I am fully aware of the consequences"
This particular part while noble and perhaps helpful in keeping congressmen in check, it is hurtful in winning support from atheist and democrats.
I dont think its nearly helpful enough tot he cause given the propensity to lye about what you think is good, as it is hurtful to the general cause.
@Monorprise,
Please name me 1 Democrat who is a believer that would not be ok with the general statement. So now we're down to atheists and agnostics. I see agnostics as just shrugging this piece off as not caring one way or another as it doesn't really affect them. This leaves atheists who already pick from candidates who profess a belief in God. So where does that leave us? ….With the majority of the population.
If you can't tell from the article, I'm not interested in demographic politics nor do I think a true leader should be. Almost every one of the founders subscribed to that statement (read their works, the early state constitutions, Northwest Ordinance, and the definition of an oath…such as swearing on a bible in court) not to mention that the vast majority of the people in this country believe in a higher power.
continued…
Regardless, a true leader doesn't water down his or her message or be afraid to proclaim it. They plant the flag on the hill, make a call for people to follow them based on sound principles, and then charge. I'm looking for the real deal, not someone who will say the right things to get elected.
It's been a while since we've seen the real deal…I can understand if it's hard to remember what they look like.
It seem you understand what is lost, with the required statements and simply don't care about the minority which would have such a problem with them and reject the whole thing on that ground alone. (Yes I agree its ill-rational, but were not dealing with the most rational of people.)
In my opinion a true leader try's to find and stick to the common ground while avoiding unnecessary fights, as to maximize his/her strength in the necessary fights.
I respect your required statements, and I agree its a fair trade off, I was simply pointing out my opinion with regard to that trade off being perhaps… imprudent given the scope of the goals.(necessary fight)
I was in ignorance of your knowledge of such a trade off.
"Most politicians are not bad people, but the system has a way of chewing them up and spitting them out. Once in the system, they learn to play the game and almost always compromise their integrity when it can be justified and even sometimes when it cannot."
I get so tired of this sort of liberal tripe. They may but have begun bad but they have wound up bad.
Pacific,
Liberal tripe? Can you expound? You lost me here…
-Joshua