Saat des Windes. . .

Saat des Windes. . .

Originally shared by John Tanner

Scruples, honor, integrity are now, seemingly, things of the past and no longer traits to be prideful of. This is not an absolute statement of course but just look at the examples we see today. We have people trying to sell seats in the senate, an attorney general lying about Fast & Furious program, and the previous attorney general lied to a judiciary committee, the FBI lied about spying on anti-war groups, the CIA lied about grabbing suspects from other countries without extradition and torturing them for information. What president hasn't lied, we did not trade weapons to Iran (yeah right), we didn't aid the contras (of course not), read my lips no new taxes (put that in your pipe and smoke it), I did not have sexual relations with that woman (hay sex should be private, I give him a pass), we are going after weapons of mass destruction (oh yeah, sure, whats that between the lines). Are we really surprised to learn that our politicians lie to us? What is it that we think of or adhere to that allows us to elude ourselves or suspend our disbelief?

Those who we elect to represent us are doing a poor job. It is so seldom that we see examples of honesty, scruples, principals and the selfless, generous and heroic acts we hold in high regard. When we do see these examples we only see them in the people and not in those who claim to represent them. This is likely the reason why I am emotionally moved when I see an act of great kindness or selflessness, since these acts are rare. I surmise my reaction is similar to a persons heightened sensation when tasting a sweet treat that they have not had in years. Our senses barely hear the echos of what our progenitors once strived for, principles. I am not saying that those in the past were more or less angelic then their counterparts of today. However, I do believe in principal they strived to be better than they were and were hopeful their progeny would exceed their ethical principles.

Recently a woman of geniune generosity went to a few outlet stores to pay off people lay-a-way balances as a Chistmas gift in the hopes her generosity would spur similar acts. People were so struct with disbelief that in more than one store she was asked to leave because it was thought she was crazy.

Much has been said about the direction of our county. Which gives politicians the fuel and attention to misdirect the public. What ever the argument is, regardless of political affiliation, it is simply two sides of the same coin. When trying to solve any problem, especially those that are complicated and intricate, you have to find the core issue. Today our core problem is our representatives. They seldom follow the will of the people and frequently sway that will with misleading rhetoric or outright lies. What will do they follow? They follow the will of corporations and their lobbyists simply because that is where the money is. Politicians leave office many fold richer than they were before elected. The people do not have their own lobbyists to represent them and serve their needs. The peoples lobbyists were their elected officials and they are now representing other interests. When was the last time you heard of a bill that was brought forth by and for the peoples interest? In the past when the people saw the need for legislation they would contact their representatives, circulate a petition, and that representative would bring the argument for a bill to the governing body. Now we frequently see the legislation prepared by the corporations and/or their lobbyists and directly given to a elected representative to sponsor the bill. Sadly, we then see the governing body vote on the legislation without reading its contents. What is comedic is that we have had politicians ask for legislation requiring elected officials to read the bills the vote on.

You will hear many arguments about what our problems are and how to solve them but these arguments are immaterial. The only argument we should concern ourselves with first is how to separate politicians from the money and persuade them to representing the people again.

Our politicians are our firewall which stands between corruption and the people, their pursuits and their union.

Primarily I say this because I want to expunge myself of worry for today and tomorrow. I want people to live without fear, because fear frequently brings out the worst in us.

and that's the end of my rant

I want to wish everyone joy and happiness this holiday season and commend everyone for their beleifs that they hold dear.