While we have the “model" nation for the entire world they hate our Capitalism while they love and envy our freedom and our way of life. Just take a look at Iraq and Afghanistan and the numbers who turned out to vote and under severe conditions. They really didn’t care about choices they had freedom to make whatever choice they wished. In that regard our President is correct. In my opinion it is just that he doesn’t understand history or culture.
As for we Americans in my opinion we prove time and time again that it matters not about morals, beliefs, values, character or any of the things that people profess to hold so dearly and supposedly governs our decisions and in effect the people we place in office to lead. Simply put, many people truly don’t give a damn. Oh yes they may express anger, frustration and dismay but that is about it and they will move onto the next pressing matter, like what time does the foursome tee off?
I do believe we all can recognize that we are a nation who marks achievement by position and wealth and the signs and symbols we perceive as being related to success. Certainly the only ones who can run for any office local or federal are the rich and very rich. Our children are taught from birth that wealth makes you “somebody" and that you have arrived and you are successful. The car we drive, the house we live in, the size of the rims on our car all tell a story. They in fact dictate whom we will socialize with, ridicule or not interact with. We hide behind walls with people of similar wealth and views so as to not be effected by the “average people" all about. Many only venture out when necessary. So the route we take to the achievement of that end is critical. However, in my opinion what has changed considerably is what we will do to achieve that result and what is now acceptable to society.
So with that as the premise we can understand why misinformation is so rampant to maintaining ones success. The fact is truth can become an obstacle, impediment or even harmful to attainment and the holding of ones position. In my experience and opinion the simple fact is people do not really care about sexual orientation or morality or what you say and do as long as they are not impacted directly by you or your actions and of course gain something. Of course they state loudly for the consumption of the social scene, church and neighbors their amazement, dissatisfaction, horror or even anger over many of these things. However, when it comes to voting or taking action it means absolutely zero, zilch. Nada! [I have to practice my Spanish some]. Now I’m just talking fact not making a judgment. It has even gotten so bad that money set aside for elections is used to “help" people understand what and who they should vote for and why. It is also used for the legal defense of those accused that run for office. As for the first part, what does this say about the capability of individuals when they can’t understand just what it is they need to approve or reject or what the real issues truly are? Then again whoever makes these important information pieces up just might, just might I say, be biased and use wording in a way favorable to their goal?
Here is another example to ponder. Just consider the situation with our last President to see why someone might possibly formulate this opinion. It was proven then and it is fact now that nothing has changed in that many would vote for him if he were to run again. In fact he was almost impeached over his alleged actions but what does that matter? However, his ratings are still good today and people say he was a good leader. Perhaps his leadership was good but why does the morality issue not matter? But please don’t say the two don’t equate because if you will conceal one thing you just might be prone to hide other things?
Well, here are a few more moral examples we can examine. A well-known democratic leader is currently being questioned about certain business “dealings" he had over the last few years. His position is that they were perfectly legal. Who is anyone to question that? Well he is perfectly correct. However, as individuals we can ask, rhetorically of course, why would a person who professes to place the interest of the people first and moral and church values, etc, ever even consider being involved in something that could possibly besmirch their character and for money? Needless to say it in my opinion it probably won’t matter to the good people of his district who will most likely see fit to re elect him to office. Why, because in my opinion beliefs are secondary, no one knows for sure what his intent was, if what he did was illegal or not and certainly many believe that everyone who goes to Washington comes back a little richer then when they left. Average people wonder just how rich does someone needs to be? So, it really doesn’t really matter as long as the people of his district get theirs; which is why they placed him there in the first place. In fact rhetorically one could possibly think this is a capability voters look for in leaders? That is the ability to wheel and deal. While some may call that shrewd others may possibly call it being a shyster. What is important is if it matters at all to those casting the vote?
Another recent situation involved a legislator was found with large sum of money in his office. What we have heard about this isn’t too clear and have we even heard about that anymore? There is also the incident concerning the person from Florida they are investigating for alleged possible sexual misconduct. Now get this, the same people we are concerned about do the investigating. In fact we now find out that there are considerable numbers with the same orientation. Many who were close to him are now distancing themselves from him and many state they knew little to nothing about his personal life. Strange, just a few weeks ago he was a great guy! Now, it really doesn’t matter about his sexual preference but it does when you solicit minors as they allege.
Now lets take our congress and examine what most of us in my opinion perceive. Many truly believe and profess their elected Representatives and Senators support what the American people want. In fact has anyone, other then what our politicians profess we want, ever figured out just what the American people really want? For the heck of me not many people can figure that out and there are more contradictions then fact in all their polls and surveys that seem to change mile by mile and person to person.
Lets take the immigration issue alone. This is one of my favorites for personal reasons. There is so much different information floating around and no action that many people quite frankly don’t know what it is our government is doing or intends to do, if anything. In fact will they even do anything even though they pass laws is even a bigger question? After all they don’t enforce current law so what difference would this be? As for amnesty, I haven’t met a person yet that approves it but they continue to belt out Americans want it. I guess they will do it and it won’t matter to many at all?
So what will misinformed people do? You got it; Americans will reelect the same types over and over again and be happy they voted and be critical of those who do not vote. I’m sorry that is those who bother to vote. Why will they do this? Well sadly and in my opinion they are what they are regardless of how mad they get in reading this. You can read article after article but in my opinion from conversation, comments and observation most people consider only things like the following when voting for a person- “I always vote for my party“, “we have always been", “ he/she has a nice smile", “his wife is pretty and seems real nice", “he is a good man“, “he goes to church", “she is a real woman“, “she is a good mother“, “he dresses nice", “don’t they make a nice couple", “oh, I shook their hand at the club and have an autographed picture", “it is not his fault", “he means well", “let these people go find a job like I did", “these are honest people“, “we really need them“, “I don’t know who to vote for", “I like so and so he seems good", “I’m not voting they are all the same" and the list goes on and on. I ask rhetorically have you heard similar? Just an opinion that I would rather be wrong about!
So here is what you do when you hear this and then you will most likely understand why my opinion was formed. Ask them why they have this opinion and what these people they want to vote for stand for? What they have done for them and see what they answer. Ask them to comment on any of the critical issues facing Americans today and wait for your answer. They can’t tell you who made it this way only what they have been fed by adds or their party. Even the bigger reason of why they want to keep these people in office they can‘t answer unless they give you one of the above listed replies. Quite frankly it is so sad when you really look and I do mean look and see and comprehend you get to start to realize just how bad it is.
Yes, sadly and in my opinion we many who have intelligence, a degree on the wall, are successful and have common sense yet we seem to want to be told what to do and be lead by people we perceive are leaders even though their record speaks to the opposite. It is the “we put you there to take care of this so just do it" attitude. We expect the right things, get the opposite and really don't care. That is why in my opinion we have the haves and the rest of us who are just “average"or less!
However, I have also come to realize that I am insignificant in the chain of power and wealth and I really don’t have any say or influence to break into that inner circle of intellectuals that propagate all thought in the nation. Quite frankly I don't fit in with that group. I do quite well with average Americans everywhere, especially when featured. However, how many of those I do reach will take action? While someone may read my article, use my idea or even consider the validity of what I am saying but will do nothing. Others will and then others will use anything of value and discard the rest under the guise they originated it.
While no prophet, amazing mind reader or anything else I feel this is what will transpire on Election Day. It is not anything brilliant since it happens every Election Day and I believe it will again. I just read the signs and symbols people put out, listen intently and then form an opinion. So here it goes as to my Election opinions. I had though the American voter was up to change. I feel I am not incorrect in that opinion just that I did not realize the lack of a desire of average Americans to delve into the multiple problems facing us. I should have realized this from my Project Management days where there were many educated people who couldn’t get the problems solved. However, I had more hope that the problems I encountered in business were local to just that organization and not society. I have now come to realize in my opinion that the problem is bigger then envisioned.
Now certainly you may say who am I to make these statements? You are correct that I am just one person and a no body. But you know something that is the key point about why we should vote. I can still voice an opinion. Certainly you can say you don’t know the whole picture and I agree. That is the purpose of the article to hopefully get you to delve. Certainly you can say our leaders know what is happening and I can agree. So what am I writing about? What I can’t agree with is if what is happening is really good for us? Just what are they doing you and I do not know. However, if the majority thinks all is well then what will be, will be and that is that. However, when we say "majority" keep in mind the number who voted? Keep in mind who they were? If there are 100 voters and ten voted and six of those elected person x, then x got the majority. If he got 8 of the 10 he got a landslide and a mandate from those who voted and only those and the rest of us are still grumbling.
To that end I feel overall voting turnout will be low except in districts where the contests are close and certain groups need someone to be elected in for their agenda. The Democrats will win the house and most Governor spots. The American people will be proud they spoke with ONE VOICE and the news media will banter for weeks about the dramatic change in leadership and direction. Some races will be challenged and life will move along to the final station and “How did we get here“ will have arrived. It will be exactly the same only wrapped in new paper and we will all have two more years to repeat the process and the result.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2006 Robert Melaccio
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