Sub Title: [The silent majority, that isn't a real true majority]
Now the opinions expressed herein were difficult to write about yet I do believe they are extremely significant concerning the coming 2008 and even 2010 elections and they are supported by fact. Although, those that it pertains to will most likely disagree and will most likely be upset. The article is long but I think necessary to define and clarify what I am saying.
It concerns The Silent Majority of voting lore. How many times have we heard about them but just who are they? In writing about the have types over the past few years it really didn't dawn on me immediately that this group I am writing about is a major factor in all this nations problems and what we all call "The Silent Majority". Many had labeled this, just like the Christian Coalition or middle class as that group who sways elections. Although "The Christian Coalition certainly has many within this group they are a sub grouping of this main body and they do influence elections. To me it was kind of a subtle awakening. It really speaks to out of sight out of mind though because many of us pass them each and every day and never even consider them as impacting us directly or indirectly, but they do significantly and I will explain my opinion as to why. Unfortunately, the word of this century, these are someones dad, mom or grandparent who do this and of course that alone will sway ones bias. Certainly they are not bad people because it is not about their morality or work ethics. Many of them have worked hard, lived within the law, had successful and at least good jobs, raised families and can be considered an American success story. So in reality I find no fault with their enjoying the fruits of their labor and this is not about that. However, for all they have I am saddened to come to the opinion that many of them, not all mind you, but many of them evidently just don't give a damn about anything or anyone else but themselves now that they have their La Dolce Vita, or sweet life, or piece of the pie, or the American Dream. In fact I will qualify that even more, the ones who have the most are more apt to fit the descriptions defined herein then the ones who have the least. A fact you can establish for yourself if you can get past their front gate. Now I am not talking to Grandma, who lives alone and lost her spouse, or even Grandpa in the same condition, or for that matter any single person that is alone and has never been, as one might say "interested" or "involved" in politics or issues [if you understand what I am saying?] These people just go along day to day trying to live as best they can. However, I beleieve you know exactly who I am referring to.
Now what we are considering is what these others do that destroys the dream for others and like I stated that is a fact that even they can't ignore or dispute if they are honest with themselves and eliminate all bias. How do they destroy your future [and I eliminate myself who is of this age group when I say future] do this? It is obvious;
1- by taking jobs that younger needing families could have.
2- by voting and supporting these same types who brought us all these problems and are the architects of it all.
Lets address those jobs. We are talking about those who are retired and already have a pension and health care and really do not need the job or benefits. Yet employers want retired people because they give no benefits and they work cheaper. We are told they are more dependable but at $6.50 or $7.50 an hour and not needing the money one could see why younger people would be more disheartened with the job and less apt to take it. Could you survive on that and raise a family or for that matter them? Just go to any major retailer or low end job and guess what you will find and even when a young person applies. In fact walk around this holiday and see for yourself. Now many who do not have the finances and still need to work to survive I am not talking about. No it is the ones that HAVE! Yes, and even when they volunteer they take a paying job away from someone who may need it because they employer just does not need to hire someone. Then they justify it, yes justify it, that they are bored, need the money, or get this no one else wanted it, or they just want to be useful. What it really is about is MONEY in most cases.
As for the second item and the main purpose of the article that also speaks for itself. Now certainly all politicians are not bad. No, but many are just for themselves, their ideology and what is in it for them and of course those great salaries and benefits. So, to vote straight party lines is no longer acceptable to many. It is a concept of the past. In my opinion they still vote for the party of their choice strictly because of a party label and not anything more. That is the real sad part of it all.
They certainly are the majority who vote that gives us what we the remainder, who dont bother to vote dont want, but reap because of our not voting! Certainly many others who write and speak out concerning the issues affecting this nation and who are retired and over 55 just might understand what I am getting at? Yes, many are retired, living a simple life, but here is the difference, they are aware of what is going on around them and they are not just a pawn and they do something. Many are changing their party affiliation and looking for the right person to vote for and not just pulling a lever because they have always been of one party or the other. They know the issues and get involved.
Think not, then take a hard look at the facts and the signs and symbols all about and mentioned herein because they are there to see if you take the time to or care to. Now by nature of media survey, not mine and fact, many of these people have been voting all their lives straight Republican or Democrat and they themselves admit to it. The more affluent retired literally vote Republican regardless if the people they vote for can do the job or not, or are good morally or not, or even if what they do is good for the nation or not.As long as it is good for them they really dont care. If Republican they vote for them, period. They should give them one button and shorten the lines and time spent at the polling booths for those who consider all the candidates and their records before pulling that lever. Push it and go.
However, the thing that really is amazing many were born into the party of their choice and never change, regardless of any bad the party or candidate may be doing, they dont care. Some of course got theirs by economics and just stayed there. In any case they are there for life. Do they know the issues? Only superficially in my opinion. They know what they hear on their favorite news show on TV, from their own social / economic group, which in my opinion is usually biased in presentation anyway toward their particular political persuasion, or from their party of choice.
Another opinion is perhaps either they dont comprehend or dont care to. It is just not an issue or factor to them. So evidently they are doing so well in life, La Dolce Vita once again and the Republicans are the money party and they have money, so why change?
However, on the flip side we find most of those in the lower economic class structure lean more Democratic but as with the others they still maintain their loyalty no matter what. They have a smaller piece of La Dolce Vita but can lose it all in a flash and are more conservative and afraid of change. They have average roots and come from average families and feel Democrats are more for their class because of historical context and not necessarily reality. Yet, as I said they vote straight party lines and you can take that to the bank.
So in both cases it matters not about getting things done, yet, interestingly many of them ask the age old questions why dont they or consistently state they are all crooks. Yet, after the election these same types rarely ever see themselves as part of the problem. No, certainly not, they who voted in these same people with the same tired philosophy, ideology, methods, resolutions, etc, and it cant be them. Worse they are happy with their votes. Yes, they turn out in droves for the party they vote for and even give their money and some work for their candidates and parties election. To them evidently it really does not matter as long as these politicians say what they want to hear and they look ok.
In 2000 70% of them went to the polls and elected Bush. In 2004 it was about 80% with Bush getting the majority of those votes. In both instances they were the deciding factor. So what do you think? Did Iraq matter in their consideration? Not really, only to continue the war. They support the war based on the view given concerning terrorism and they major concern of theirs. Did illegal workers matter, as I mentioned above, not really just the terror that may come along with open borders? Did jobs and manufacturing going off shore or to China matter, no. Did 35 million starving in America, or 41 million near poverty or without health insurance matter, or the Housing crisis and people losing their homes, no. It really didnt matter to them at all according to the media.Regardless of what they say surveys show it wasnt an issue for them. In fact I venture to say lead on toys, bad tires, continued low wages, unemployment or cheap labor will not matter to them in 2008. Will they speak to it, be upset, concerned, perhaps, but will they do anything, no! No, only in the sense their investment portfolio will suffer a dividend decrease. Talk about Social Security or Bonds and you wake the dead. Personal misery, a shame, but!
Certainly they are concerned about terrorism but continue to elect the very same people who do nothing about it and they readily nod acceptingly in approval when the politicians talk about Comprehensive Immigration Reform and as if they knew exactly what all that meant to them and theirs. They really and factually have no concern about health insurance or the economy, a fact substantiated in the newspapers, except if it impacts their income and earnings. Concerning Illegal workers, they have a right to work and live and they see no problem with law breaking or stolen ID, of course unless it is theirs, but most of the time they are liberal concerning this matter and they consider themselves humanitarians. It is really terror that makes them afraid and they are concerned about. After all cheap labor means more dividend earnings.
We must remember that they are part of that 20% who have; they know it and frankly in my opinion they do not really give a damn about the rest of us or the issues. Sorry, but it is the truth. Empathy yes, but as long as it doesnt impact them or theirs it matters not to them. The only thing that matters is the next days agenda. Just a sad dose of frank opinion and reality. Yes, these types are all over this land.
They vote and they do sway elections and the politicians know it and play up to them. They are the silent majority that isnt a real true majority but we all allow them to be that by our inaction.
They really are the last of a dying breed and no pun intended. After them there just wont be many who will have the same opportunities they had, but frankly they really dont see it as their concern. Rhetorically, what time is the bridge game and where? They just want to keep what they have and accumulated and yearn for more. I dont mind that just dont impact the rest of us.
Now many of them fought the Big War and won. They fought in other wars and shed their blood, were wounded, served as POWs and suffered. They are patriots and they believe in America, no denying that. The sad part is so do we and many did serve as they did yet many of us cant understand why they are so willing to destroy it, dismantle it or give it away after giving so much of themselves? Just what is it that breeds complacency or apathy and makes them vote for these same ones over and over again? Are they Lost in a Time Warp, or "is it all about money"? For the wealthier money, for the less financially secure I truly believe they just don't know.
Unfortunately, the word of this century in my opinion it really does not mean a damn thing in my opinion to the politicians, big business and the free market global market ideology types other then swaying them to vote for their candidates. In my opinion the rich and powerful see the world first as markets and second as nations and lave the nation thing out except to create a free market environment in.
In my opinion the only thing that matters to them is re electing those who push their agenda and these people, for now, who are tools to do that. Thats a fact jack as the movie line goes !
The other 60% of us who dont vote and allow these types to dictate our plight is appalling. We allow this to happen and we think nothing of it. We languish in a world of malaise made of our own doing and we bitch, moan and complain and got the nerve to Wonder Why?
So my fellows Americans take a hard look at Iowa, Vermont or any state that there is primary and you will see them all come out. Follow the politicians and you will find them. Yes, They are the silent majority that isnt a real true majority , but they all vote and many of us don't. After all it is one of their main social events and their sworn duty and right as a citizen and they should be applauded for doing such. However, for whom they elect they should be kicked in the butt, with love.
So if you want this silent majority group to dictate once again and leave you complaining once again, do nothing. Sit home and sulk and complain. Take your low wage job, the abuse of the debt collector, the go nowhere jobs, the facade and go have a beer. They have theirs and it is about time we took control for ourselves before they who have, give what we were supposed to have, all away. Sure love them, hug them, kiss them and take care of them but dont let them sell your future and that of your family and theirs for their past and their La Dolce Vita or sadly ignorance.
So, if you want to make change, do something about it. We can all make a paradigm shift this election if we get off our butts and vote out that incumbent. We can all sound their wake up bell and call! Otherwise we all reap what we sow and that which mom, dad or grandma or grandpa has you just may never see?
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr.
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