By Jennifer D. Kluge
Oct. 7, 2010
I am baffled over our country’s political climate of the last few years. I don’t understand the culture shift that is happening in our midst. I’m not talking about Democrats verses Republicans, but I am talking about the general uneasiness of the American people when it comes to politics. We seem more divided than ever. I’m not sure our current legislators understand this shift either.
There are two events that shocked me into a new thinking — Katrina and the Oil Disaster in the Coast. Both under different leaders. To me, a simple solution — government comes to the rescue, jumps in and solves it. Why couldn’t the government pull it together, this is why they are there. What a disappointment. Those poor citizens in the Louisiana area are still suffering from the affects of Katrina, years later. We failed them. The citizens affected by the Oil Disaster will feel it for years to come.
I want to be sensitive to all opinions, but national health care reform, whether you are for it or against it, really hurt our political climate further. What an interesting display of the process in action. Was the American voice heard? Was the debate properly managed? Town hall meetings were cancelled, votes were held on Sundays, which are historically not highly noticed news days. Votes were bought and bargained for. It could have been any major piece of legislation, this one happened to be health care reform. My point is the process of which things unfolded. It’s how we are set up in our political decision making process.
Combine all this with the types of people leading us. Frequently, you hear about another politician that is unfaithful to their spouse, politicians that accept bribes, and politicians lying under oath. It’s one thing if someone is casting a vote on something you disagree about that you respect, it’s another if you don’t respect that person. It creates where we are now — confusion, frustration and bafflement.
What I have noticed is that the average citizen is stepping into the race, no past political affiliations or governmental roles. This shift is something unusual and is a direct consequence of the general dissatisfaction of the political process. We’re tired of the drama in politics. We’re tired of politicians who are not of good moral fiber. We’re tired of the talk and no action. We’re tired of not being properly represented. The next few months will be interesting to watch as the process is tested.