When I started writing a blog back in 2007, what served as the impetus was the first Biden-Palin debate. I was appalled at the pandering to the voters both candidates were guilty of. This incensed me enough to expose what glaring inconsistencies, and ridiculous unsubstantiated claims were made by both. It was cathartic for me, fresh off obtaining my master’s in American history, to share what knowledge I had gained. To me, this was the whole purpose of getting an education. Sharing what you knew with others who either were familiar with what I cited, or with those who did not know the information you had. In today’s climate, political or otherwise, people in general don’t give a shit.
The majority of people I come in contact with are either skeptical about what I tell them, or don’t believe me altogether because it doesn’t jive with their belief system that is comfortable and familiar regardless of how far off base it may be. This saddens me no end. I told a friend recently that I feel as though I’m shouting at the rain. I began to question the purpose of being educated. Why did I decide to go to college at the ripe old age of 44?
Originally, it was to kill time until I could find a niche, or gain enough knowledge that I could seek gainful employment in a field that makes me happy, and can accommodate a disabled person. Later, it became a quest. I enjoyed learning. I decided I would continue until I would obtain whatever degree necessary to be able to pass on what I posited within the context of my marriage of life experience and educational experience. To me, this was priceless. A unique perspective only available to very few due to unique circumstances of one kind or another. This was how I could convey with confidence my contextual socio-economic, socio-political, socio-historical observations. Currently, this too doesn’t seem to matter much to most.
So, for the purposes of this blog, I’d like to make several declarations that everyone should agree on. I’m quite sure this too will cause someone’s panties to get in a bunch. Hell, we’re at the point if someone declares the sky to be blue on a cloudless, sunny day, this will be enough to spur an angry point and counter-point, accusatory diatribe. Let’s try.
All politicians lie. Some lie more than others. Some of the lies are more hurtful and/or dangerous than others. Nevertheless, all politicians lie. And when they aren’t lying, a faction of the voting public still thinks they are lying. Often, justifiably so. Their collective track record isn’t very good. Are you still on board with this, or is there some asshole out there who thinks this is not so? If so, stop reading here. You are wasting your time. I’m sure you have much more important things to attend to, like watching Infowars.
Knowing that all politicians lie, but most don’t know when they are lying, wouldn’t it behoove you to find out why are they lying? Why is it necessary to lie? That would require you to become informed. Try to do this before you assume what the politician is telling you is true. This may take some work. You may have to read a little. You may have to ask other people who know more than you about the particular subject in question. Whether or not you agree with the answer as it fits into your worldview, you will become more informed, and can readily identify more of politician’s bullshit. Let’s move on to the other thing we should all be able to agree on.
Politicians are no longer concerned with the greater good, or what best serves the majority of Americans. Legislation that is passed is so convoluted, and has so many strings attached to pander to special interests, politicians personal gain, financial, career, whatever; that it does not always do what is intended. It is never as grandiose as it is made out to be. There is no free lunch in America. Everything comes with a price. The majority has to claim small victories if they are to derive any benefit from any legislation that is passed.
Here is an example. Lyndon Johnson had a vision for America that would benefit the majority. I am not a fan of his, but he meant well. His stumbling blocks were a lack of funds to accomplish all he set out to do, the Vietnam War, and we all know how that went’ and lastly, he borrowed from Social Security to fight that war. Subsequent President’s felt it was their right to raid that trust as well. So, for all his dreams of a Great Society, Johnson shit the bed.
I hope the 5 people that read this are still with me. If you agree on both of those assertions, regardless of party affiliation or belief systems, stop fighting and understand what has gone on for the last 16 years is a mirage. Understand what is occurring right now requires you to agree on, and with, the two assertions made here. The greater good is at stake.
