The United States of America, once a new and fragile democracy, soon became a leading example of success and domination. However, is America really the country to set an example? Having been founded on the moral and ethical standards set by our fore fathers, leaders were to uphold the rights of the people. The leaders chosen to protect those rights were to be honorable, unselfish, and ethical people. Yet in this modern day and age, those who run for the desired position to lead a great nation are corrupt. The idea of Democracy, the foundation to serve the people is tainted. Nominees have lost the idea that they will be elected to serve the people. Having that responsibility would imply that one would have to understand whom they are serving. Why would we work to elect someone who lacks the empathy to understand how the “average American” lives?
Although it does take a wealthier person to be able to get started in politics; the idea is not do this for the money. However, everywhere you look there are numerous corporations either forming SuperPACS or solely funding nominees. You really think that a nominee having this major influence is here to serve in the best interest of the people or to serve in the best interest of the corporations? Steven Colbert from Comedy Central made a very humorous and realistic point about these SuperPACs. A very current and perfect example is Mitt Romney. He has SuperPACs that are not only helping him win the election, they are fatting his wallet. Furthermore, on top of the millions these corporations are donating. Donald Trump recently announced he is willing to endorse Mitt Romney. Jon Stewart of Comedy Central pointed out this mind-numbing announcement. So the moral of the story is the richer are helping the rich. This would not be a problem, if the rich were serving the rich. Yet, the rich are serving the poor. Money corrupts the human mind.
There needs to be a reformation in politics. America grew to be a very large and successful nation. Yet, how is America supposed to continue to be a dominating nation if the foundation is corrupt? The generations to come are going to be even more self-centered and easily influenced. All I have to say is that, Al Gore may be correct with global warming. However, global warming is not even close to the damage that will come if money is the drive behind politics. America will find its doom, due to the fact that the leaders will be so involved in money and forget about the heart of this wonderful nation, the people.
Andrew, I totally agree with what you’re saying in how if you want to be a politician you need to be rich. Not only has the world of politics become a get richer for the already wealthy men and women of America. Does anyone remember Pete Ricketts when he tried to run against Ben Nelson for the US Senate and lost? But many people didn’t know how rich Pete Ricketts was well I found this. Ricketts father is Joseph Ricketts the founder of Ameritrade financial and current owner of the Chicago Cubs. Pete is currently sitting on the boards of both the Chicago Cubs and Bellevue University, and is on the board of trustees for American Enterprise Institute. In addition to all the boards in 2006 he used 11 million dollars of his own money to run for the US Senate seat. So this shows that politicians are millionaires looking for power. In my opinion I think we need to go back to the original democracy which the founders layed down for us to follow.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the idea of democracy as a foundation to serve people is tainted. We should not be electing people who do not understand how the average American lives. As a person trying to campaign they need to be financially sound and if they are not, they have to raise the money where they spend time meeting people with deep pockets. These individuals with deep pockets are not just giving a free hand out; they have expectations of being “paid back”. They have their own set of interests that may not be for the common good. As you have stated, …”money is the drive behind politics”. To evade fundraising all together so that a person has no obligation of paying back the rich, one must be a billionaire….
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this is true in today's society, but it is unavoidable. In order for a candidate to get his name and face out to the public, a substantial amount of money is needed. I also agree with Brett that the only way to avoid this 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' way of campaigning is if the candidate is a billionaire.
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