Do We Deserve Our Electeds?
I have been lucky enough to meet many of our local, state and federal electeds over the last . . . well, let's say more than 25 years. Some of the people we elected should have been cloned or elected to another office because their attitude, their ethics and their value to the system was more than most voters know. And then some of the people we elected were only looking for the power and glory of elected office - you know the ones: they make promises they can't (or don't intend) to keep, have no consistent values or ideas we can depend on, will not talk to you or respect your attempt to discuss issues, and will appear only at fundraisers.
It's sad to say, but I believe we deserve those we have elected. Why? Because too many voters are too lazy to really - and I mean REALLY - understand the issues and the candidates. Why do so many voters only vote the party line? Because they feel safe? Safe? How can you vote for or against someone you know nothing about and feel safe? Whether it's 'your' party or not? Is the problem our political process? Well, I think it could be part of the problem.
So here's part of my solution: Decide what you like about what your elected has done for you and call your elected to tell them. You will definitely have to call more than the first time when you get just the receptionist or someone who wants to take a message. Call again; always leave your name and your contact information. Always call to thank them on the way they vote when you like it. And always call them to tell them why you don't like they way they vote on something you disagree with. No ranting, no nastiness. Just continue to call. You'll see. You'll find out what kind of representation you have at the local, state and national level. And don't forget to thank them for returning your call.