This dance that we are caught up in today began years ago.
It starts with a word, a whisper in the right ear, and a fire
starts, the desire to win begins. Grassroot organizations
begin their quest, hosting community parties and neighbourhood
potlucks for invited guests. They ask the right questions,
they put out the right name and the money starts pouring in.
Photo ops are capitalized on, local dignitaries are shown the
grand plan, and are given the opportunity to match funds with
their cohorts. They are given the chance to break with tradition,
or be left behind in the dust. The dreamers and the hopeful see the opportunity to change the balance of power, and grab on to the
golden ring. The chance to alter the future, a chance to make a
difference is held up for each man and woman to see. The hope
is that they will feel the same burn, will embrace that flame and
carry it across the land.
Candidates campaign, having a field day with the issues, turning
them into some kind of speech making game. Adversaries try to
create controversy, to make black and white issues, where really
there are only different shades of gray. Cities vie for the chance
to hold a convention, what a deal maker, what a money maker
that is for the town. The dance begins to move faster.
The names are put out there for the whole world to see. No longer
is it all backroom deals, now is the time to deliver. Those that
have been chosen, accept the nomination, and now it begins in earnest. Experience comes into question, and children are used to deflect the
light from the one that is nominated. This only fuels the media into a
feeding frenzy of hate filled topics better left to the sleazy tabloids.
The campaign platform of family, a wife and a husband, means the
usual roll call for the kids. Show up for the pictures, don't talk back,
make us look good, like we know what we are doing, and that we
have it all under control. This arena we are in, this primary we must
win, means we must show a picture of love to the world. Lets try to
hide our faults, put a smile on our faces and don't give fuel to the fire
that burns out of sight. We are a family united. We must win this election.
To do this, we must all deliver the goods and make it believable. A
touch, a smile are devices used to alter the worlds perception of this campaigning family. It is all about image. Or is it?
Do the people not care about the issues? Is not the cost of the war in
Iraq more important than the color of the shoes worn last night? Is not
the cost of education and health-care more important than the glasses
worn during yesterdays debate?
This election is not to be won on a wing and a prayer, but on issues, on
who is the best for the job. It isn't about color, or religion but it is about integrity, honesty and truthfulness. Mud slinging aside, lets keep to the
issues don't get caught up in the name calling and lowdown dirty games
that are known to happen sometimes.
Issues, they are what matter. The war, oil, crime, education, employment,
the infrastructure of the cities, these are what matter. Not what someone
had for breakfast, or that someone hunts and someone else doesn't. Issues, that is what we need to keep focused on. That is what the media needs to hear 'Stick to the issues, stay on topic'.
Each candidate needs to clearly state their stand on each issue. That person, when they get elected, are they going to be making the decisions you want, do they share your vision of America? If not, find out who does. Find out
who stands for what, and why. Don't sit back and shrug it off, and say it doesn't matter. It does. America is a great country, but it won't stay great if the people don't keep involved. Don't let someone else decide what your country is going to look like, how it is going to be viewed by the rest of the world. Speak up. Vote.
But don't stop there. Hold those elected accountable. Keep tabs on them, keep tabs on their staff. Not in a creepy stalking kind of way, just make sure they are keeping on track, staying the course they laid out. Remind them often of the promises they made, because it is those promises that got them elected.
The substance of the man or woman, their character are what made them leadership material. It is their stand, their vision of America combined with this that should help you make your choice. Vote for the person that will give you the America you want, both inside your borders and on the world stage.
But for goodness sake, Vote.
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(this is for a contest in which my name is hidden, please do not give any indication as to who I am in your comments.)
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