Take Back Politics

“It is time for America to lead once again”

“This is America. We don’t do what’s easy, we do what’s necessary”

“The cost of our healthcare has weighed down our concious and our economy too long”

“The countries that out teach us today, will out perform us tomorrow”

“Dropping out of school is not just quitting on yourself, it is quitting on your country”

“We will end tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas”

“Living our values does not make us weaker, it makes us stronger”

While America is suffering through one of the worst economic downturns in history, the House Democrats are 150 miles away spending taxpayer money to have their Annual Retreat.  At a time when companies who have received bailout money are being criticized about trips to Las Vegas and private jets, why are the House Democrats wasting tax payer money in Williamsburg?  Perhaps the Democrats should hold their meeting in the Washington D.C. area and save money.

While Barbara Bush spent most of her time in the shadows of President Bush, and never really had much of a captivating personality, Michelle Obama has already started to step out on her own. While speaking at the Department of Education, First Lady Michelle Obama showed that she has her own star power and can speak in front of an audience. We’d argue that while Barack speaks very well in front of large crowds, Michelle does better in front of small groups with an even more captivating speaking style.

Could Michelle Obama end up following Hillary Clinton’s lead and work to step out of President Obama’s shadow in four or eight years like Hillary?

CNN is reporting that Michelle Obama is upset with Beanie Baby maker Ty over the “Obama Daughter Beanie Babies.” While Michelle Obama feels it is inappropriate to use “young private citizens for marketing purposes,” we wonder what Mrs. Obama’s stance was on dragging the first daughters around to the Disney Channel Youth Ball on inauguration night was?

If it is inappropriate to use their image for marketing purposes in the case of the beanie babies, then perhaps they should not use them in any way including the Disney Channel production.

As it is currently being reported Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name for consideration for recently vacated New York junior senator slot.  While some organizations are reporting that Kennedy had personal issues or tax issues, it should come as not surprise that she has withdrawn her name.  She was not only polling worse than people not even in the running, but she also does not appear to have the qualifications for the job.  Since her initial announcement that she was interested in the position, Kennedy has not given much of a resume to show that she is qualified for the job.  New York is probably better off that she has withdrawn from the race.  You cannot rest on the laurels of your last name and have people feel good about you being their senator.

Today on CNN, they were asking if people thought the Obama Inauguration was too expensive to which most people said no.  While the inauguration itself has been great for the greater Washington D.C. area, it is the VIP toilets that seem to cost too much.  MSNBC reported that dignitaries like members of Congress and elected officials will have special VIP toilets at the inauguration “complete with sinks, heating and hardwood floors.”

For a few hours do “VIPs” really need heated portable toilets with hardwood floors?  That is pretty wasteful. While many American’s are struggling to pay their bills or find a new job, elected officials are using portable toilets with hardwood floors.  That really does show that some officials are still dramatically out of touch with their constituents.

While the tragedy that occurred in St. Louis, Missouri on February 7th is the far extreme of taking matters into your own hands, and by no means is violence the way to solve your problems, it does further the question: Who do local government officials serve?

All across America is seems as though local governments are out of control and have forgotten who they were elected by and who they serve. Whether it is run away spending, over taxation, or the threat of eminent domain, it seems as though local officials quickly forget who elected them. This problem does not seem to be limited to small or large towns, but runs the gamut across America.

It should be said that it is never too late to correct our political situation at the local, state, or national level but there is one thing that must be done — VOTE! Every chance one has to vote they should take advantage of it. Americans are very disillusioned with politics and seem to have come to accept the status quo. When will America realize, it is easy to change with your vote, but you have to vote to make a change.