Politicians Deserve “Participation” Trophies

My, my, my, what do you know?  A Democrat and a Republican came up with a budget that actually passed. They cooperated and played nice together to arrive at finished project. (This is practically a first for the current administration!)

And it has only taken 6 years out of an administration that will be eight years long…

So, with 75% of the current administration’s time up, and with the first few years controlled by the Democratic Party without any positive progress, we have finally lift off on a proposed, bi-partisan budget. Applause, pass out the participation trophies! You did your job once in the last 6 years.  Lucky for the elected officials, they work for the American Public and cannot be fired. The majority of the American Public’s bosses are not quite so lenient.

I don’t suppose this streak of industry has anything to do with the fact that the 2014 elections that are coming up in November?  I’m sure that would never be a factor, even though both sides are feeling the pressure of the American Public now…Approval ratings for the Congress and the current administration are in the basement.  The reason being is what they have done and what they have not done.

The media and the left viciously attack anyone who questions the status quo, the right acquiesces to the strongest arm and turns on its own.  All of these political moves and shenanigans point to the fact that the two-Party system has outgrown its reason for being.  Both sides feel more loyal to the Party and not very loyal at all to their employer, The American People. Each points the finger at the other side, or claims complete ignorance.  Each makes cushy deals for its own state, or personal gain at the expense of the greater good.  And right now, each side is feeling the pressure of losing their elitist privileges and free ride.

What I believe we need is to add another Party–or two–to the mix, or do away with the Parties all together. There are two ways to get this started.

First, we must change our voting registration to INDEPENDENT.  Second, we must lobby for an Independent’s right to vote in any and all primaries.  By changing the voter rolls to a largely independent status, perhaps both sides would see the voters as individuals that they have to please, rather than loyal minions that will follow along regardless.

This would up the ante for a candidate; causing them to get out and rattle the bushes to be sure they have a vote from each unattached voter. They would know for subsequent elections that a vote is not guaranteed. They must perform and strive to keep their promises.

The time for giving out big salaries, perks, light work schedules and free rides, just for voting present, not showing up at all or refusing to the do the job you swore an oath to perform is over.

This November is not elementary school and there will be no prize for participation.  Sloth and strife are out; getting the job done is in.