If I were king of the forest…

I hate election time. I am embarrassed by it. It’s the time of year when we trot out the poor excuses for leaders we have in this country and they try to convince us to vote for them because they are not as heinous as the guy (generic “guy”, women are not off this particular hook) against whom they are running.

I don’t understand the party system. I further do not understand why anyone with three brain cells to rub together would vote for someone simply because they bear the emblem of an ass or an elephant on their bumper stickers. Isn’t it counterintuitive to suggest that we want a “majority” of one party or the other deciding for us? Why does it matter? If politicians truly represent the people who voted them in, shouldn’t each issue be taken on its own merit and votes in the House and Senate be cast based on the merit of the issue and NOT whether you get called to the Speaker’s office for voting against party lines? What a bunch of idiots they are – and thus we are - for assuming that anything will ever be decided because it is what is RIGHT- instead, it is decided based on a “majority” sitting in office voting with their collective and less effective mindset. Oh UGH.

How will we ever progress? How will we as a nation return to greatness if we continue to square off against one another because of outdated, antiquated party beliefs? Seriously, voting for or against something simply because it’s what “the party stands for” instead of what YOU stand for as an elected heart and mind is ludicrous and ultimately harmful.

As long as I am on the subject I would like to suggest it’s time for further reform. Let’s see who really wants to “serve” as an elected official if they were afforded the same “benefits” our military gets. Let’s put them in government housing- doled out according to time in service. And let’s not forget the opportunity to shop in the commissary and exchanges. And the government run health care. Give them each a set, limited budget for campaigning. No fund raising. Really. If they want the privilege of serving the American people and making decisions about our health and well being I want them never to benefit from a decision they make. And so, like our military members, let’s neutralize their standard of living so it becomes moot. Accepting bribes, incentives, or offering the same in return should be a court martial offense. Let’s put honor and integrity back into our government. I would bet that if any of these reforms were enacted you’d see a scurrying out of Washington the likes of which we’ve never seen. There would also be a corresponding rise of hardworking, dedicated, smart, honest people who want to do right by their fellow Americans entering government service.

I’m just sayin’. And thank you to every United States veteran out there who defends my right to say and think what I just said and thought.