Of Politics and Politicians

Recently i heard a popular politician declare his desire to overthrow the existing government while on a very hostile campaign trail.  he vowed to rid the country of its major problems, corruption, crime and unfulfilled promises to the people of the country, he would be rid of them with the snap of his fingers!  I sat in awe as his fingers twitched and made the familiar click of the magician’s trademark gesture, with great disappointment I saw that he still remained on the podium and continued his speech, so much for wishful thinking!

For years we have gone to the polls and made the choice between the lesser of two evils and unknowingly have become less of ourselves has our elected leaders fed us stories of days to come that  never do.  Is it that they have lost sight of the task at hand or is it that power has become too much to be contained with the vessels of integrity and honesty?  I will declare that there is nothing wrong with Politics, but certainly there is something wrong with many of our leading public officials.  These statesmen can be found, post-elections, in one of four categories;

1. Paid Piper

This category may have well been named "The Public Puppets".  For here we find the class of politicians that took such large portions from the cooking pots of self interested corporate giants and their executives.  It is said "he who pays the piper calls the tune!", and how true it is!  Corporations have pulled the strings of our social structure and economic life lines for centuries, using elected officials as their little gizmos in suits.  Having become the recipients of "big money" they have signed away their functions and the trust of the average man, instead making decisions and passing bills that invariably will never serve the mass of the electorate.  Big money loves big money, any thoughts of patriotism and national pride are strangled and severed by the strings that pull the puppet’s hands.

2. The Power Syndrome

Here we find the depravity of men at its very best.  Starved animals often at the first chance at a bountiful meal, tend to over indulge and often times get even more so ill or even dying.  Powerless men are often very conservative in their thinking when presented with the possibility of power.  However upon attaining said power the story becomes a bit more interesting.  Gone are the days of out-of-pocket spending, and ushered in are the days of write-offs and tax payers funds.  After all after a tough campaign trail, one should indulge a bit before getting on with fulfilling promises and the people’s interests!  But oh the sweet wine of victory is mightily intoxicating and self interest becomes the order of the day.  One thing the politician is aware of: It will not last forever!.  As time flies, the term is over and only the possibility ot re-election will allow for the citizens’ concerns to be addressed!