I wrote yesterday that we were Front Seat to History, but main stream press continues to miss it and I fear I was a little too cavalier in my writing. The real story here is not the initial failure of the bailout, but the in-your-face blatancy of our politicians. There is no longer even the veil of accountability or representation. I know this is a political philosophy question regarding representative government, but there has always been at least lip service paid to the idea of politicians keeping their finger on the pulse of their constituents. Senator McCain said “Americans are frightened…” and the Democratic leadership is returning to the bargaining table in hopes of enticing more politicians from both sides of the aisle to vote against the wishes of the very people who voted them into office. Today we had President Bush demand “Congress must act.” In most scenarios, if the White House disagrees with congress, the President takes it to the people and admonishes all of us to call, write or email our representatives and let them know how we feel. But in this case there is no call to action. Why is that? Obviously the majority of America does not agree with the bailout as it is presently understood, but there is more to it. Congress and our executive leaders are all of one mind: get this done despite what middle America thinks. This has two connotations:
- Don’t bother representing your constituents – they are too stupid to understand.
- Don’t bother representing your constituents – they are not the ones who pay your bills.
Either way I want to SCREAM OUT to everyone watching this. I want to say: Pay Attention! It is rare that an event of this magnitude happens close enough to an election that we witness the true motivation of those who run for office. If you feel a disconnect with your elected officials… is it any wonder?
David Shafer says:
Or of course the alternative is that representatives are actually voting their conscious. After all the vote really didn’t go down along party lines as thought with many Democrats voting against and many Republicans voting for. As to popular opinion it is changing as people start to grapple with the realities it is bcoming more popular (not that it makes it the right decision!). Note that I am not a supporter of the bailout being very ambivalent about it, but think both sides have some explaining to do!
September 30, 2008 — 5:19 pm
Missy Caulk says:
Sean, I do believe the constituents called, faxed or emailed. 3 to 1 to stop it. That is why those seeking re-election, Jr. Congressman did not vote for it. I think there has been a huge out cry from Main Street America on this one and it slowed it down and will come out better, ( if there is a better) which I am not yet convinced there is.
October 1, 2008 — 4:11 am
Michael Cook says:
Sadly, it actually seems to be getting worse. Not that I want to see another 800 point drop in the Dow, but there is a lot of stupid stuff in the bill now. It seems like the more they try to gain a concensus, the more stuff goes into this “Frankenstein” making it less effective and more costly.
October 1, 2008 — 8:05 am
Thomas Johnson says:
Congress figured it out: Mother of all recessions coming. No more money for special interest giveaways will be available. Last chance to take care of lobbyists so that there is employment after they get tossed out.
October 1, 2008 — 8:35 am