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Time to return to honest, fair government

Mid term elections could be more aptly described as mid term squabbles.

Half truths, hints of poor performance in office and rejection of charges by office holders over criticism of policies or down right incompetence.

The battle rages on between our noble and patriotic elected lawmakers and the equally noble and patriotic contenders for a seat in Congress or the state legislature, governorship or any other position worthy of being fought over.

For some time now, voters have been aware of the “honorable?” Intentions of politicians.

They are not fooled by the noble phrases of the incumbents or of those determined to unseat them.

The rhetoric is always the same.

They all want to help the hard-working middle class by lowering their taxes.

Of course, that group covers the largest segment of the population, hence the most votes as well.

Pretty basic logic.

It is not difficult to find fault with our elected officials.

Most of us have not walked in their shoes, and it just might be that if we were faced with their problems, that our reactions might very well have been similar to theirs.

Consider the abundance of lobbyists constantly hovering about the lawmakers, suggesting subtle legislation helpful to the lobbyist’s client.

Some of them may be a good idea, others might mean support for something that the incumbent doesn’t like, but the thought of help in the next campaign could be a factor in a bad decision.

It is hard to make the assumption that all of the politicians (lawmakers) are dishonest and greedy since they come from all walks of life and from many different backgrounds.

It is more likely that our elected officials are just like the rest of us Americans.

The problems they face doing their jobs are caused by outside interests groups demanding certain legislation.

Political party policies that seem insurmountable and causing legislators to follow their party demands.

This has caused the disagreement and stalemate, along with the fact that lawmakers in both parties are guilty of giving in to campaign favors causing discord and faulty legislation.

Ideally, lawmakers should work together, from both sides of the aisle, and legislate for the benefit of everyone.

The two party system is the best way to explore problems of government.

Earnest and thoughtful men and women in public office can do a good job of managing the affairs of our great land, provided they are not distracted by special interests to the degree that presently exists.

It behooves the lawmakers to exercise their power and limit the extent of the lobbyist’s influence.

This action would provide illumination to the farthest and darkest recesses of the halls of Congress.

It would enable the entire electorate to be informed about the wishes of outside interests.

This would not infringe on the rights of lobbyists, only change the present practice to one of open dialogue.

I would like to suggest that a lobbyist representing certain interests be given an opportunity to address Congress openly.

A short speech, along with printed handouts, should be sufficient to make their case to Congress, while giving the media the opportunity to inform the voters about what is going on.

Further, this would force members of Congress to make responsible decisions with the interest of the electorate foremost.

I believe that is the responsibility of any elected official.

In addition, it would also ensure positive debates, giving an opportunity to share all the ideas that members might have.

Some will say that what I have described is impossible.

I maintain that we can do this easily, and we will find ourselves well on the road to sound government with an economy that is stable.

We are blessed with an outstanding Constitution, a great Bill of Rights and a free democracy.

We must guard it and support it.

Not only with words but with a fair tax system for everyone.

Stop this pernicious slide towards corruption by outside interests and restore the position of our elected offices to ones of honor and integrity.

This is not a call for a political movement but rather a simple return to open, honest and fair government on the national and state level. The one requirement for secrecy would be for national security.

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