Who Represents Us

The majority of Americans are not in favor of Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq and an emerging majority favors immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops. With this polling information coupled to recent public outcries over federal incompetence in response to hurricane Katrina, Democrats do not appear to be able or even interested, to take advantage of the public’s discontent.

Of course, there have been sniping remarks occasionally but, no constructive plan has been set forth by Democrats. Many are still in the Bush Iraq war camp and continue their lame attempts to justify their support for the illegal occupation. Can this be due to their having given Bush the authority to invade and now, don’t want to be seen as incompetent or even complicit?

That does not appear to be the case when Democrats like Joe Biden appear on news shows to claim Bush is wrong while insisting that the U.S. can not leave Iraq. Hilary, the other high profile Democrat, takes the same approach in regards to Iraq as part of her plan to strengthen her appeal to moderate and moderate-conservative voters.

So, what are the choices for the growing number of voters displeased with our involvement in the occupation of Iraq? Republicans refuse to even consider leaving and may be preparing additional invasions into Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc. Democrats offer increased number of troops to stabilize Iraq but, so far have not indicated their predictable support for further invasions.

Since the majority of Americans find neither party’s policies acceptable, why are politicians ignoring voters and avidly advancing an unpopular agenda? Isn’t this a representative government? Aren’t the wishes of the voters supposed to be advocated by the people we elect to public office?

The answers to these questions will be disappointing to anyone believing we still live in a democracy or to those who believe this government is “of, by and for the people” of our once great country.

The political process is awash in corporate money and has evolved into a “Pay to Play” type of commerce. Politicians advance the agenda of the highest bidder, and then attempt to sell it to the voters as good governance. Our system of representative government survives but, the definition of who is represented has changed from the people that elected the politician to the corporation that financed that politician’s campaign. Lastly, politicians elected to office are suppose to represent their constituents but, often find it difficult or even in contrast to the agenda of the corporation financiers they are indebted to.

For our democracy to survive it is absolutely imperative that we remove corporate involvement from the political process and hold our officials accountable to the electorate and not the agenda of big business.