This realization is especially appalling to me when I find the time to think about it. I grew up in the late 1960s and early 1970s, at the tail end of the Flower Power/hippie movement. There was real hope back then that our generation would make a significant impact on life in general, and America specifically. Unfortunately, we Baby Boomers have fallen short of those lofty goals.
In my estimation, it’s been a long, long time since public service has actually involved service to the public. Instead of high morals and sacrifice for the people, running for and maintaining public office entails the need for a lot of money and a handsome package. Consider the millions and millions of dollars spent by everyone campaigning for president in the last cycle. It sickens me that the money couldn't have been put to better use.
Once in office, the hypnotic glow of the Beltway (or city or state government) overcomes the basic ethics of a good person. Like Jefferson Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, our hopefuls are installed amid a barrage of special interests and other temptations. Jimmie Stewart, the original "aw shucks" guy, was perfect in the role. You just knew he wasn't going to buckle under pressure. It would take a human being of exceedingly strong constitution these days to avoid the pitfalls of a cushy political job. Mr. Smith avoided corruption, but just barely.
These days, most folks of Jefferson Smith’s caliber wouldn’t be able to stomach our modern political process. The rest are sucked into a vortex in a galaxy far, far away from the land of common citizens.
Even with no hope of a Savior, or of a potential Jefferson Smith, I'll be at my polling place bright and early on Election Day. As an independent, I'll likely vote my conscience, instead of riding the popularity horse. I've voted in every election since Jimmy Carter, and have had only two of my choices come out winners.
Until something changes, until we are blessed with a new Mr. Smith, this is what we, the people do.
Article comments
1 - zingzing
is that a puma or a cougar? please let it be a cougar.
2 - Arch Conservative
"Unfortunately, we Baby Boomers have fallen short of those lofty goals."
I'm only 31 so wasn't around for the great hippy movement or whtever you want to call it but the way I see it is that you grew up, got jobs, and had children.
That's not exactly any great cause for shame in my book.
3 - Dan Miller
I just re-read the article, and wonder whether if might be re-cast as Mrs. Palin goes to Washington, possibly with a different conclusion.
Dan(Miller)
4 - Lisa Solod Warren
It would be nice if the comman man and woman could run for public office without big money behind him or her. AND it would be very lovely to get rid of PACS completely (even the good ones, I fear) and all that money changing hands. It seems that, mostly, only the very rich can run for office these days. Palin IS an exception, I agree. But she is still not ready for primetime.
5 - Joanne Huspek
I like Palin's fresh face and her lack of phoniness. But I agree with Lisa in that she might not be ready for prime time. The poor woman would be flotsam on the ocean of status quo without a life preserver. Too bad.