Intelligent Government

As if they have uncovered some secret of society, Republicans these days are campaigning around saying that they (and only they) will listen to the concerns of the people and represent the popular voice if elected. As with any claim or political suggestion, the Democrats campaign around saying that they are the holders of this key to the populous, that their election would put the people's voice into the arena of Washington political action.

But do we really want them to? After all, we elect Senators and House Representatives because they have an understanding of the issues that is greater than our own. Sure, they should represent the ultimate interests of their constituents, but not necessarily the desired means of going about this.

If we as a public knew what was best for our country, there would be no need for a Congress. But the obvious reality is that we do not. Even the oft-mentioned founding fathers recognized this, worrying not about the over-reaching power of a representative government, but rather about the power of an executive. The GOP may talk about "power to the people" and "less government", but if they truly do want to stay close to the ideals of the forefathers, they should recognize the need for a Congress of representatives with a level of intellect and understanding that surpasses that of the average citizen.

Unfortunately, the level of intelligence and historical understanding in the country is at such a low level that most Americans cant even recognize the need to elect officials who know better than us about how best to handle our nation's affairs. Rather than aligning themselves with what a poll says as to the health care bill or the War in Afghanistan, our Congressional representatives should flaunt the logic of their actions and promote a greater understanding of political issues among their constituencies. To be honest, the over-emphasis on polling and popular opinion is sickening. For every minute our nation's leaders spend ensuring that their actions align with poll results, a minute is lost in the job of fixing the economy, reforming our health care system, and putting our foreign affairs in order.

As a young adult, I am quite frankly disappointed that the lack of action in Washington gives me nothing to rally around, nothing to make me want to actively engage in the democratic process. The idealism that flourished during the middle part of the last century has been washed up by a politics that lacks any substance.

If it sounds like I am writing as a disgruntled youth, you bet I am! My generation is going to be burdened by a lot more than a national debt. In fact, the debt is the least of our worries. I am sick of the lack of intellect in America, sick of the bickering that has overwhelmed local, state, and national politics, sick of the arrogance of cries for "patriotism", sick of having nothing to hope for and everything to fear.