Co’nun’drum: “something
that is puzzling or confusing”… “a difficult problem that seems to have no
solution.
One of the primary reasons governments do exist,
besides all the hoopla we are given on a regular basis and regardless of whether
they may be considered good, bad or indifferent, is simply because a country cannot be run by
general consensus. I know… “We the People” and all that goes with this is truly
an altruistic concept, but far from a practical one. This is unfortunately
truer in a country as complex and as varied as our own, right here in the Good
Ol’ US of A.
Town Hall meetings are a good concept… of times
gone by… they were perhaps very valid in earlier moments when face to face
meetings were of the utmost importance, since there were not too many other
means to make yourself known then. Today, because of the fact we are an
expanding electronic society, ever busier, more knowledgeable (well, in most cases) and ever more needful,
these meetings have become a quaint reminder of what once was; a good political
device to garner special interest votes, perhaps some ideas and most assuredly face
time and press coverage.
However, when it comes to those major decisions
which will impact the lives of you and me, the average citizens, these are made
behind well closed doors, far from the maddening crowds and from those like…
guess who? you and me, whose lives they may actually change. Decision makers
don’t want any pesky folk around when they may have to go against all that was
promised at one time or another (not that
they don’t do this regularly anyway…) and who may present a knowledgeable
and loud complaining voice.
A good example of votes not perhaps representing
the will of a true majority is the “Electoral College”. This body was
instituted long ago and far away when the average voter was uninformed, fairly
illiterate and not very trustworthy. It was thought the average voter couldn't make an intelligent decision… mainly men voted then so there might be some
substance to this…
Today, the voter field has changed much but yet,
the governing body(ies) insist on maintaining this college alive because in many
ways, facilitates control over the voting patterns in important areas, often
giving convenient impressions of large winnings when the actual margin of popular
victory is quite small. This is especially true in states where a 1% majority takes all the marbles. The Electoral College should be abolished and each
man and woman of voting age should be able to cast a direct vote that is
actually counted. And that counts. Conventions be damned!!
As stated before, I agree with the hard truth that
we cannot run the country by general consensus; God knows how unwieldy this would
be. Not very popular decisions have to be made and they would be impossible if
opposing viewpoints take the stage… we see this enough in Chambers. However,
leadership has to be based on having the courage to do what needs to be done;
to actually move the parts and accomplish what is necessary for the best
interests of a majority of the people, not for the best interests of some of
the people or entities. And no, I am not espousing a “socialist/populist” brand
of control… many years ago I left running in my haste to leave one such
government behind… well behind… I know in my own flesh how much damage these fools can inflict.
Often, political decisions are the warm leftovers
of a compromise… But… isn't compromise good...? I dare ask… supposedly it takes
into account the needs of several parts and incorporates these into the final
solution… What?... you say Not So???... Well, this accommodation happens in
theory anyway, although in real life it often fails to bring the desired
results. A “neutered” decision (intended
to please as many as possible while actually accomplishing little) is
nothing but a reflection of a neutered leadership.
Hmmm… too much to think about… too many sides to an
octagon. Truth, however, only has two sides: truth and untruth. There are no
middle colors and no middle possibilities. Politics, on the other hand, has as
many sides and colors as it may be convenient to have at a given point in time
and circumstances.
Enough of this nonsense… for now.
Be
Well … Be Back!!!
Final Notes:
- Pray for those who are fighting an illness
which may take them away from their loved ones… Every request is heard,
and counts!!
- Follow us on Twitter …
@RJAsPandora
- Any comments please send to otherboxp@yahoo.com
- “La Otra Caja de Pandora”… The Spanish language Blog… “otracaja.blogspot.com” … Bienvenidos!!!
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