An old college professor once said " Everybody has something important and relevant to say or write at least once in their lives. It is up to the rest of us to take the time to listen or read, for just maybe this individual will say or write something so profound that will enable us to change our lives and make the world a much better place for all." This is so true, but in most cases we don't hear, take the time to listen, or totally disregard them as not being credible.
What is the basis for credibility? So often in today's society the media relates credibility with money. Simply put, your net worth. A clear example is what happened in 1996 when a women filed with the federal election commission, got the necessary signatures required by law to run for the United States Senate. She then went to the major newspapers to see if they would follow her campaign like they did for the other candidates. She was turned down. Their reason; not a credible are available candidate. The media chose to dictate what they precieved as being a credible candidate to run for United States Senate. as 1. A persons net worth has to be in excess of 3 million dollars, 2. You have to have a salaried campainge staff. 3 An outside campaign office paid for. These guidelines set up by the media purposely prohibit the majority of citizens who aspire to run for public office.
What has happened to the democratic process in America? Are we all influenced by how much money a person has? Or is it our own fascination with power related to greed and the prusit of monetary riches rather than helping to alleviate the many crisis of our times?
The whole political process has to be reformed if the United States is to survive. When our political leaders are elected solely based on monetary wealth, rather than their ability to educate and relate to the public on how they, by being elected will make each one of their constituents better off the whole democratic system is a mockery, a self perpetual continuation of unequal representation.
When it takes an obscene amount of money to get elected and to stay elected it is no wonder that the general public suffers because of their focus is not on the publics best interest but on how much money they raise and spend instead of trying to figure out how to solve problems like our failed energy and bank policies, lack of Universal Health Care, and the continuing deterioration of the American workforce etc.
Until we achieve campainge finance reform here in the United States this country will continue to slip away from democracy and thrust the American citizens into a way of life that we could not regain our freedoms that are now guarenteed by the United States Constitution. We must urge the passage of National Economic Reform if we are to regain our individual freedoms and ensure our American way of life for generations to come.
