Playing Politics

You know that feeling when the guy on the TV makes the wrong play? You’re sitting in your arm chair yelling at the TV, spilling potato chips all over the floor as your gesticulate wildly. Even a blind man could’ve made that call!

It may seem like I’m talking about watching football, however I’m actually talking about watching American political news in 2018.

The Game

It’s no secret that there is intense dissatisfaction in America’s “ruling class”. The term “politician” has long been on par with the term “snake in the grass” and “dirty rat”. Many Americans feel that their interests are rarely represented. Instead, those in power are only seeking self-aggrandizement and wealth with no regard for morality or principle.

News stories abound that demonstrate this fact. The Clinton’s & their Foundation coming under investigation...again. Anthony Weiner having classified emails on his laptop. The intense battle between President Trump & Steve Bannon. The FBI investigation into the so-called “Trump-Russia” issue. Career politicians being outed for sexual harassment.

And the list goes on.

Meanwhile everyday Americans try to make ends meet. Politicians are playing a game while life is very real on Main Street.

Time Out

As frustrating as it is to watch the guy on the TV making stupid plays, we must realize that we, as American citizens & voters, bear some of the responsibility.

It’s become cliche to say that “freedom isn’t free”. However, truer words have never been spoken. Usually, this is in reference to the valiant heroes who have fought, bled, and died to preserve our liberty. However, it extends beyond that.

 

Freedom is always accompanied by responsibility. For you and I, that means the duty to do our homework. As John Jay put it - “Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country…By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.”

It means that we have the duty to cast an informed, educated vote. We have the duty to teach those around us and the next generation the founding principles of freedom. It means that we have a duty to keep our politicians accountable for the choices they make. And sometimes, it means we have a duty to stand up and say, “They’re failing miserably. Let’s see what I can do.” Yes, I mean running for office.

Couch or Action

There’s something in our brains that makes us feel good when we yell at the TV. There’s something comforting in telling ourselves that we’ve “done all we could” after casting one vote out of 130 million. But something deep inside us makes us realize that there’s more. More that can be done. More that must be done.

So are you tired of watching dirty politicians “playing politics”? It will only ever end if We the People stop yelling at the TV, get up off the couch, educate ourselves, and get involved.

Freedom isn’t free, but this is a small price to pay.

P.S. For a great way to get started, click HERE




Jonathan Paine

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