Idiocracy. Calling All Sport's Fans. Are you on team Donkey or Elephant?

As time progresses, it becomes more and more evident to me that politics are like sports. People choose a side, plunk down on the couch, and root, whether their team is winning or loosing. Just like sport teams, many people identify themselves as either Republican or Democrat and hold fierce to that label, as identified by whoever represents them in government. An Obama follower is instantly aware that every Republican is a bible thumping, woman hating, war monger, while Republicans characterize Democrats as athiest, welfare pushing, socialist. In truth their are fringe groups that do resprent these stereotypes, but there are many more who have worked to carve out their own path/ideologies. For example, Ron Paul is much different from Mitt Romney, on many issues. In the same right even President Obama was campaigning much differently from Joe Biden in 2008. Beyond the measures, of these two parties, exist many 3rd party candidates, who stray even further from, or between, the common ideas that enlist the two main parties.

So what to make of this sport spectacular that we call politics?

In my opinion, the sport spectacular part needs to be removed. The labels of political party need to drop away. Instead we must look at each individual and listen to what they say. In addition, we must look at what they have done. Has President Obama upheld the constitution, as he promised, when sworn in? Has Mitt Romney been involved with resizing and major capital restructuring, often leaving out the human element of which he effects? These are just a few questions of many that should be asked, before moving forward. Just voting blue or red, for the sake of your favorite team is in essence evidence of "Idiocracy".

The Political Affect of the Self

Almost everyone who has spent a few minutes reaching politics has formulated an opinion of some kind. With a political system, such as the one in the US, opinion can often turn into determination for change. We see our own version of a brighter tomorrow, and wonder what must be done to get there. We see improved economies, liberty, and life for our fellow countrymen. We then question what we can do to help push our now determined opinion. We scour blogs and articles to make comments, post videos, post blog entries, and try to talk to as many people as possible. We tell ourselves that if we can change one person, then that is all that matters. This energy is addicting, but from time to time, one must ask one's self: Am I making a difference? Should I just give up or should I continue to fight?

I am going to suggest to continue the fight, despite the hardships that surround us. It will cause stress, agony, and getting over short term defeats. Yet, we will prevail. The next time you feel down about your political opinions, stay strong and true to what you feel is right. In addition, listen to those around you and be ready to learn. No one knows everything, not even in politics. By staying active politically, you will keep your mind sharp, and your tongue quick.

A Quote from Frédéric Bastiat, The Law

Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.

― Frédéric Bastiat, The Law

Why blame businessmen and not your elected official?

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Elizabeth Warren Extended Interview Pt. 1
www.thedailyshow.com
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The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Elizabeth Warren Extended Interview Pt. 2
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog The Daily Show on Facebook

Please watch the above interview first, before reading this entry.

My question is this: Why blame businessmen and not your elected official?

It seems the 99% movement and politicians, like Elizabeth Warren, have a dilemma on their hands. They believe the answer to all our woes is higher taxes on the private sector. This opinion seems to make sense, at first glance, when you consider the facts they present. They will paint the evil corruption that is money driven lobbying, and how these black souled people have bought out our political system. Facts, such as 30 companies spending more on lobbying than on taxes, or how many of our nation's most profitable companies pay no tax at all, are scare tactics that paint an ugly picture.

Before, taking those ideas too seriously, consider the following points.

1) For the stakeholders of a company, taxes are often doubled, once at the corporate level, and then once at an individual level. When statements are put out that corporations are not paying taxes, the individuals of the company still pay.

2) Those who lobby are paid by corporations to push their agenda in government. They are only able to push those agendas with the help of politicians. We, as US citizens, vote for these politicians. We do not vote for these businessmen. Warren argues that we need to fix this problem by voting in more ethical politicians. The 99% takes this even further, by wishing to create additional laws that would stop lobbyist. Yet, both of these people/groups fail to realize the paradigm they support. Where are the ethical officers who are going to create these laws and not take lobbyist money? Are there truly individuals who as a mass group, once put into office, will not succumb to the pressure of the lobbyist appeal? It will take a majority of these ethicist to replace the broken system we currently have. It would be wonderful if this were possible, but is it reality? More likely, the corruption would continue, as the lobbyst would still have their money to push their agenda. These new official would make a couple bright moves at first, but then be consumed by the serpent snake of lobbyist. The notion to fix bad government with more government leaves even more people to be bought out by corporations. It is a symptomatic response to a deeper cause.

These new politicians and laws would be the heart medication of obese, sedentary, more dieted, individuals. Is the problem the heart or the lifestyle of the individual? Is the problem the people in government or the organization/size of government itself?

What to do?

Jon Stewart plays devil's advocate in pointing out the growing proportion of Us citizens eying on more Ron Paul solution to this mess. Instead of risking the continual, symptomatic human habit of corruption, maybe the answer is to remove the cause agent. This cause agent is the position from which decisions are made. By eliminating federal government positions and following the enumerated power of the constitution, lobbyist would have a much harder time influencing national interest. They would need to lobby in 50 states governments vs one central government.

Maybe the answer is a mix of both, new laws against lobbying and a smaller federal government.