2008 Woodie Awards
We the people
Hannah Baylor
Issue date: 11/6/06 Section: Forum
Whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent we all have the same desire when it comes to Election Day. We all want our candidate to represent us, to embody our wishes, and to make a difference in our community. In fact, the only reason we elect an individual is because we trust him to do his job; but what has happened to our government officials? Are they executing their duties as our leaders or are they failing to advocate our rights? When entering the booths next week, who are we going to vote for?
Unfortunately, many government positions have transformed from a people-given opportunity for change into an occupational advancement upholding personal power. It seems that so many officials, once elected, forget about the counties, environment, and people they are supposed to be helping. On CNN's Broken Government, which aired October 19, Jack Cafferty and his guests discussed the negligence of many elected officials. According to CNN, not too many years ago, Congress met over one hundred and fifty times a year; now we are lucky if they meet one hundred and ten times. It also used to be a five day job, now it is barely four, and still many grumble even with their $150,000 plus salary.
What are our senators, congressmen, governor, and representatives doing to better our country? The cry of our country, "We the people, by the people," has been debased to "for me, by me" where personal advancement has obviously taken its toll. Now surrounding many of our candidates is a cloud of scandals. Many of our leaders have become corrupted by the power they hold, succumbing to sex, money, drugs and alcohol. These are our role models. Even campaign ads push the negatives of other parties, often to such an extreme degree as to reduce the bare facts to near fiction.
So what should be our elected officials' responsibilities? They should begin with this country; they should begin with us. These leaders should make it a priority to visit the individuals they are representing, not just to speak, but to listen; to discover what the people in that community desire to change. Imagine the difference a representative can make, when he endeavors to embody the wishes of his people. These leaders should also be devoted to their task, not just because it is their job, but because it was their passion. When they were electedthey wanted everything we want. That passion, that desire, is critical to the structure of this country.
We have many elected individuals who do all that we hope they do, who execute these responsibilities, and are amazing role models for our country, but that number is quickly diminishing. So, now you have the chance to change it all. The power is in your hands to make a difference. Will the person you elect bring what you need? Who will it be? The decision is now yours to make, make it well and a student at WCU.
Hannah Baylor is the Political Director of the College Republicans.
Unfortunately, many government positions have transformed from a people-given opportunity for change into an occupational advancement upholding personal power. It seems that so many officials, once elected, forget about the counties, environment, and people they are supposed to be helping. On CNN's Broken Government, which aired October 19, Jack Cafferty and his guests discussed the negligence of many elected officials. According to CNN, not too many years ago, Congress met over one hundred and fifty times a year; now we are lucky if they meet one hundred and ten times. It also used to be a five day job, now it is barely four, and still many grumble even with their $150,000 plus salary.
What are our senators, congressmen, governor, and representatives doing to better our country? The cry of our country, "We the people, by the people," has been debased to "for me, by me" where personal advancement has obviously taken its toll. Now surrounding many of our candidates is a cloud of scandals. Many of our leaders have become corrupted by the power they hold, succumbing to sex, money, drugs and alcohol. These are our role models. Even campaign ads push the negatives of other parties, often to such an extreme degree as to reduce the bare facts to near fiction.
So what should be our elected officials' responsibilities? They should begin with this country; they should begin with us. These leaders should make it a priority to visit the individuals they are representing, not just to speak, but to listen; to discover what the people in that community desire to change. Imagine the difference a representative can make, when he endeavors to embody the wishes of his people. These leaders should also be devoted to their task, not just because it is their job, but because it was their passion. When they were electedthey wanted everything we want. That passion, that desire, is critical to the structure of this country.
We have many elected individuals who do all that we hope they do, who execute these responsibilities, and are amazing role models for our country, but that number is quickly diminishing. So, now you have the chance to change it all. The power is in your hands to make a difference. Will the person you elect bring what you need? Who will it be? The decision is now yours to make, make it well and a student at WCU.
Hannah Baylor is the Political Director of the College Republicans.
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