Mid-Term Election and Polls
The polls show Nov. 7 should go to the Democrats. But, is switching parties in control of Congress what voters really want? Or, is switching parties the only choice they feel is available to them?
Newsweek writes of its new poll:
For the first time since 2001, the NEWSWEEK poll shows that more Americans trust the Democrats than the GOP on moral values and the war on terror. Fully 53 percent of Americans want the Democrats to win control of Congress next month, including 10 percent of Republicans, compared to just 35 percent who want the GOP to retain power.
A Washington Post article says:
An Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted after the [Foley] revelations found 63 percent of voters "dissatisfied" or "angry" with House Republican leaders, and 73 percent disapproving of the job Congress is doing.
The polls seem to indicate switching parties is what a majority of Americans want. But, I believe the poll is misleading. I believe what the majority of Americans really want is responsible, honest, and accountable government that serves their nation and her people. I believe if a poll were done asking Americans if that is what they want, more than 95% would say yes.
So, will switching parties accomplish that? No! But, it is a beginning. It is a beginning because switching party in control of Congress means sending some Republican incumbents packing; a few Democrats will be leaving as well. And that is a good beginning. But, there is so much farther to go to achieve what most Americans really want.
To restore honest, efficient, and responsible government, Congress' politicians must be willing to put party, lobbyists, and special interests in the back seat and bring the nation and her people back into the front and driver's seats. That is not going to happen by simply switching majority control in Congress. That is only going to happen if politicians from
both parties recognize that their reelection depends on it.
On Nov. 7, approximately 85% of incumbents, (those in office seeking reelection), will be reelected. The Congress, Iraq, the Social Security and Medicare safety nets, our educational system, our voting systems, our campaign fincancing system, our lobbying system, our borders, our immigration system, our national debt, and our future are a mess. If, with all this, 85% of incumbents still get reelected, where is the motivation and incentive for politicians to change their ways?
Voting out incumbents must become a national movement, a national mantra, and it must grow election after election until the day comes that politicians accept a new reality: reelection depends more on solving the nation's problems than on party loyalty, campaign money, or bringing the local pork spending home.
Then, and only then, will Americans enjoy a government and Congress they can be proud of, that solves more problems than it creates, and which acts as a role model for our children and our nation's future.
But only about 1350 people will read this web site this month. And there are 10's of millions of voters to reach with this article and reasoning. You and I both know this reasoning is sound, and those with a modicum of common sense who have not sold their souls to their party, will accept this logic and reasoning as well. So, how do we get this message out to 100 million voters?
It will take money and volunteers. That's all. Money and volunteers. Money to buy the communications to send the message via mail, radio, and TV, and volunteers to share the message with local letters to the editor, call in shows, bumper stickers, yard signs, and political web site comments. So, what are you waiting for? Can we afford to let this anti-incumbent mood in America pass and wither? Donate your time and dollars today.
If you won't, how can you expect others to? Do it today. Feel GOOD! Become part of the solution and help end the problem. The politicians certainly are not going to do it for you or me. But, for 10's of millions of us voters, they will.
Comments
Right on, David, as in right on target and "right on, man!!"
Posted by: Zebster | October 8, 2006 9:42 AM
Thanks, Zeb. That's two of us who have read it. Only 9 million, 999 thousand, 998 to go, to make a difference in the election of 2008.
;-)
Posted by: David R. Remer | October 8, 2006 11:21 AM
As you may see from my address I am from Canada. I am in agreement with your goals and objectives 110%, and would like to start or extend your democratic movement to Canada. Is it possible?
I am retired, so don't have a lot of income, but if I could donate time I definately would like to help whatever way I can.
Posted by: Mate | October 22, 2006 6:40 PM
I second Zebster. Very well put, David.
Posted by: Kevin | October 23, 2006 12:16 PM