tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post4704269349223377842..comments2023-09-11T08:58:24.710-06:00Comments on Reach Upward: The Value of Political InvolvementScott Hinrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11831447472339880148noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10424035.post-84071432665412916902008-06-22T14:52:00.000-06:002008-06-22T14:52:00.000-06:00Although we are obviously on polar opposite sides ...Although we are obviously on polar opposite sides of almost every political issue, we agree that the two "major" political parties in this country do not represent the views or the will of the American people - or at least American people like us. <BR/><BR/>There is a reason for this. It is not so-called judicial activism - a feature of both "conservative" and "liberal" judges. Nor is it a because of apathy on the part of the electorate. Nor is it a function of the relative control that government is able to exercise over the lives of citizens. None of these explains the disregard elected officials have for public opinion. <BR/><BR/>IMHO, the basic reason is the dominance of money in today's campaigns. If a candidate needs millions to even run for the House, much less a higher office, then the candidate will do and say what is necessary to obtain those millions, and rarely do the interests of ordinary citizens coincide with the interests of those able to contribute large amounts to political campaigns.<BR/><BR/>We have no practical alternative to political involvement, so that is what we must continue. However, we need to realize that we face insurmountable obstacles in the contest to win the attention and support of our elected representatives. We also have to recognize that a 3rd party alternative from left or right is all but impossible. <BR/><BR/>For myself, I have no delusions that either party's Presidential candidate will act in the interests of this country and its people. There are however, candidates for Congress (particularly the House) who may, at least in their initial terms, work in the interests of the people. My time, energy and money will be used in support of those candidates.Charles Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975241234146573609noreply@blogger.com