When our nation was formed, our founding fathers took great care to design a form of government which would be under the control of the nation’s people. They had tired of the monarchy they left behind in England, and sought a system where each citizen had a voice. Their solution was a “Democratic Republic.” This form of government eliminated the arduous task required of a true democracy, where everyone votes directly on every issue facing the nation. Their choice required the election of individuals who would represent a group of people in the nation’s capital. In turn, these men would serve the people by voting for their needs and wants when they were assembled.
Our forefathers believed that the most important right of all Americans was the right to vote. But things have changed.
The first alteration was established in 1787. The Constitutional Convention decided to create the Electoral College. This change to the original concept was intended to expedite the voting process for the presidency. Originally, each state had one electoral vote for each Congressman, and one for each Senator for a total of 535. Added were three votes from the District of Columbia. Through the years the two political parties have altered the Electoral College to benefit their opportunities for election wins.
Today, your vote for the President of the United States may not count. The popular vote has little importance in the process. The most recent proof of this egregious truth was in 2000. Al Gore won the popular vote, but lost the election. In this case the villain was the Republican dominated United States Supreme Court which halted a recount in Florida and gifted the election to George W. Bush. Today we do not have the United States of America; we have “red and blue” states.
In every election, voters are expected to vet the candidates and cast their ballots for the best possible candidate. Sadly, the idea of “professional politicians” has destroyed this intent. Far too many uninformed Americans choose to vote for a party, not an individual, or according to misinformation they see and hear on television.
Hundreds of Representatives and Senators are living privileged lives of luxury and power while failing to serve the American people. Thanks to the acceptance of lobbyists, these 535 men and women are members of the wealthy class.
Big business donates millions of dollars each year to the campaign funds of the members of Congress to influence the manner in which they vote on the issues. Why this is not unconstitutional, I fail to understand. Because of this despicable group of money worshippers, democracy has ceased to exist in our nation’s capital.
Your Constitutional right to have equal protection under the law has been removed. Only special interests have the ears of Congressmen. If they have lobbyists, and you don’t, your right to vote is null and void. Those you elect will likely vote to advance their careers rather than cast their votes for the good of the nation, and the betterment of all people who reside in America.
If lobbies are allowed to remain in control of our nation, the dream of our forefathers cannot be resurrected. The once grand idea has perished.
Well, it almost lasted for 240 years; nice try Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Adams, and others. Maybe next time.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of United For the People Georgia
The Truth With No Restrictions 