Let’s get to the truth immediately. American voters, the mainstream media, and average Americans have a big problem which has allowed 545 men and women to control the lives of 320 million. Thanks to a media hungry for ratings and profit, politicians have been given respect and privilege.

If we look at the facts; if we face reality; the truth is that America has created its own form of a monarchy. Over time our president, congress, and Supreme Court members have become a sort of royalty. They are given respect and privilege they have not earned.

I constantly hear that we ‘must respect the office of the presidency.’ Why? The person living in the White House is nothing more than a human being. More importantly all of those men and women in Washington were elected to serve the people. They are not entitled; they are not ‘special.’ They are all public servants.

For far too long they have been allowed to rule over us. They ignore our needs and wishes, and serve themselves by serving their masters. Respect is earned not a right because of the position they hold in our government. For instance; I have no respect for Trump, his circle of sinners, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and others including Steve King, Ted Cruz, Chuck Grassley, and most members of the ‘Republican Party in name only.’ They fail to represent me, my wife, or those I love.

When I used to watch broadcast news, I was disgusted when the personalities who make millions of dollars each year refused to challenge the politicians who appeared on their broadcasts. They would not have acted in the same manner if the individual was a suspected criminal or a member of a group which openly challenged our Constitution. Sadly, this is what our government does every day and continue to be treated with extraordinary respect and legitimacy.

I admit that most of this is the fault of voters. They refuse to vet the candidates and vote based upon what the see on television. What we receive are Congressmen and Senators who serve the one-percent and their personal ambitions. They lie as they take the oath of office where they promised to ‘preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. Serving the people who elected them is not on their list of priorities.

Last night’s election in Alabama proved that America is changing. Allowing members of congress to serve multiple terms in office is not only a mistake, it is a guarantee that our government will fail. Giving power to elected officials results in the end of democracy. There is a reason why a president is allowed to serve only 10 years in office. This should also be applied to congress. There is no honor in serving 30 years in the House or Senate; it is a disgrace. The American people deserve energetic and caring legislators who take office with a single goal; to serve the majority.

If we are honest, all members of congress are nothing more than butlers and maids. Their purpose is to care for the needs and wishes of the American people. Regardless of what they believe, they are not royalty; they are not ‘special.’

When you vote in the future, think about this. Make your vote count and elect only those men and women whose goal is to serve the majority. Sadly, you may never vote for a Republican again.

Please re-post; thank you.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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