Excerpts from – Is Democracy Floundering by Fred Flanagan

There are those who would say, we need to show respect to our leaders. I say to them we
need to get respect and honesty from our leaders as well. Journalists who ask the tough questions are ridiculed or painted as disrespectful, our Democracy is at risk. Respect is a two-way street


I believe that government of the people, by the people and for the people, is quickly becoming a government of the (rich) elite, by the elite and for the elite. Isn’t that Oligarchy?

“The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.”
President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)

Understanding the sometimes subtle scripts and dynamics used by politicians is helpful in understanding what isn’t being said, and what is being misstated or taken out of context.

What are moral values? Who decides? Morality is a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct— and that’s trouble in any language! Too often religious beliefs are confused with morality. Politicians claim that every life is sacred. Yet, call the loss of life to gang war “collateral damage.” Wow! That’s sensitive!

Morality is of the highest importance – but for us, not for God.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

We have politicians claiming that the problem is our families. Families in this country among the working poor and middle class are doing the best they can to feed, shelter and educate their children. Most families require two incomes to make ends meet. We don’t need a lecture on families from politicians who are obviously disconnected from the reality of the working poor and middle class.

Political appointments, unfortunately, are often a thank you for support during a political campaign. The citizens of deserve much better than the level of incompetence displayed by some of the appointments to positions for Political pay-offs; appointments with no consideration for the necessary experience and qualifications.

I find it interesting when I hear the argument that we have to protect the voice of the minorities. The real minority is running the country. The wealthy, influential and “connected” people are making all the decisions. The working men and women of the middle class, and the working poor, are the majority!

All citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process. I see a trend of blindly following and supporting a chosen political party similar to the manner in which people support their hometown sports team.
The need to maintain power by makes it very difficult for our leaders to have honest debate and achieve consensus. The work of the people isn’t getting done. Politics have become more about power, control and money than debate over the greater good of our citizens. We can change this by sending a message to our leaders at the voting polls. Do your job or pack your bags! Many political leaders believe they can do what they want without taking responsibility. You can change the arrogance by voting your conscience regardless of continued party affiliation.

We have politicians who can’t see the importance of, and who fear, opposing views. It is
time to stop attacking the opposing views of our fellow citizens.

The next time a politician evokes morality and moral values, just remember words mean
nothing unless the actions taken because of them are truly moral, and show respect for
diversity.

The men and women who choose political careers have an obligation to the people who
elect them to office. Public service requires ethics, honesty, and loyalty. The men and
women who abuse that trust need to be voted out of office.

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own
governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
James Madison (1751-1836)

Our government cannot solve all the problems facing this nation, but we must do better.

We hear the same speeches during campaign debates. We hear the hollow promises to better educate our children, and improve health care; however, we continue to have the same problems.