Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Cost of Democracy

Senator Bill Clinton?

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org

Democracy is in play.  Politicians take their positions.  The people ponder as powerbrokers decide.  The stage is set.  Tickets are for sale, but only for a select few.  Thus is the scenario.  Consider the scene.  New Yorkers contemplate who might fill a probable vacant Senate seat.  Should their representative, Hillary Rodham Clinton, be approved to serve, as Secretary of State, Governor David A. Patterson will appoint another to fill her chair.  Therein lies the problem for many of the people in the Empire State.  The Constitution allows a State's Chief Executive the authority to assign a seat to whom he, or she, thinks best.  People, prominent and prestigious, such as Caroline Kennedy and Andrew M. Cuomo, vie for position, and constituents have no real say.  She is the daughter of much beloved and laudable President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.  He is the son of the former nationally renowned Governor of the State, Mario Cuomo.

Each has enthusiastic support from voters.  If they two were candidates in an election, the race might be close.  However, constituents will never have an opportunity to cast a ballot for the Senate seat.  The consensus is the cost of a special election is prohibitive. Meanwhile New York Republicans revealed today, January 13, 2009, they are ready to pay the price for such a move.  

For the Grand Old Party the expense would be far less than the fee paid for another Democrat in the United States Congress.  However, the Progressives intend to hold the line.  In New York, just as in Illinois, where the Obama seat must be filled, budget concerns during a recession, one brought on by lobbyists, who influenced lawmakers, who then limited regulations, dictate a need for frugality.  Those on the left of the aisle remind the public of circumstances they cannot escape; we as a country must consider the cost in this economic crisis.    Monetary issues must take precedence . . . and it does for those average Americans who are not eligible for a bailout.

The populace observes the performance of each of the esteemed entries; and they can do nothing.  Some amongst the common folk think the persons who have insider access to the New York Governor are less qualified, or merely legends.  Yet, these individuals are able to court the lawmaker.  The public understands how persuasive power, prominence, and pay for play might be.  New Yorkers cannot forget the folly that is the current circumstance in Illinois.

It was a cold December day when, embattled, and some might even say ethically challenged, Rod Blagojevich, announced his selection for the Illinois Senate seat.  Before the January House impeachment of the perhaps, brilliant, and beleaguered Blagojevich, the President Elect stated: "The assembly should "consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois."  

However, that was in days of old, when Barack Obama was bold and principles were more prudent.  Currently, it would seem, cost conveniently counters a need to hear citizen voices, as do concerns that a political Party might lose power.

Today, it is accepted; politics is but a game, a show.  The audience, in the cheap seats, looks on .  Republicans and Democrats of authority are the actors.  Policymakers have dominion given to them by the American people who wistfully worry they are no more than pawns.  The public is aghast; citizens rights, privileges, and permissions to speak, are held hostage.  Yet, the electorate continues to stand by and watch the cabaret.  People willingly pay the price for government malfeasance.  They accept that they have no power.  They gave it away.  Rulers, otherwise known as Representatives, have convinced the commoners; "practical" truths are the cost of democracy.  The price is exorbitant.  

Cost of Democracy . . . 

Jan 13, 2009 11:00:00 AM | Americana, Elections, Policy, Politics

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