Political Hope

Most of you know that I am nothing if not opinionated about the world of politics. Politics should be a contest of ideas - ideas are debated, and the best idea win. Politics is also conflict. Much like sports, politicians attempt to beat their opponent in elections, and in the public eye. Sadly, today politics is mostly about conflict. Ideas do not get debated. Crushing the opponent to extend their own reign of power is the only real goal.

I have political hope for this country. It does not come from the current president who promised to change Washington. He has failed just as his predecessor did. My hope comes from the electorate. For the first time in my life, I believe that apathy is on the wane. More people are taking note of political shenanigans and don't like what they see. This can only be good. I believe the elections of 2010 and 2012 will be just as pivotal as they were in 2008.

My hope is simple. I hope that in 20 years American will look back on this decade with disgust. They will be revolted by stories of politicians who squandered the country's wealth for the benefit of a small constituency. They will revile the thought of politicians not listening to their constituents, and passing laws that do not apply to themselves. In 20 years, we will have instituted term limits to eliminate the political self-preservationist behavior of securing another term before serving the people.

In 20 years they will see this time as a lost decade, where political parties savaged each other in the press every day. A time when each political party opposed any idea that came from the other. A time when politicians attacked each other personally, leaving scars that eliminated any chance of future alliance or success. We must learn from our mistakes.

This is my hope.