Self Generated #2 The Descent of Politics.

  It seems with every election cycle, the dysfunction in Washington gets worse. I am beginning to adhere to the notion the Mark Twain  had, "Diapers and politicians must be changed regularly for the same reason." The hate and disrespect for opinions other that the ones held by the person speaking is overwhelmingly unproductive.  The Senators and Representatives where elected to serve the interest of their constituents. The bickering over every issue is not the reason they hold office. Once elected, the focus of the members of congress shifts to getting reelected and off the needs of the people. The name calling and the absolute assassination of the opponents character is unsavory to me. I try to keep my political leanings to myself. People can become quite emotional  about politics, and I hate drama. Our opinions are entrenched in our emotions and they are hard to untangle. I do not want to offend anyone, nor do I want to be considered naive in the ways of the world. I'll give a hint, I will never vote against my own interest. Whew!! I certainly hope that is vague enough. I want to be obscure clearly. I try to hold my bias in check and be aware of it as I listen to others views, although it is difficult at times. Remember, we all all Americans and in this together. It helps no one to cling to the party line at the expense American people. When did compromise become a dirty word? It should be considered a strength rather than a weakness. If the political rivals President Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill could agree to work together for the good of the county, why can't the current members of Congress see a way around the impasse of adhering strictly to party lines. The gentleman's agreement of rules of conduct has fallen by the wayside and the country as a whole is the poorer for it.

President Reagan and Tip O'Neill  

  Two of the most skilled politicians in the art of compromise were President Reagan and Tip O'Neill. The grace has left politics and a coarseness has emerged. The political atmosphere is so toxic, most descent people fear to enter the arena. People must demand the return of common courtesy and common sense to the Congressional members. The ways of doing business in the Congress now is unproductive and damaging to everyone. We need to look past our differences and find our similarities. The nation as a whole will profit greatly from a change of tactics and out look. Let's bring back civility and compromise to the discussion of politics. Respect your opponent (I hate to use that word), if for no other reason than, to keep you honest. I prefer to think of the opposition as complementary; each bringing to the table strengths and weaknesses the other lacks. The parties should see themselves as the two sides of the same coin. Another issue is honesty, how many former legislators and now in prison or under indictment for misconduct in office? We must require a greater level of honesty from our leaders. They should be the greatest among us, not the ones able to sling the most mud. I do not want the best liar or thief to represent me. I want someone who truly wants to make the country better, not one who's focus is on reelection. Term limits may allow for real change to happen. Until then, I will hope that common sense will emerge.

                                                                             
   I couldn't find a flag that says, "Quit bickering or lose credibility". The political posturing that is going on has real world consequences like, a tanking economy and loss of respect around the globe. All just for a few political points, points that are ephemeral at best.