Failure of Leadership

Perhaps it's time for Americans to revisit the idea of representative democracy.

That concept looks at the abilities and character of its representatives and elected officials and decides whether they are suitable to serve the electorate. Parties offer general positional guidelines only, and for an elected official to blindly follow party policy is to deny his own intellectual ability and abdicate responsibility for his actions. Moreover, not to action one's best considered judgement is to fail to lead.

Unfortunately, today there are many things that interfere with politicians exercising their best judgement. One big reason is the number of lobbyists there are now in Washington. There are more than 15,000 Federal lobbyists. That 28 for each US Congressman, Senator and the President.

Now you know why your senator doesn't answer your letters. It also gives a pretty good indication as to who's running the country - especially now that corporations are regarded as individuals for campaign funding purposes.

How we get our leaders to lead?

Too many people think we can't get there from here. That slows down the process considerably.

It will take time, and it will take effort on the part of individual voters, but the process is there.

1. Vote

2. Vote people out are doing their jobs badly - and that doesn't mean just not doing what you want. It means, a) if their attendance at votes is poor; b) if they've made dubious deals; c) if they appear to have more money than someone on a Federal/State salary should; d) if they don't reply to reasonable, reasoned letters; e) if they don't visit their constituency often or come to local party meetings, support local organizations or are absent without good reason more often than they should be

3. Have some idea of what's going on in at least one issue of importance; build knowledge and write to state and Federal representatives to put your case

4. Support activities that will help return government officials to better accountability

There are myriad other activities, but these are the easiest to begin with. Joining a local party and work to influence its thinking. Educate its members in the area(s) where you have knowledge and experience.

These things will make you an active citizen and an informed voter. However, beware as these activities can become habit-forming.