What If We Represented Ourselves?

I have been so frustrated with government for so long now. Despite our right to vote, it rarely seems to be a representation of us. Government has actually taken the power from us and no longer represents our voice.

It seems ridiculous to me, in this day and age, that we vote to elect a representative into office and that person then makes all the decisions on our behalf. Well, they are suppose to make decisions based on OUR behalf, but of course their own agendas are what comes into play.

A person running for office will promise anything to get elected. Why don't we require them to draw up contracts and if they breach them, why can't we have them removed from office in a more easily fashion than impeachment or recall? This method would actually be too murky still.

I want a world in which we no longer have representatives, but rather we represent ourselves. In this information age, why can't we have more opportunities to vote on everyday issues? Can we set up a system where we are allowed to have our voices heard more frequently than every few years?

What if all bills must be considered for public vote? There's no more House or Senate, its just us. Couldn't we figure out a way to develop a system to allow all of us to more collectively figure out what is fair? Can't we find a secure way to use our computer technology to allow the general public access to a fair exchange of ideas? (Leave the media and lobbyists out of it!)

I'd love to be able to read bills and vote on them using my computer. If you think this would become too time consuming, maybe a person could choose to vote on only those bills pertaining to his interests? I'm sure some bills would get much more attention than others, but this would be okay.

Am I trying to micromanage my government? Maybe I am, but I do know our government is broke, as in not working and as in financially. We need to try something else.

Perhaps I'm also giving too much credit to the intelligence of our citizens. We've been dumbed down for so long now, is it too late for us to wake up and think for ourselves?

I'm itching and bitching about robots.

My arms are covered in little red itchy bumps. Its gorgeous outside in Wisconsin today so I decided to do a little yard work. Of course "a little" turned into a lot.

I started by putting away all the patio cushions and stacking the furniture. Then I noticed how the weeds I neglected to pull had become trees. I cut away until my hands began to get sore, then I recruited my boys to help me.

Together we began to trim bushes and haul away branches. I wasn't wearing gloves and had on short sleeves. Now my arms are a mess. We're taking a break before we try hauling more yard waste away. Maybe we'll get lucky, and the wind will blow it all into the empty lot next to us.

Tomorrow I'm not turning on the TV, the radio or going online. I already voted last week, and I just want a day of peace. Of course that means I'm not answering the phone either.

I don't know why but we've gotten more robot calls than ever before. What infuriates me is McCain's robots. They are easily out numbering Obama's robots 10 to 1, (not that I want Obama robots to call me either. HELLO! I've already voted!) McCain's robots apparently do not communicate with each other, because they call within 5 minutes of each other. When I don't answer my phone, my voice mail is full of calls, all within just a few minutes apart.

It makes me want to push for a NO POLITICAL CALL list. If I can block phone solicitors, I should be able to block political solicitation as well. Especially because McCain robots are calling at 9:00pm!! Not that I'm sleeping, it just I know all other kinds of sales calls or even collection calls can't be made after 8:30pm. ( I used to work in Fraud/Security loss prevention.) 

I read an editorial in the newspaper this morning someone thinks its wrong to vote early. Their reason is it goes against tradition and you miss the excitement, similar to "waiting for Christmas to open your presents."  Ahh.... I'd rather vote early and not wait in line. As for opening my presents early, its not like voting early means I find out who won early! I don't need more time to decide. I'm not influenced by ROBOTS!! (Unless they do yard work.)

Ok, breaks done. I should go back outside and rake yard waste, but I think cleaning the bathrooms sound like more fun.

GOOD LORD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! I THINK I NEED CHOCOLATE!

Decisions

I've decided I still haven't decided. Lack of excitement about any of the players in the arena has left me pondering what I'll do come November. I'm not a party girl, in this Barbie world.

As I was riding in to my appointment this morning, I was listening to "Make A Difference" by, yes, of course, Blind Melon. It came to me, why am I asking someone to step up and make changes rather than making those changes myself?

Its not that I think I should be president, although the thought of writing in my name on the ballot surfaced. I just realized that I shouldn't complain about feeling so powerless in this election process, and so hopeless about the prospect of our nation turning things around.

I will embrace my right to vote, but I will also recognize doing so does not mean I should expect my candidate to make the world a better place for all. We really need to make a difference ourselves and to quote the best band in the world;

"There's a few people spinning gold
Some just try to save their soul
But I wonder what to do
Money bills and secret guns
I know I can't help everyone
But I can take on one or two
That's what I'll do"

So, I pledge to try to make a difference in the lives of people within my reach. I can take on one or two.