Politicians -- represent the people?

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking more often about our "representatives" and what they are actually doing for us, the people of the United States.  It is clear their only real reason for doing anything is because it helps them stay elected, make more money, or some other reason wholly unrelated to the people they supposedly serve.

The First Example:  The People of MO voted to pass Proposition B which essentially placed restrictions on dog breeding (size of cages, outside time, etc).  The agricultural community voted against it (generally) b/c it would negatively affect their business.  The MO legislature, in all of its glory, has proposed legislation that wll effectively dismantle the proposition APPROVED BY THE VOTERS.  Can there be any good reason for them to do this?  Even in districts where the proposition overwhelmingly passed some local reps are supporting the revision.  There have been discussions regarding a negotiated resolution, but the problem is more serious than that, why is a negotiated resolution necessary?  If the people voted, they voted.

I do not  know the ins and outs of the proposition or bill.  The point, though, is the representatives are not answering to the voters.  Why don't they, b/c in the end they will be re-elected anyway or the benefit to them, personally, is too strong to pass up.

The Second Example: Todd Akin supported the UIGEA (internet gambling bill).  He has stated he opposes internet gambling.  I listen to a radio show in the  mornings on the way to work where the lead is an on-line poker guy.  he has requested Akin to appear on the show and discuss his view point after the Justice Department went after the major on-line poker sites.  McCaskill and Gov. Nixon have joined the show to give their viewpoints.  Akin has refused b/c he is "too busy.".  His attitude is an example of a larger problem.  The representatives answer to US.  We put them in their jobs.  We are the reason that they go to DC or Jeff City (or pick your state capitol).  Without us, somebody else would be in their position.  why do they forget that?

Did they ever care?  Was it all a game.  I know people who assume the whole system is corrupt and, frankly, right now it appears it is.  The politicians care about one thing -- KEEPING THEIR POWER.  It is a major problem in the City of St. Louis, MO, and DC.  I doubt there is anybody who knows what those people actually really believe. God knows, I don't.  It seems to me it is time for voters to do somethign about this.  These people don't care about you, me, my children, your children, or our respective parents.

True change NEVER comes from the top.  The people in charge don't want change b/c it might result in lesser power for them.  Change is a bottom up phenomon.  Change is needed.  Not Change like Obama championed (full disclosure, I voted for him).  Change that actually results in change.  This country needs it.  It needs representatives and politicians who listen to their voters, consider what teh voters want, and make decisions based upon that.

I'll have more later (to those that read this crap :), but I'm at work.

Have a great Easter (or hope you had a great Passover), or whatever you celebrate, even if you only celebrate Saturday.

Remember, its only what I think

- CP

Cardinals, Lincoln, and other stuff

I am sitting on my couch thinking about the Cardinals, why Lincoln won't go to sleep, and why is my 4 year old sleeping with her head in the doorway.  I am thinking about my criminal trial tomorrow.  I am thinking about how did I end up with this family (in a good way :).  I am wondering why ATT Uverse is blacking out some Cardinal games because they don't want to pay the increased fee charged by Fox Sports Midwest.

I have a lot on my mind...though none of it is particularly serious or important.  Of course, my trial is important.  I will be in Division 18 in the City of St. Louis.  Defendant is charged with Tampering 1st Degree (driving stolen car) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (heroin).  I think I actually have a chance.  Should be interesting.  I'll give another update tomorrow.  The case is a PD contract, meaning the state paid me to represent somebody who cannot afford counsel.  That's a good thing.  I believe, as strongly as I do about anything, that all people deserve a competent attorney to represent them, regardless of what they have done.

In any event, we'll see how it shakes out.  As for the Cardinals, they appear to be playing better, but I am a little skeptical about this year's edition.  This is the first year in a while where I really believe they may only finish with 70 - 75 wins.  I don't know why, but the vibe is not real good.  I hope I am wrong because there is nothing better than August and September in St. Louis when the Cardinals are in the race.  At the very least, it allows me to have multiple conversations with my father weekly about how they are doing.

That is something that I will always remember (not that he is going anywhere right now).  On that note, my brother and I are taking my dad to Pebble Beach for a short golf trip in August.  I can't wait for me, but I know he is looking forward to it also.  He is freaking seventy years old.  That absolutely amazes me.  My mom is 68 tomorrow.  unreal.  I guess there is nothing we can do about our parents getting older.

Lastly, I took the two oldest girls to Florida last week.  We had a good time, even though Lily came down with a stomach bug on the FREAKING PLANE.  She threw up 5 times on the plane and another 6 times in the car ride to my parents house.  It ended up all good though.  she loved the beach more than any other part of the trip.

Finally (mean it this time), I am on the Board of Directors for a non-profit, Arch City Defenders. The fundraiser is May 12 at McGurks.  you can check out the link for more information.

as you can see if you ever read this blog, sometimes I write about serious issues (race, etc).  sometimes it is stream of consciousness.  I am still trying to get the hang of it.  Hope you enjoy and don't forget

this is just what I think (or what I am thinking)...

CP