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