Do you contend that politics is a game and that the average politician whether R

1. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   Do you contend that politics is a game and that the average politician whether Republican or
   
   Democrat cares nothing at all about his/her constituents but only his/her self-aggrandizement, celebrity, and next career move?
   
   

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2. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   I think it would be naïve to believe someone is willing to spend tens of millions of dollars of their own money to be elected to a job that pays $500k or less!
   The vast majority of people who run for office have accomplished their financial goals and they want to add congressman, senator, or president to their legacy. Members in both parties tend to be elitist who are primarily interested in power and the perks that come with it.
   They spend more time trying to get re-elected than addressing the problems of their constituents. Once you're elected it's like the old "King of the hill" game. You spend your time fighting off the challenges of others who want to take your crown away.
   Compromise ends gridlock. If there is no gridlock and things get done then the person sitting in office (gets all the credit) and therefore the people aren't likely to vote him or her out office so the opposition party can get in. 
   There is very little upside for an opposition party to help a sitting president do well unless it specifically helps their career. They place their party agenda over what is good for the nation.
   In the era we live in today "compromise" by anyone in either party is considered an act of treason in the eyes of their fellow party members. You can't win your party's nomination without being loyal to your party. Very few people run for office with an altruistic mindset.

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      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This is TRUE indeed.  Political office is seen as a career move and to leave a celebrated legacy.  Politicians are smart; they know that if they are elected to office, they will gain such celebrity in addition to amassing socioeconomic accoutrements.

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   2. 71

      Old-Empresarioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Most don't spend tens of millions of dollars of their own money. They spend tens of millions of their campaign contributors' money. Others, like John McCain, marry rich women and use their money.

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3. 62

   Zelkiiroposted 9 years ago

   For the majority of politicians, it's all about the acclaim and nothing more. Of course, on both sides, you have a few who sincerely want what's best for everyone, but they tend to be phased out every few years or, if they run for President, the sincere ones usually don't even make it past the primaries.
   
   Come ooonnnnn, Elizabeth Warren! You can do it! Don't lose in the primaries; you're our last hope!

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4. 60

   cjhunsingerposted 9 years ago

   I don't think that the word 'game' is the correct word to use as this would indicate something far less important then what can happen in Washington. I would think that the use of such a word minimizes the effect that a politician or a group of politicians can have on America and the Connstitution. Freedom and the Constitution are not games.
   The politician is no less egocentric than the constituent.  The difference being the  position of power to fullfill that ambition.
   What is a good politician in terms of the Constitution? What does it mean, "cares nothing at all about his/her constituents."? What does caring mean? Should a politician adhere to the constraints of the Constitution with regard to a limited government or should such connstraints be dismissed for the wants of his own ambitions or the wants of his constituents?

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      Old-Empresarioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The House's job is to look out for constituents. The Senate's job is to be the caretakers of the Constitution. But politicians in their spare time only talk about getting re-elected and beating the other party at something. That sounds like a game.

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   2. 60

      cjhunsingerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Old--Admittedly, my education concerning the functions and responsibilities of the legislative branches dates to the 50's, but both Houses take the same oath of office, U.S. Constitution, Article VI, clause 3, to defend the Constitution. Am I wrong?

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5. 71

   Old-Empresarioposted 9 years ago

   National politics is "Hollywood" for ugly people. These are people from nowhere who want to be seen, heard and noticed. They have no real power, but they enjoy their celebrity status and their perceived power. I travel to Maryland and DC a great deal and anytime you go to a tucked- away restaurant or "native" hang-out, the talk at all of the tables is nothing but politics by a bunch of (no other word for it) groupies. And political groupies are just as ugly as the people they adore. These groupies might have Pentagon jobs or be a party delegate or a lobbyist. But they are essentially the bottom feeders in their world the same way a TV or movie extra or crew member is a bottom feeder in the Hollywood world. The crap on the news regarding politics or politicians is just mindless chatter. All perks aside, being an elected official is one of the most soul-destroying and miserable jobs in the world. The reason it's miserable is that you have to always be pleasant to everyone you meet and you can never say what you think or be yourself. If you do, you will be ruined. But for some reason, the people who do it love it. Interesting fact: most politicians are descended from preachers.

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      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent synopsis of politics..  Politics is indeed show business for less attractive, ugly people.  However, didn't know that politicians were descended from preachers.  Well, there is DEFINITELY a CONNECTION there!

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6. 73

   tsadjatkoposted 9 years ago

   
   
   It's more like they care nothing at all about his/her constituents but only his/her ideology. If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!
   
   You can't get any more accurate than this! This is straight forward country thinking...By Jeff Foxworthy
   
   If a Republican doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
   If a Democrat doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
   If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
   If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
   If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
   If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
   If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
   If a Democrat is down-and-out he wonders who is going to take care of him.
   If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
   A Democrat demands that those they don't like be shut down.
   If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
   A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
   If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it,
   or may choose a job that provides it.
   If a Democrat decides he needs health care, he demands that the rest of us pay for his.
   If a Republican reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
   A Democrat will delete it because he's "offended".
   
   Well, consider yourself my friend.(and thank you P)

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      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I'm a Liberal Democrat who LOVED this response, it is SPOT ON as usual, Tsad!

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      tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      gm, You just sent a chill up my spine ... I'm a conservative (Republican? well, sort of) who LOVED your response, IT is ENIGMATIC as usual, Gm :-)

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      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Your response is so SUCCINCTLY TRUE.  The premise of the current Democrats are it is THEIR way or NO way at all.  How sad.  Also, I simply LOVE Jeff Foxworthy!

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