Election Day

Just home from the polls, and I was kind of surprised at the number of people running unopposed.  Not that many races on this ballot, but still.  Village president, unopposed.  Judge, unopposed.  Supervisor, unopposed.  Then i got to thinking about why anyone would want to hold elected office, especially national office, like President or Senator.  It certainly can't be for the pay.  The President makes $400,000 per year, plus some for expenses, travel and what not.  I don't know the last time we had a President who wasn't really well off.  Truman maybe?  It can't be for the hours of the job, because you're basically always on the clock.  You can't get away from people, because at least secret service is always around.  A getaway with the wife?  I'm thinking not.  You do have the promise of the big payday after your term, but you need to put up with a lot to get there. And a senator has less of that-- the big payday that is.  They do take care of themselves with pensions and all, but these people are mostly pretty well off to start with.  The average net worth of a senator is nearly $14 million dollars.  They say they want to help people.  I say this is mostly BS.  There are plenty of ways to help people with out being in national office.  Much better ways to spend your time than all the committee meetings and filibusters and all the other stuff.  Oh and you'd better have a clean past, because somebody out there will dig up the dirt.  Don't say anything controversial.  It will catch up with you..

So why?  How about this.  Ego.  Everyone tells you how great you'll be.  You think you'll go down in history.  You figure you can do better than the last guy.  As President you will be the most powerful person in the world.  You will control people's futures.  Your plans and policies--well, probably not yours, but your advisers---you hope they become the law of the land.  You swing things to benefit your supporters, who tell you how great you are, and pour money into your reelection campaign so you can stoke your ego.  Vicious cycle. 

Simplified I know.   I know there are those who think their candidate has the best interests of the people above all else.  I hope you are right.  And I hope that when a person is elected they realize they are suppose to represent all the people, not just those who agree with them. 

Here in Wisconsin they predict a heavy turnout--35%.  This is heavy?  People, get out and vote.  Don't think of it as an obligation, think of it as a duty.  As much as you might not like the candidates, these are the choices offered.  So think about it and make a decision.  If you don't like the options, get involved!  Good luck to us all....