Voter Vexations and Political Pageantry

(The following text is taken from an article I wrote that appeared recently in several publications.)Are you suffering from blowhard burnout? Do you start to twitch every time a political advertisement appears on the television? Can you even imagine how the current political pageantry has the Founding Fathers and Mothers spinning in their graves, which by the way, probably has contributed significantly to internal global warming?I surrender. Just show me a ballot now and let me vote. Then I can get back to work and make money so I can pay taxes to pay for all this political puffery. Ultimately, all I want is to relax and watch television and not be assaulted by serious voices who tell me that my vote for him or her is the only path to true salvation. Cue the music, show the waving flag, fade to black.It’s easy to be critical because we have the freedom to complain, protest, and demonstrate without the risk of being run over by a tank. And for every cynic there is an optimistic patriot who passionately believes in our system of democracy. They are the flag-waving heart and soul of our great country. They attend parades, stand up for the National Anthem and hold their babies up to be kissed by compassionate contenders who promise them a free-range chicken in every pot, even though the pot is made in China.Many of the most fervent defenders of our government are those who came from oppressed countries. They were drawn by the promise of hope inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Many new citizens who regularly vote have been denied the right and pleasure of selecting their leaders. They know the United States provides a chance for choice, and even with the flawed and fickle government system, it’s still the best in the world.After a moment of serious thought, maybe it’s time to do something about the electoral system and try and make it better. We the People must demand the necessary changes. Shorten the campaign season. Put stricter laws on campaign contributions. Demand term limits. Require that the people vote on politician’s salary increases and retirement programs. Mandate that politicians show up for work and actually work. Consider merit pay, accountability and performance evaluations. Make them live on a budget and pay taxes. In other words, require our elected officials to live like we do.We need a revolution fueled by voter revenge. Perhaps it’s time to elect a leader for this important movement. Is anyone ready to campaign?