Tuesday, December 06, 2005

How about starting off with a clean slate?

There was an advertisement approximately 20 years ago, that appeared in every major newspaper in the country. It was a full page ad. Cannot remember who had placed the ad. But, I know it must have cost quite a bit of money. The message the ad gave was of how twisted and ineffective our government had become. It spelled out succinctly the problem of our political system in vivid detail. The points made were factual and could not be argued against.

What the author(s) suggestion was for the cure, at that time, intrigued me. I've related the article to many people over the years, always asking if they remembered it. Have yet to encounter a person that has. And at present, I can now see the absolute necessity of implementing the outlined plan that was presented in the aforementioned advertisement.

The advertisement called for the removal of every last incumbent in EVERY political office - PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS. And, that these be replaced by candidates who were in full knowledge the same would happen to them if they strayed. That the 'new' representatives entering into office did so, fully understanding that they were there to serve the PEOPLE. Not visa-versa, as has been going on for years. It was and is a very strong message. And has merit in its meaning.

WE HAVE ELECTIONS COMING UP NEXT YEAR - IMPLEMENTATION COULD START FROM THAT POINT ON TO THE 2008 PRESEDENTIAL RACES.

One of the points raised in the ad has always 'stuck' with me as well. The author pointed out that all of the politicians were guilty for the perversion of our government. If not by the act of commission, then by the act of omission - by not doing anything to stop the perpetrations. That the effect of such action would undoubtedly cause those in government to 'toe the line' in the present and the future.

It should be evident to all that our government has lost clarity of purpose. There have been many abuses as well as gross negligence in all branches. There must be an ability to return to some type of 'starting point'. It would seem wise to go back to the point where the objective of our country and its governmental purposes can be ascertained clearly. For it should be quite clear that our country has not been on the right course for quite a number of years - if not decades.

My suggestion would be to start right back where it all began. Which entails the full restoration of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. As well as abiding by the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

WHAT SAY YE?

2 comments:

AlanDP said...

It was sometime back in the 80's that I corresponded for a while (via regular postal mail) with someone in Eugene, OR--can't remember his name--who had started a campaign called "Re-Elect Nobody." I even had one of his bumper stickers on my truck back then. Maybe he was behind the ad you saw also.

E. David Quammen said...

Could very well be, Alan. Would be nice to find and meet the individual. The message was so strong that I've never forgotten it.