What Happened to the People?

Time and again we constantly hear politicians at every level of the corporate bureaucracy that is the government, say “The American people want this” or “the American people want that.” Both claim to know the answer, however both say different things. What has become evident from these declarations of the wants of the “American people” is that politicians seem to no longer concern themselves with the interests of their constituency. There is very little dialogue between people and those they choose to represent them.

Things must change…politicians must listen and act! And by listen and act I don’t mean listen to polls and act accordingly. Politicians at every level should talk with their constituency more often; more town hall meetings, pull the Clinton/Gore strategy and travel around actually talking with people. Elected officials must also not do this only when the media is watching. You don’t need journalists to follow you to get the message out there. There is a very powerful too called “word of mouth” and it is extremely underrated. In every election you hear people say, “I can relate to this guy” or as in the last election “he’s too aloof.” If John Kerry were to have not concerned himself with the media and actually went around to small diners, not for photo ops but rather actual conversations, then he definitely would have been better received. The same goes for President Bush and his town hall meetings. If you actually want to know what “the American people” think then listening to possible dissent might not be the worst move.

Politicians, stop referring to the “American People” as if they’re some block of people who can easily be manipulated! Even if that is the case, it is the politician’s duty not to manipulate, but rather to genuinely care and fight for his or her constituents.