Something amazing happens almost every election cycle. You are recruited by candidates to host coffee’s, provide campaign contributions, get endorsements for them, be part of their team, walk precincts, work phone banks, put out campaign signs til 2 a.m. (which I have done on multiple elections) to standing on street corners from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. til 7 p.m. on the last weeks before the election.
And on occasion we actually get behind a winner who, during the campaign, makes campaign pledges and promises, some of which he or she can control. And then it happens.
They fly up to the Capitol in Sacramento for their brainwashing by the League of Cities and members of the city staff who volunteer to show them around. There must be something in the drinking water in Sacramento because soon after returning they become entirely different people.
Note: Although I can site many examples I should also report that this does not happen 100 percent of the time. Sadly, not everyone you meet will be a Gil Ferguson.
That said I found the following cartoon which is worth 1,000 words as the saying goes.
Readers: If you agree with me please respond. Let’s create a listing of those elected officials that we have seen in the upper deck. No limits or geographic boundaries. You can add names from your house to the White House.
Note: Although I will be out of state for a graduation I will respond to posts after this weekend. Thanks for listening.
Larry:
I think you are right on with this one. I know your city is a classic example of this. All five of your council members have turned native I understand. Now as you have pointed out they have taken actions to limit the citizens right to openly discuss issues at your council meeting. So much for open government.
D.T.
The vast majority of politicians, local, state and feds, are either liars, crooks, hypocrites or a combination of all three. At the local level, local political offices are usually held by malcontents or gadflys with too much free time on their hands. The rush of power goes straight to their heads and it is an intoxicating aroma that most cannot live without once it passes through their delicate nasal passages.
At the end of the day, politicians serve their coroporate masters, benefactors and campaign contributors. Holding office has less to do with serving the public and more to do with grabbing power, exercising power, passing judgement and creating double standards.
Most local politicians are self-serving useless humps.
Larry-
I whole heartedly agree with you except I don’t think they need to go to Sacramento to lose sight of reality.
Perfect example is our newest Supervisor, who believes she is above the law.
Maybe we can photoshop that picture to say “Law” on the bottom and “Janet Nguyen” on the top.
I made the mistake in using the bottom one once.
I’ve seen this too- at SAUSD headquarters. Except the top says “SAUSD Board and Administration”, and the bottom says: “Students, Teachers, and Parents.”