Rhubarb Report 050

There are now 38 days until the US Presidential election. Oh, and 87 shopping days until Christmas. I suspect that most people have a far greater affinity to the latter than the former.

But with that said, it is critical that we all get out and vote on November 6. The democratic process is only as good as the votes of the constituents. Though there are times when we all feel like we are just a small speck in the political machine, “we the people” are still responsible for putting our representatives into Congress.

This episode of the Rhubarb Report has a few thoughts on the political realm that we will be immersed in over the next 38 days.

1. The phrase “redistribution of wealth” has once again reared its ugly head in the lead-up to the election. It has been presented by some as an issue of impending “socialism” in this country.

Let us get back to basics on this one. Any nation that collects tax dollars and utilizes these dollars for services that benefit the population as a whole (including the military) is, in effect, “redistributing wealth”. It is one of the primary reasons for taxation in the first place.

Let us not get confused and swayed by political diatribe. This phrase, in the context of our nation, is not and should not be a political weapon.

2. When the “Occupy” movement first hit the news, there was the “99%”. Now, Governor Romney has provided us with a different split. Are you a part of the 47%? Are you a “victim”? I didn’t think so. The vast majority of Americans aren’t “victims”.

But what concerns me more is the incessant need by politicians to make an “us versus them” mentality driven by fear. I ask you - is there a long-term value in creating a rift between different subsets of Americans? The effective operation of the country does not require a schism based on religion, ethnicity, or any other category. We are all in this together.

3. When we do finally get the issue of the Presidency sorted out, we should all demand our representatives to get something done! Many significant issues such as the US Postal Service’s economic woes were left hanging prior to Congress heading out of town. The primary way to solve problems is not obstructionism and filibusters, regardless of political party. That would be the school yard approach.

Fortunately, we have four debates coming up which will help to provide the American public with a greater overview of the current scenario. Let us then come together as citizens of the United States of America to decide what serves us best.

Photo credits: Wikipedia