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The Career Politician Virus

Excerpted from DemocracyConservator.org .

In the 1780s, Alexander Tyler, a University of Edinburgh professor, stated that democracy was a transitory form of government - “[[Democracy]] can only exist until voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the results that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship.” (bold and italics added)

A glaring flaw in our constitution allows individuals to make a career of public office creating an inherent conflict between their own ambitions and their official responsibilities.

Careerists gradually lose their principles in acceding to campaign contributors, heeding opinion polls and following their political party line. Career Congressional members have usurped much of the sovereignty of the electorate. This has become a government of the people, by the politicians, and for the special interests, to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln.

There are irresistible motivations — power and fame — that induce politicians to run for re-election. The congressional seniority system reinforces their aspirations, as much of the power and privileges of this body are determined not by competence but by seniority. Chairing the important committees, the best office spaces, and larger support staffs are a few of the benefits enjoyed by senior members of Congress.

Legislators constantly battle to reach their goal of being a member of the majority political party. Fortunately, neither party has consistently succeeded, which has prevented the United States from becoming an oligarchy. The polarizing battle for dominance has increased enmity to ethnic proportions. We have a dysfunctional government because the bitter partisanship precludes the ability to compromise. The mean spirited pettiness of either minority party discredits the administration’s performance, blocks appointees, obstructs important legislation and convenes endless committee hearings for harassing purposes. Sadly, we have no loyal opposition. Unfortunately, we are so engrossed in this vitriolic rivalry between the political parties that we are unaware that career politicians are exploiting our government. Misled, we blame the members of the opposing political party for our failing government, instead of career politicians.

The transformation of our democracy to its present dysfunctional form was not intentional; it evolved as ambitious politicians pursued their own selfish interests. They ignore the fact that public office is a service not a career opportunity. Arrogance and egotism grow proportionately with the length of time members serve in Congress. Make no mistake, career politicians are ruining this country in their quest to remain in office.

A remedy to the destructive, career politician is a limit of one term in office. This restriction eliminates: conflict of interest; raising campaign funds and their attendant obligations; spending office time campaigning; the use of earmarks. Such a limit would abolish the seniority system in Congress. Disposing of the seniority system would diminish the contentious rivalry between political parties and improve the governing process.

Use your vote, as the Constitution intended, to restore your inalienable rights. Vote for individuals, who will represent you. Incumbents don’t represent you they represent themselves. A steady vote against the incumbent will convince the incoming legislators that they are in office for one term so that they will act as true public servants. Read the full article of The Career Politician Virus at DemocracyConservator.org.