Recently, today in fact, I heard a telephone call that promised to put me in a sour mood ( at least temporarily). It was from Maryland, but I don't know anybody there. I picked up regardless and heard a recording say that I could be involved in a real time discussion with my local State Representative-an on air town hall meeting. Neat.
The discussion went on in this manner: a person presses the pound key to be put in a que to ask the Rep about things going on in this state. As the Rep answers questions everyone waits and listens. Quite a discussion! Jokes aside I'd like to point out the real dilemma here--the questions being asked were quite wonderful yet the responses nill and avoidant. Let me run a little demonstration of what happened.
Caller 1: You know I'm outraged Rep, the gas prices are so high. I paid $60 for a full tank. (He sounds like an elderly man from a "more controlled corporate irresponsibility" time). We should be asking where all the profits are going-to the oil industry of course! Why don't we ask them whats going on!
Rep: Yes, Bill (or whatever), I believe that is a true problem. I am a believer in alternative fuels. In fact there is a real future in bioDiesel, they got thousands of those cars in Europe and we don't have any. And plus alternative fuels are the way!
Caller 1: Ok, but that is probably years away (remember he is not so young) and doesn't even answer my question.
Rep: Oh no, many things are happening here in (such and such district).
enough? or want to hear about caller 2?
Caller 2: Ok Rep, I'd like to talk about terrorism and the threats to national security. (A young guy obviously "up and coming" so to speak). I work in an IT company and we are sending our servers overseas and they contain Visa and Mastercard files--isn't that dangerous? Why would we want other people to hang on to and control our accounts? (His voice is angry and clearly demands a response)
--the Rep doesn't answer the caller is mysteriously cut off and the Rep doesn't even mention this but goes on to the next person.
Caller 3: Dear Rep, I'm so and so and I really care about our economy. I know our cars aren't being imported overseas but perhaps that's because they are of cheaper quality.
Rep: Oh no, I know those Toyotas have a good name but in the last year or so our quality has really picked up. Customers are really liking the new American cars. (Is this bullshit or what, how can there be even enough time to test out the reliability of these vehicles?).
This is where I listened a little more and then hung up. Whats the use of when the guy is basically taking good questions and turning them into nil statements such as "Yes, and oh I have a bill, and you make a really good point." Do SOMETHING, why don't ya brother. Basically my question is: why isn't the Rep squaring up with companies, other politicians, and etc on important issues--if US cars suck (and some do) why don't we comment on them and ask whats going on rather than complain about Japanese imports. If fuel costs so much that some can't afford to drive to work, why not ask the 'record breaking profits' oil companies (u know who you are) to cut it out rather than create a whole new industry that's gonna take years (I'm all for alternative fuel).
Why not just acknowledge some human decency and admit that you can't do it all as a politician and you have to talk some tough talk. I do it all the time!
This blog is meant to point out that psychology happens everywhere. When this politician is not addressing the points of the view of the callers, not even aswering them in fact, that speaks a lot about the type of democracy we live in. How can one's mind stay motivated to the landscape around if the people 'responsible' for some of our livelihood aren't even talking normally?
Where do politicians come from and what do they do for us, I want to know!
[acknowledgment--some politicians are good, and many are good hearted people, so to speak, but why not be more honest, does it take too much time? Image at top is from republicansareidiots.com]
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