The Irony of Election Speeches

As I sit here tonight watching the victory speeches of both Clinton and Obama I am amazed at their inability to recognize the duties of the job they now hold. I took time this evening to read the Constitution (I haven't done it in a while and I think it's just a good practice). In doing so, I read the roles and responsibilities of the offices of the President and Senators and Representatives.

I find it utterly ironic that the three major candidates as of now are Senators and they can't find a kind word to say about the economic policies that (here's the kicker) THEY APPROVED IN THE SENATE. In the Constitution, I found no mention of the President having any responsibility in regards to taxes, commerce or the well-being of the citizens of the United States. However, I did find that it is the responsibility of the Senate and House for all of these things. I find it odd that each of these candidates have forgotten the genius that our founding fathers instituted when creating our government with Checks and Balances. The President can't do anything without the approval of the Congress, the Congress can't do anything without the approval of the President and the Courts make sure that each of them operates within the law. It's not that hard of a concept.

Both Clinton and Obama mentioned the need to give tax breaks to the middle class and provide a tax break for gasoline for the summer. Because as they say "the middle class of America don't deserve to be unfairly taxed by our government." Yet every aspect of their speeches seemed to reflect what they will do when they become President. If I were their constituent I would ask "Why aren't you doing this now as my Senator?" They have held a majority in Congress long enough to have accomplished the promises they are making on the campaign trail. Why should I think they are going to accomplish them during their term as President?

It seems to me that by this point people have pretty much made up their minds in regards to how they will vote in the remaining primaries. Would it not be a better show of accomplishment or commitment to the people to leave the campaign trail for a little while and introduce some legislation to take care of the tax burden of the middle class tomorrow? It seems like neither of them will ever have more of an opportunity to address these issues than when they hold the office of Senator.

The people in Washington speak on camera as if they know who I am. As if they really feel the pain that we feel at the pump. I seriously doubt that today at lunch Hillary said, "maybe we can just do the dollar menu at McDonald's because that last tank of gas really hurt my budget for the week." They make it seem as if we cry every time we fill up our cars. I have personally just accepted the fact that gas is a little higher so I cut spending elsewhere. Which means I don't go shopping as much, I don't eat out as much. But the simple fact is I have to work to earn money and I have to drive to get to work. So I deal with it and adapt my budget as necessary.

So I would like to take another opportunity to plead with you to realize the importance of electing good Constitution-following Senators and Representatives. Although as previously mentioned the Congress can't do anything without the approval of the President, the Congress has more of a role than any member of our government in shaping our present and future. It still amazes me how little the members of Congress seem to represent my views as a Constitution-embracing American. It is time that we as citizen of the United States start realizing our responsibility in letting our representatives know that how they represent us is not in our best interest. We do this by getting involved and more importantly voting. Get involved by learning the issues, learning the proper roles in our government and writing your representatives to express how they can best represent you. If they don't listen, find a candidate during the next election that will listen and tell everyone you can to vote for them.

I disagree with those running that our future is going down the tube. I truthfully feel that the future of our country has more potential to be great than ever before. But it will only be great if we as citizens do our part and get off of our couches and take control of our country. Despite what the Democratic Party wants us to believe, we can reshape our country without them.

If you would like to read the Constitution click here.