What's Wrong With Washington?

Hi Everyone:

I am sure you have all either read about or saw some news broadcast of the seemingly endless bickering that has paralyzed Washington DC. If you are like me, I am so sick and tired of all the partisanship that has become so much more noticeable since the 2000 election. So it must come to all of you as no surprise that the politicians have shown that they have absolutely no common sense what-so-ever. It doesn't matter which party you belong to in this issue because both sides are guilty. Say what you will about the state of affairs of our politicians, but I think we can all agree on the fact that Washington politics has become very polarizing and therefore important changes to benefit the American public get stalled or doesn't happen at all.

In the last 10 years, it seems that politicians spend 98% of their time trying to figure out how to trip up the opposition and 2% on how to help our country. So I have come up with a few new rules that all politicians should follow effective immediately! Now I know that these are fantasy rules but if you think about them, they make sense and quite possibly could help Washington get the job done. Trying to stay apolitical, the new rules apply to both parties because both parties are guilty at one time or another. The new rules are in no specific order. I just typed them as I thought of them and they are as follows:

1) Always tell the truth, no more lies.

2) Spin doctors must be outlawed. If you make a mistake, admit it. Do not use a spin dr. to try to change the facts to benefit your side. The American people are smarter than we are given credit for. See #1.

3) When asked a question by a reporter etc. answer the question directly. No more beating around the bush by saying a lot of "who shot John" and then never really answering the question. See #1.

4) No more use of scare tactics to try to change the publics view. See #1.

5) Just because you do not agree with the sitting administration does not make you un-American. It is our right to disagree by using facts not innuendo or lies etc. See #1.

6) You will no longer be allowed to make a statement like, our party is the cost cutting, lowering taxes party, when in fact if you look at their past policy record proves the opposite. See #1.

7) Politics should not a winner take all game.

8) All bills brought to the house should have a bi-partisan effort. Lately it seems that members of the same party will force their own to withdraw their support of any bill, if they don't tow that party's line.

9) Bills should not be passed solely on a majority party vote alone. In other words, bi-partisanship is not a bad word and should be used as much as possible.

10) Your party can not be an obstructionist party. If you disagree, come up with your version and let the public know. Just saying no without showing your plan benefits no one. Also trying to start over in the publics mind means that nothing will be done.

11) Compromise must be re-instilled in our politicians. These days, it seems that compromise is also another dirty word.

12) Tactical maneuvering for short term gain must be ended.

13) Politicians posturing to benefit themselves and not the American people must end immediately.

14) When one party accuses the other party of some wrong way to achieve some goal, the accusing party must look over their own shoulder to make sure that they didn't do the exact same thing when they were in charge. Hypocrisy is not a pretty picture. See #1.

15) It is ok to disagree, but name calling and misinformation thrown out to the public to change some one's mind must stop. See #1.

16) I think that pork barrel spending wastes a lot of money and should be banned. There must be a better way to get federal money then attaching it to some bill.

17) Talking points should be based solely on fact and truth and absolutely nothing else. See #1

18) Former Presidents and Vice-Presidents should keep their mouths shut, regarding the policies of whom ever is in office, after they have left office. They had their time in office be it good or bad.

Now I am very much aware that we do not live in an utopian society, but some of the above could be used to help end the very polarizing partisanship that has been going on for far to long in Washington. We should not be a country of red and blue states. We should be a country of Americans. Common sense dictates that compromise and bi-partisanship is the only way to go. If you have thought of any "new rules" please share and let me know.

On a side note, almost one year ago, I blogged about the big banks. At the end I made the suggestion that maybe one should think about canceling your big bank accounts and moving your money to a small community bank, that is in good financial condition. Well, well, well, there is now a web site that will help you do just that. The site is moveyourmoney.com. All you have to do is type in your zip code and it will list local banks, (in good standing), in your area. If you still use a big bank, you should think about changing to a local bank that played by the rules and didn't need to be bailed out. Just a thought.

Til next week.