RESPECT WHERE IT IS DUE
(In reference to Emilie Eaton’s Jan. 19 column, “Need for change after tragic shooting.”)
As a citizen who holds high respect for the political system, upon reading this article, I must take the time to consider where my respect is due. If money is a factor, which has been the case for politicians in the past, motives are to be questioned (and rightfully so).
I do not believe that “people fail to recognize” public officials who “selflessly dedicate their time to uphold democracy.”
I do agree that generally a citizen would run for an elected position because they want to make a difference in the community. But we should always think about how genuine their cause is. Past politicians have histories of jumping up at a moment’s notice for endless great causes, yet taking a seat when it might affect their pocketbooks.
They understand the heat that comes with their job, for it is a part of being a politician. Do we forget how many politicians are caught with their hand in the cookie jar? How many have bought their way into their seats?
It seems illogical for a citizen who claims to ‘genuinely want to make a difference in their community’ to do such things such as sell driver licenses for extra money. That was George Ryan, governor of Illinois from 1999 until 2003.
Lest we forget former Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-Calif., who took $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors, in exchange for government business, to buy lavish possessions, like a yacht, a Rolls Royce, a suburban-D.C. condominium and a mansion.
Current Representative Maxine Waters, D-Calif., arranged a meeting between officials at the Department of Treasury and OneUnited Bank, where her husband holds stock.
Former Tennessee Gov. Ray Blanton delivered pardons for 24 convicted murderers and 28 other prisoners in exchange for money.
How many have bought their way into their seats? It seems illogical for a citizen who claims to ‘genuinely want to make a difference in their community’ to do such things. I am not saying that politicians are generally corrupt, but as a citizen, being asked to respect a politician for merely being a politician is outrageous.
History shows that too many men do have their price and we cannot rule out the perks that come with the title. These are real men with real power, and I wouldn’t be the first to state that, indeed, money talks.
We appear to be stumped when we find out our beloved political figures have been accepting bribes. We must start to question the ethics of those who have real power in their hands. Their decisions affect us!
There is a reason for all the criticism that badmouths politics and its players. While some remarks are extreme, others are well on-point. Call me extreme, but I believe speculation is sometimes needed to sort out corruption.
As outspoken Americans, we tend to jump to conclusions, but we forget that it is better to than not. We cannot ask too many questions. When we realize what respect means to us individually, we can give it where we believe it is due. There are many citizens who work to better our community that will never hold an office.
There are volunteers and community workers who get paid little or not at all. I respect them. I have respect for many politicians, but definitely not all. It would be hard to change my mind about certain political figures that have a history of looking out for their bank accounts.
I do not agree with throwing graces their way for the mere fact that they hold office. To not agree with an opinion is okay, just as not agreeing with the way someone does his or her job is okay. I give respect where I believe it is due, but obviously it is my respect to give.
Megan Nguyen Reader
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE FALL
(In reference to the Jan. 19 editorial, “Breaking the fall.”)
As much as you may want to celebrate "Breaking the Fall,” you may also want to note that it comes at the expense of returning to school 13 days earlier in the Spring of 2012. Yes, your winter break will now be two weeks shorter, starting in January 5th instead of January 18th. That is some price to pay for two days in October, especially for faculty who have to stay around beyond finals week for grading and Convocation.
John M Lynch Faculty
