I would've agreed with you about this 6 months ago. Unfortunately, the more I've gotten into local politics the more I disagree with that statement, and the more I realize that the press is about as worthless as D-Cups on a rattle-snake. I've known for some time that the press was a bunch of money hungry sensationalists, but it's really getting sad. What's even sadder is that a lot of people who read the paper will take it as absolute truth, and spout off about people and things they've never met or done.
In short, there ARE some good people in politics, who refuse to give in to corruption. If you actually get to know your local government, you'd be likely to find several in each city.
Interesting.
I was going to write in my OP that we need to forget about parties and famous names, and go by what type of values and positions people have. Integrity and honesty, obviously being the top on my list.
But I figured, even then, people will fall victim to the billions that special interest with tempt.
What types of experiences do you have?
Here's a few points/experiences that I've had.
#1 First off, living in Utah County, I'm exposed to certain biases that people in other parts of the country, might not have... For example, Brother Romney is clearly the voters pick here. In my experience, no one knows what specific policies he had as governor. Some have heard of his health care thing. I believe that many would nearly have heart attacks knowing that "Romneycare" helps fund abortion. Most don't even know which state he was governor of. However, they do know he's Mormon and has an R by his name.
IMO, this is exactly what's wrong. In Utah, Jim Matheson gets along by his name alone. Had his last name been, "Troutbum" or "Thriller" he would have been destroyed by some R a long time ago. People need to get off their butts and find out what Mr. Matheson stands for. In recent times, I've seen Gov Herbert being bashed. He's a R. Yet, I don't think anyone really knows why.
Jason Chaffetz is a rockstar, yet why?
Obviously, you can find comparisons in liberal states too... Where people just go off on party or name. This is wrong...
I don't consider myself a fan of either party. Nor do I think anyone should "belong" to any particular party if we hope to have an honest government.
#2 I once had a church youth leader, who was a real good guy. He got into politics and just the city level, and was almost a little "hesitant" to express political views. He stated that he did it for the people and because he genuinely wanted to serve. Judging by the amount of service he gave me, my fam, and the religion, I believe his desire was sincere.
It has now been probably about 10 years now, and he's climbed the politics ladder. He's a member of the house in Utah, and now seems to concern himself with proving that his party is right all the time. He gives the company lines and marks up his facebook with weird blogs and radical writers. He seriously acts like his facebook is his own Glenn Beck show. He lives in free restaurants, gym memberships, and has other perks. He has now become a career politician.
The glitz and glamor of politics has gotten to him.
What was once a probably sincere desire to serve, has now become a career of gluttony and arrogance.