"Our" Congress

Florida representative Mark Foley resigned a few months ago after sexually implicit e-mails that he sent to an underage page were uncovered by ABC news. In addition new reports had surfaced that many including the speaker of the house Dennis Hastert, knew years ago of the problem but did not handle it properly in fear of losing a republican seat in an important district. This is where this story becomes extremely disturbing; the well being of the pages was put aside in favor of political gain. We as citizens appoint these individuals to represent us and defend our well-being, but unfortunately more times than not they defend their positions in politics. Mark Foley should have been forced to resign immediately after the word of his behavior was made aware to any adult. However that did not happen, it took over a year for any action to be taken. Why is it that things only get done in Washington, after the media takes a stand? Do we lack the intelligence of choosing the right person? I believe that we as people have come to expect a little corruption in Washington and are fine with it. It is partly do to the fact that no matter what anyone does we are bound to reelect them. The incumbency rate in the House of Representatives is over ninety percent and in the Senate is ninety-eight percent.
It is unbelievable that this can happen. What is more disturbing is the fact that just before leaving office the last congress pardoned themselves from any consequences. Which means that if it does turn out that many knew about this abuse of power, they would not be held responsible for it. Is this why we elect these officials? We have to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions, starting today.

Oil and Politicians

As gasoline consumers, we have been fed the myth that any time the price of gasoline goes up, it is due to unrest in the Middle East. This has made us believe that countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq are our biggest exporters of oil. However in reality Canada is United State’s largest oil exporter. Countries in the Middle East do not even provide close to half our oil import. They provide merely over twenty percent. However our politicians are quick to blame the Middle East for any increase in prices.
There never seems to be any “real” investigation in the raised gasoline prices. At the end of last year ExxonMobil, a leading oil company posted quarterly profits of over ten billion dollars, a record high. Needless to say this was at the same time, when we had the prices as high as they had ever been. Nonetheless, this did not seem to spark any debate over whether or not the oil companies are price gauging. A brief hearing was held in congress with some of the major oil companies. However it did not seem to answer any questions regarding the price gauging issue, due partly to the fact that the oil company executives were not put under-oath.
It seems quite peculiar that as the mid-term elections neared, gasoline prices seem to go down. However, as soon as they ended so did the low prices. Is it wrong to assume that our politicians and oil company executives are working together? It does not seem as though anyone’s answering these questions.

Capital Punishment

The world is going astray from the general values of humanity. The taking of someone’s life seems tolerable, as long as it is supported by a “valid” reason. Capital punishment is made to be humane. It seems logical to many to punish one who took someone’s life by taking their life. Our society considers this justice, because we mere humans somehow have moral authority over other humans. I am not implying that the punishment should not fit the crime; just inquiring that where do we draw the line between us and other animals. Many will say that the life that was taken needs to be avenged by taking another life, and sending a message to the rest of the world of the consequences. However, if we do that what message are we really sending; that “life is precious respect it” no, we’re saying that “life is nothing more than a scribble on a paper that can be erased anytime.”
Instead of showing respect and love of life to our next generation, we are showing them hatred. We are destroying their minds and making them arrogant. We are saying to them that “morality is in the eye of the beholder.” We need to set better standards for our future generations. If we keep our course, our crime rate will not get any lower, it will keep rising. I for one believe that every individual is innately good, however it is getting harder and harder to believe that lately.