Jackson Free Press

I cringed when I heard the president utter the words. As his quote was continuously bandied about the Internet, I became even more disappointed. Barack Obama had become the very thing that he tried so hard to convince us he was not.

In a Lebron James-type "you have to return to your mediocre lives" moment, Obama may have lost some supporters. The president referred to himself and other lawmakers as "professional politicians." That may not mean much to you; in fact, some of you may agree. But to me, they are curse words. And as far as Jackson goes, they are a major problem.

These days, "professional politicians" rule our city—hell, our country. Why isn't it a good idea? Because professional politicians have little or no real-world dealings and oftentimes lose touch with the very constituents they serve. It's like a bad marriage where a couple stays together "for the kids," or because they're in too much debt to separate.

Political experience simply does not always translate to "people" scenarios, and we need to begin thinking more carefully. Sure, you want your barber, your electrician, your mechanic to be good at that one thing, but if you've ever wondered why some things that occur in government seem nonsensical, it's because those running it are doing what's most expedient to save themselves.

I imagine that when this country was formed, the Constitution was written with the idea that Congress and the president would be "of the people"—offices held by regular people for limited periods of time. Term limits prevent presidents and some governors from growing roots; however, term limits don't apply to mayors, council persons, supervisors, congressmen and the like.

After nearly every Jackson election, our "new" council is our "old" council. Our "new" supervisors are the "old" supervisors, and even the "new" mayor is the "old" mayor. Honestly, if you can't make an impact in an office in eight years, then you need to move on. So why are we expecting new results again?

I'm sure Obama used the term because of the frustrating debt talks. Perhaps he was having a bad day. But the commonly held belief that politicians are smarter, more enlightened, or more important than you or me is poppycock.

The notion that you or I aren't "experienced" enough is equally ridiculous to me. Good old common sense, a love of the people and the ability to stand your ground are all that's needed to make a good public servant.

Professional politicians thrive on disenfranchised voters. They live off ignorance and apathy. Until we react at the ballot box, or until someone passes a blanket term-limits bill, we'll forever have folks who are pros at holding office.

My question then becomes: Are you there for the people or for the position, prestige and a secure paycheck?

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff.

Previous Comments

ID

164121

Comment

Mr. Franklin, I guess this means your are prepared to run for office? Hell,if you will give me your support, I will run. No campaign contributions will be accepted.

Author

FrankMickens

Date

2011-07-21T14:47:58-06:00

ID

164125

Comment

Mr. Mickens. BEEN capable if nothing else. As have you. and as have all of us. I want to do away with the stigma that to run for office one must have a certain "pedigree", certain experience, certain friends, certain "support" for that "elite" group of people. We have taken something that was intended to be available to ALL of us and only made acheiveable by those the politicos wish to fit the mold. the famer, the bus driver, the ditch digger, the ex-athlete, the stay at home mom most times are told theyre not qualified. You almost HAVE to be a PROpolitician to be respected AS a public servant IMO

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2011-07-22T11:28:59-06:00

ID

164133

Comment

Kaze, I think that Obama was saying that the people involved in the debt debate were “professionals” in the sense that they should be able to consider policy more responsibly than what has been demonstrated. The fact that ideology is trumping governing on both sides is evidence of the leaders or politicians not being “professional” in how they have approached this policy debate. I do not see this as an attempt to assert some sort of civic superiority over the masses in that statement. But I do see your point. Elective politics should be accessible to any and all. What has happened is that the democracy has become closed, in both a financial sense and in the areas of ideas. For example, when was the last time a socialist had a real chance of becoming elected to a broad office? Not that I am advocating a socialist agenda, but I am asserting that the political debate is too narrow for a true democracy. We have consented to certain economic, social, and political contexts that do more to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of an elite few, check the percentage of millionaires in the US Senate. Thus you see the same people (or types of people) in Office. You will hardly ever see a housewife, plumber, or artist as the council person, mayor, or governor. This is mainly the masses fault, for not thinking more critically about our government, social structure, and economy. We are too busy trying to accumulate more material possessions for psychic pacification rather than living and serving our way to mature consciences. Thus, the elected populace merely reflects the values that the masses truly hold. Apathy and ignorance are in our communities because we have allowed them to take reign. If we really want to combat the closed democracy, we need things like campaign finance reform that eliminates big money from the equation. Also, our civic awareness needs to be heightened through educational systems designed for democracy not industrial exploitation and there needs to be more transparency in government. Then, maybe, a plumber could really be president.

Author

Renaldo Bryant

Date

2011-07-25T11:51:17-06:00

ID

164135

Comment

"Closed Deomcracy" GREAT term! Until we can issue in some type of substantial campaign reform THAT in and of itself is a major roadblock. Til then we will continue to see "the affluent" join the elite "club" Of PROPoliticians

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2011-07-26T07:31:30-06:00

ID

164138

Comment

I am "one of the people" running for Governor. I work 40 hours, 7 days a week for a much needed paycheck as a Computer Tech. So, there ARE people running - but we get very little media attention. Its tough to get invited to rallys or debates. We don't have the connections to start fundraising in order to get billboards and yard signs and other advertising so that we can get more fundraising. Most places will only allow candidates to attend if they have raised a certain amount already - or if they pay a good sum of money. Basically, "People" don't have a chance in our current political system. All politicians elected (or "electable") have a vested interest in keeping their privileged status, so they are not going to change anything. Elections are a contest not of policies and ideas, but of who can raise and spend the most money. Even on the JFP's article about us, I am the only one to leave a comment. (http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/independent_candidates_071311/) I am here. I am willing to step up, step out and serve. One of the People, For the People. So, why will YOU not give me (or Will Oatis) a chance? (YOU being anyone reading this)

Author

BobbyKearan

Date

2011-07-27T08:24:21-06:00

ID

164140

Comment

And Bobby I commend you for fighting the good fight sir. In time, with work, the "regular people" amongst us will be able to have a shot at the offices that were originally dubbed "For the People, By The People"

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2011-07-27T15:24:58-06:00

ID

164150

Comment

This article has certainly confused the heck out of me. Does anyone on this link know the history of President Barac Obama? This man #1 is Black. This is the first time in the history of America that we have elected a man of color. His mother was poor, lived on welfare for a period. Obama was given many of the qualities that so many poor blacks were given: love, support from family and encouragement to be the best of whatever we tried to do. Parents made sacrifices. Runs in stockings, holes in shoes to make sure that we had our needs met. Obama was not the product of any "elite" family structure. His grand mother worked in a factory. Obama went to college on grants, student loans and scholarships. His parents could not afford to write a check for his tuition, room and board. He was bright and earned the respect of his Harvard Law constituents. Obama worked as a community organizer, drove an old car for years. The point I'm trying to make is that this man EARNED his keep and I feel insulted that the people at whome fingers are being pointed are folks that deserve what they got and where they are in life. By the way, don't forget that Jackson had a "NEW mayor". His name was frank melton and with that jog of the memory. I will say no more.

Author

justjess

Date

2011-07-27T21:18:05-06:00

ID

164152

Comment

Jess- What there to be confused about? Once Obama ran for public offie he became a professional politician. I seem to remember telling ya'll that before he got elected, that he sure had ya'll fooled if you thought he was any but just a another politician. It's sad ya'll can be so easily fooled.

Author

BubbaT

Date

2011-07-28T11:06:14-06:00

ID

164153

Comment

@ Bobby, I too applaud your willingness to become part of the political process. I also, sense your frustration over the realities of electoral politics in the 21st century. With our media driven and sound bite dependant electorate, it is very hard for a nuanced, “regular” candidate to get much traction. We need much reform in order to reflect a true democracy. I wish you the best next week. @ Just Jess, I just wish that Obama was more sensitive to his background when he works with the people he has to in order to govern. These people are not out to govern, but to ensure that he doesn’t get a second term. He would be better served to put his platform out there, make his appeals to the people, and really pound his democratic colleagues for wavering in their support. Working with the reupbs is like teaching a pig calculus, what’s the point? @ Kaze, To play devil’s advocate here, I see nothing wrong with having highly intelligent people making very crucial policy decisions involving things like the economy, war, and education. While I am sure that there are very intelligent plumbers, housewives, and such, I do not want to run the risk of any one being able to play off of fear and ignorance in the populace and getting elected with a highly divisive or fundamentalist perspective on the world, much like what has happened with the election of the TEA party people in some house districts. That is the danger of not having an educated and politically aware electorate. For instance, do you want the local pastor to be the governor simply because he’s popular and can preach well, but is very ignorant of issues of public policy, public finance, civic duties, and such? When the electorate is uneducated, uncritical, and unaware, elections become popularity contests, and thus run the real risk of placing the democracy in danger. I am not saying only lawyers and such should run for office, but every candidate should be qualified to lead in a society where so much of our fortunes are tied into global economics and diversity. Our elected officials should have as a value understanding these things. I dare say that a good handshake and good ‘speechifying’ can make anyone popular, but an informed, courageous, sensitive leader they do not make.

Author

Renaldo Bryant

Date

2011-07-28T11:06:36-06:00

ID

164155

Comment

@Blackwatch Indeed. I agree 100%. My premise is that there ARE candidates who indeed fit those criteria but because they don't have the right "pedigree", campaign chest, or "friends" don't get a fair shot. Since he's commented on this thread, lets take Bobby for instance. I haven't looked deep into his platform but from what I've seen of his comments he looks to be intelligent, informed, concerned, and perfectly capable of holding the office. Question is, is he being taken seriously? We all know that not EVERY plumber, teacher, or housewife is capable. But By God there are some that are...and I think we need to tap into that. On the local and state level, we're perhaps missing a LOT of good candidates because the pundits say they don't fit the "mold"

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2011-07-28T13:48:30-06:00