I have a modified version of Icarus’ rule: If I see something a friend of mine writes that I like and think will fit here on SWGA Politics, I’ll at least get their permission before posting it! Anyways, this comes from a fellow Libertarian from NEGA, Kellie White Weeks
Have you ever thought about running for political office? Or have you ever noticed it’s always the same people running, with the same group of supporters backing them?
Whether you want to run as an independent or against an incumbent, it’s like going up against a well oiled machine. These days a campaign can cost you a pretty penny which is why most are discouraged to run. If you’re running as a third party candidate you’ll need a petition from 5% of the voters which is a daunting task.
Just a shot at the City Council could cost you $25,000 for a part time position that only pays about $10,000 per year. If you look at the last run for our State Senate, each candidate spent around $100,000 for a job that pays $14,000 per year. You might as well forget about a Federal level position, that could cost a small fortune and you’ll need an army of volunteers.
Why would anyone spend or donate so much to a campaign? What is the pay off? It all comes down to power and influence. Those who want the job believe they have the knowledge and judgment to do the right thing; they just need the votes and contributions to get their ideas heard. That’s where the “machine” comes in handy. It can get you the volunteers and money but it comes with a price, it now has influence over you and how you vote. So, now the wonderful candidate that set out to make a difference is obligated to a group or individual that helped him get elected.
How are we going to change politics without changing campaigns? We can’t.
If you want to start getting people in offices that aren’t tied to anyone, you have to start volunteering and you have to start voting the incumbent out. They all need to be fired! It is time we really “Change” politics.
Have you ever voted outside your party? Have you ever really looked at a third party? You should. They may share more of your beliefs than the traditional Republican or Democrat platforms. Once we get more independents in office, there will be no votes “divided straight down party lines”.
We have people on every level of government that have been in office for years with no real results. Every time they are up for election, they give us the same old song and dance that keeps them in power for a few more years. We vote they back in because we are afraid the challenger is worst or the challenger won’t hold the clout the incumbent has. After all he has been in office since the dawn of time.
Time is money and they’ve wasted enough of that already.
Next election let your voice be heard loud and clear, lets vote out everyone and start over!
