Enough about 2012 Already!

Today being President’s Day I sort of have presidents on the brain. Which is appropriate because listen to the mainstream media and you would have no clue that the year is actually 2011. Without a doubt 2012 is on the minds of many. The Sunday morning shows were buzzing with names of potential candidates, offices being set up in Iowa, and polls being taken in New Hampshire. Candidates, particularly from the GOP are forming exploratory committees to see if they would be a viable candidate.  Understandably someone wanting to run for president will need to plan ahead, however, isn’t this focus on an election nearly a year and a half away taking the American people’s attention away from the important matters at hand? In many ways the far off election seems to grab focus that should be held by our current elected officials. We,  after all, did just have an election a mere four months ago. The budget for 2011 still has not been established; ESEA is up for reauthorization, state budgets are falling apart, and with a Republican House and a Democrat Senate the American people will have plenty to focus upon for the next year and a half without giving a second thought to the next election.

The problem

Currently it is obvious that entitlements, such as social security, need to be reformed. Right now both parties are at a certain standstill. Both sides are afraid to suggest specific reform due to the fact that often during election years people who “pick” on social security are “picked” on during campaign commercials. Neither side will argue that reform of some sort needs to happen, but who throws the first punch is still yet to be determined.  Legislators need to keep in mind that they need to be reelected, but at the same time someone needs to have the courage to make the tough decisions. Not all decisions that politicians have to make are going to be popular. American people can determine how they feel about how their legislator has done AFTER they have done their job. I admire a politician who takes a firm stand and does what they whole-hearted believe rather than sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting for their next election.

Plus, when the American people are always looking ahead to the next election, let’s admit it, they are fun and exciting, we fail to really hold our politicians’ feet to the fire. Rather than discussing 2012 everyone should be talking about the issues of right now. We elect our politicians to work for us. We don’t elect them so that they can get elected again.

The Business of Elections

The facts about elections are that they cost A TON. Elections have become a biyearly business in the billions. No wonder everyone works relentlessly to hype them. Not only the dollars side of it, but Americans have the most amazing opportunity to elect their officials biyearly or even more locally. Additionally they have the freedom to choose who they want to win.  It is rather romantic and nearly impossible to not get caught up in. Plus early primaries start in less than a year. So ready or not here it comes. Just don’t lose sight on the matters at hand. To help keep your officials accountable check out http://thevotereffect.com . Check out bills, raise issues, and essentially go to Washington, every, single, day.  

Oh, and by the way...Who do you think are going to be the candidates for 2012? Better yet, who do you predict will win?

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