There’s a sucker born every election

Westwind Weekly News

Liars, cheats, scoundrels, petty thugs — and they’re supposed to be the good guys.

Up on their soap boxes hawking what each thinks is best for the constituents — many politicians are a shifty bunch, but not all of them, right? Welcome to the freak show — a provincial election. Come one, come all — experience the thrills, chills, and the elixirs (with the promise to make everything better).

Not to generalize, but the stereotypical politician is indeed a strange animal — almost instinctually ready to pounce without an evolutionary plan. A travelling salesperson, wheeling and dealing to sell his/her “unique” brand — when it’s all the same. There’s no guarantee and the warranty is often void — towing the party line.

“We the people” are the victims of each and every election cycle. It doesn’t matter what party suits your fancy or individual campaign — in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Albertans have created this political “monster” and now Albertans have to live with it or do they? Unfortunately, the choices are limited — right, left, middle, here, there, and everywhere. Before real change is made, politicians need to remember they are “for hire.” Albertans are the boss, but so many forget that. In any other job, when an employee doesn’t do their job — they are either reprimanded or kicked to the curb. Why doesn’t this translate to the political theatre?

There are some politicians that may not fit this cookie-cutter condition, but sooner or later the wolf in sheep’s clothing comes out, as it peeks its ugly head from behind the fictional persona, created to swindle the voter. Beware the “false prophets” — ravenous wolves disguised as the men and women hired to speak for us. Money talks and bull-crap walks.

Politicians need to be put in their place from time to time. It’s a job, not a crusade. Every six months a politician should have a performance review, just like any other hard working Albertan. The political system is flawed, old, and archaic. Perhaps politicians could appear on a reality-like TV show or through social media platforms online on a voting show similar to “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice,” or “Dancing with the Stars.” And, constituents could vote on their favourite political “idol” or on important issues that may require public input.

There’s an upcoming election coming Apr. 16 in the province of Alberta. Be sure to research and be an informed citizen before voting. Check out candidate profiles, attend forums, visit candidate websites and/or political party websites, keep an eye on social media platforms of candidates, e-mail candidates with questions — be proactive instead of reactive after Election Day. Don’t be a sucker, don’t be duped, or manipulated by candidates with their empty promises and brand marketing.

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