Personal Bubbles

As we retreat into our safe bubbles of beliefs and world views we have to remember that our bubble is relatively small and not as all encompassing as reflected by our personal media.  By portraying the stupidity of those in other bubbles, our media can make us feel good by denigrating those in other bubbles without even attempting to see their viewpoint.  We have become a nation that chooses to not accept responsibility but ready to blame others.  We don’t argue about  concepts that can better the nation, we call each other names and denigrate people. We revel in getting in other people’s business and telling them what they should do.   The only visions that I can identify from our politicians are that either: we should totally get rid of government, or that government can solve all our problems.  The view I get from my bubble is that we believe in: “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Money”. 

 Of course, I don’t really know what this country believes, because the media is run by money and each organization willing to give the money to the media has a special interest in mind.  The media, just like our politicians, have to be circumspect in how they perform their duties or they won’t have any money to operate with.  Power comes with money, so it is no surprise that the two largest campaign donors are the two industries screwing us the most: the pharmaceutical  and  insurance industries.  It’s always been a political trick to cause fear among the citizenry.  Fear of loss is one of the greatest motivators known to man.  Pulling this card has become more and more common as we make individuals (that entered public service to do what they thought was good) into evil people. 

Our politicians don’t have the time to both govern and raise campaign funds from thousands of donors so they raise funds from special interests who now “HAVE ACCESS”.  This is all perfectly legal and perfectly corrupt.  As a Nation we are disgusted with Russia’s meddling with our election.  I wonder why there is no disgust with the calls for all of us non voters to meddle in Georgia’s and Montana's congressional elections?  Shouldn’t the voters in that district be able to decide for themselves about who is best to represent them without our interference?

Politically we have become a nation of critics afraid to innovate or suggest solutions because we know the ‘trolls’ will come down hard and/or someone will lose money.  I will counter this trend and suggest a solution, that if passed four years ago, could have left us in a much better place.  The amendment to our Constitution would read: 

“Notwithstanding the First Amendment, efforts to influence elections to public office in the United States and its’ subdivisions shall be limited to those who are able to vote in said election.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”

 It would have far reaching consequences and need real grass roots support, as most of our power brokers will need substantial readjustment of how they operate, and will oppose it.  The only effect that we can be sure this would have is to return us to a real Democratic Republic.