A Letter to: Politicians

Dear Politicians,

I know that the way the system is set up makes it seem like you have to act certain ways to get reelected and become career politicians, but if that's your goal please step down. It might be a job, but there is more at stake, and to focus on that steady salary endangers American values and integrity. Real people and real lives are at stake with every decision you make, but sometimes you seem so disconnected from everything, I wonder whether or not you ever cared about the common man.

The founding fathers believed that public service was a great honor. I understand that jury duty and slaving for strangers seems like it sucks, but we would rather lose a weekend than our freedom. Jury duty comes as a letter that everyone gets; you volunteered to be a politician. Our public service is mandatory, takes us from our jobs, and pays $5 a day, which doesnt cover transportation, much less lunch, but it beats not having a trial by jury. Your salary is ten times the poverty line, not including the health plan, retirement benefits, miscellaneous perks, and guranteed vacation time, so when it comes time to do something hard, push through, then treat yourself to a five-star dinner on us.

That said, you are supposed to make the tough decisions, but plan more on making headlines than legislation. I'm sorry your constituents have conflicting interests, but you are in charge of finding compromise in these situations. When you walk out, name call, mud sling, politic, and posture every day, its hard to be confident in our legislative bodies. You just lose a campaign contributor or a few voters, we lose the ability to believe in our nation, and that is more harmful than any recession.

Please, get back to basics. Super congress might catch news feeds, but what is the factor that makes this necessary for the first time in US history? The party of six is easy to remember, but do you want to be remembered as the gang holding the house hostage? Interrupting television to give a speech is memorable, but was it impactful? You are part of American history now, for better or worse, but the choice is yours. Step up and take responsibility, or step down, because our votes indicated trust, and your inability to fulfill your obligations is simply unacceptable.

Thank you for your time,
A Concerned Citizen