I bought an ad in my high school yearbook that said it was compliments of my US Senate campaign. Just like that. “Compliments of the Sanuk D for US Senate Campaign.” I still think that is pretty cool, but I thank God I’ve pretty much abandoned my political aspirations. These political processes make me nutty as all hell.
Until I realize I am not obligated to do anything about it right now. Here is the thing: I vote. I’ve voted right regular since I was 18. I have a decent grasp on what the issues are and, while I often vote for members of the Democratic Party, I’ve crossed lines before. It’s not a tremendous obligation, but it’s mine.
Knowing which bills are coming up in front of the Ways and Means Committee this week is not something I should feel I need to know in order to be a good citizen. I don’t need to express my opinion to my Congressman on every vote. I need to tell him next November what I think of the job he’s done.
There are times when I should be uptight about my job. If I’m not doing as I should at home, I need to pay attention. Friends and relations, people who are counting on me and on whom I depend should not be taken for granted. But my government? They should govern, and well. I’ve got better things to do.