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Note from The Tennessee Conservative: Editorial statements in this column are the sole opinion of the author; they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of this publication.
Submitted by Thomas Antkow –
The midterm elections are approaching fast. When will the endless nonsense disguised as “the First Amendment” end? Politicians are placed in a position of responsibility and tasked with listening to and fairly representing their constituents. It appears that when representatives — and I use that term loosely — arrive in Washington, D.C., many become nothing more than wealth-seeking, egocentric opponents of the “other side.”
Instead of holding on tight to their congressional seats by providing positive results for their constituents, members spend the bulk of their time attempting to win for themselves, just for the sake of winning. Jockeying to get on a powerful committee or seeking to gain a chairmanship has taken the place of casting votes and signing legislation. Constant backbiting, vilification, untruths and barefaced lying to obtain prominence in their party have become the name of the game.
Does anyone in Congress understand the term “bipartisanship” anymore? Acting together, regardless of party affiliation, to serve we the people. Forget biased polls. Polls are purposely designed to take a snapshot of a political base. It’s only a tiny slice of a tiny percentage of voters in a candidate’s political landscape. It is not a true perspective of how a politician will vote.
I find it very interesting that the closer it gets to Election Day, the more politicians pander to their base. Taking the time to meet the people they represent during recess is not on their agenda. Gaining exposure on radio, TV or podcasts takes the least amount of time and effort and could pay off — maybe. Knocking on doors, shaking hands and putting on celebratory events back home? Only if it suits the purpose of gaining more exposure. Sometimes it is risky and occasionally backfires.
How about designing a well-planned town hall meeting or a public debate à la Charlie Kirk? Toss out the political rhetoric. Stop pointing a finger at your opponents. Take responsibility for your own actions. Avoid negative statements such as “mercenary army,” “masked and heavily armed agents,” “wanton destruction of property” and “killing people in our streets.” Toss away those tactics. Increasing clicks on social media could be beneficial or a complete disaster.
Broad statements without specifics, such as “dead people” or “children in cages,” without points of reference and actual circumstances, invoke skepticism from most fair-minded, patriotic folks. Don’t just pretend to be patriotic. Show your love for America, not just your displeasure.
This country is on the verge of celebrating 250 years since its inception. Shouting “USA, USA, USA” shouldn’t be an empty expression of our “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Finally, study candidates yourself. Don’t just take other folks’ opinions. Get out to vote. Unity among all citizens can finally bring us together to honor America before it is too late.
About the Author: THOMAS ANTKOW is currently a freelance writer and produced and hosted his own daily radio show on KCSF AM 1300 and co-hosted talk shows for KVOR AM 740 for Cumulus Broadcasting in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at tariodio863@gmail.com
