Politicians have to listen when they run. Polls predict the outcomes and rate the issues.Citizens approach, voice their likes and dislikes. Their opponents attack their ethics, experience, and motivations. And, should they be elected, they have to deal with the intricacies of an outdated legislative system and entrenched judiciary, all run and controlled by special interests. Only people who quantify their existence in terms of how much they can compromise so as not to be considered a loser and thereby be reelected would campaign honorably and hope to be elected.
I saw Peter Shumlin at Price Shopper this morning. I told him of my three interests: (1) legalize marijuana; (2) death with dignity; (3) reduced prison populations. He supports all three, but he cannot do the first, he says. I disagree. But decriminalization ain’t that far away from the ultimate goal. He’s close enough for me and has my vote. Sharon just sees choice. He has hers, too. No need to waste time on us.
Peter was accompanied by a writer and photographer for the Free Press. The reporter asked if I was going to watch the debate this evening which will take place at Echo, sans audience. I said no. I have followed this election since the beginning, serving as a conduit to my friends of issues and positions. “I have heard it all. Are there going to be new questions?” She said that she had gotten to the same point, also. I am sure the candidates feel the same way.
I am sitting in class, trying to learn how to make my blog more effective.