Why Don't Politicians Go On Strike?

Why Don’t Politicians Go On Strike?

Many movie goers and TV addicts are surprised that the world has not come to an end due to the simultaneous strikes of professional writers and actors. In fact, given the quality of their scripts and performances I suspect many may feel the world is better off without them.

There has been much talk of strikes of late, perhaps the most crucial of which concerns the 340,000 Teamsters who work for the UPS delivery service, responsible for dropping off more than 24 million parcels daily at your and your neighbor's doorsteps. Such a strike, which could begin as soon as August 1, would have a much greater impact on our economy than a few hack writers and ham actors walking the picket lines.

But there is another quasi-profession, the lack of which could have an even greater meaning for our world and our lives. I am referring to that particular brand of parasite called the politician. I think our politicians, our elected elite, should follow the example of the writers and actors and walk off the job. Federal and state employees could remain active, as they are not the ones causing the trouble that we citizens face every day. They keep things running and they should continue to do so.

But imagine what a better world we would have if the Presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives just shut down for a significant period of time. Governors and State Houses could also go dark. This would be especially helpful in California, New York and my home state of Illinois, where some of the most ridiculous laws are coughed up. With lawmakers on strike there will be no new laws. That's good. We already have too many.

Imagine a world with no political backbiting, name-calling, accusations and harassment. Imagine no obnoxious ads, no inane media interviews, no meaningless debates. No hearings and interrogations. No trashy campaign posters littering the highways. No nosy pollsters intruding in our busy lives. Peace and contentment would reign.

I suspect very few people will be upset, as the Rasmussen polling outfit notes that only 19-percent of Americans feel that their elected officials listen to them and care about what matters in their lives. They are not concerned about you. Under such circumstances, why do we have them? 

If you had a car that only ran 19-percent of the time you'd probably junk it. If your electricity was so unreliable you'd think you were in a third world country like California. If your Smartphone and TV were so unreliable you'd toss them.  But the difference is, you may need a phone and you definitely need electricity, but you don't need politicians just as you don't need bedbugs.

They try to woo you with vague promises that are never kept, meaningless hollow commitments, and pie-in-the-sky financial fantasies. But ask yourself this: Can you remember when they have ever done anything that has made your life better? 

While walking the picket lines perhaps they will do some soul-searching, presuming they still possess that spiritual essence. Maybe they will ask themselves why people find them so useless and obstructive, a constipation on the national digestion. Perhaps they will reconsider their topsy-turvy view of the world and for once put their constituents on top and themselves, as self-enriched public servants on the bottom. Perhaps… 

I suggest their strike take place this coming winter, so that as they march the picket line these malefactors can fully feel the miserable, cold, biting, caustic, bitter, cruel, aimless, radical, nasty and absurd world they have forged for us.

After enduring this frosty catharsis they may again realize that their sworn duty is to diligently serve the people who have elected them, with honor, honesty, and compassion. One can only hope.