“Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government.” These words are from Thomas Jefferson, our founding father and one of the many authors of the Declaration of Independence. I belong to the echo boom generation, but I often wonder what America was like under the leadership of such men as Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. Recent stories of corruption, deception, and fraud amongst the nations’ elected leaders are leaving members of all generations asking questions about the future of this great country.
In 2001, America witnessed Enron, a corporate giant, go bankrupt and left investors holding the bag. Afterwards, we watched Eliot Spitzer take on corporate corruption with relentless passion, and eventually Spitzer would rise to become governor of New York. This year, America watched Spitzer fall from grace after admitting to participating in a prostitution ring. Ted Stevens, a long-time leader in the Senate and champion of Alaskan politics, is facing charges of corruption. Within one week, I watched Kwame Kilpatrick spend a night in jail for violating the conditions of his bond, and John Edwards came clean with America over an extramarital affair with an ex-campaign staffer. Of course this list of names only scratches the surface, and there has been a long line of Presidents, including Wilson, FDR, Eisenhower, Nixon, LBJ, JFK, Regan, and Clinton, all faced charges and accusations of scandal, adultery, or corruption.
Americans feel helpless and powerless under the tyranny of a government led by men and women with no idea of what it means to place others before themselves. I firmly believe our leaders begin with excellent intentions and a passionate vision to “change” the system. However, somewhere along the way this vision becomes blurred and intentions fade in exchange for “favors”, backroom handshakes, and late night moments of weakness. I applaud John Edwards for admitting to developing behaviors that were narcissistic and egotistical as a result of his popularity and “star” power. Several of Edwards’ peers need to be forthcoming and admit to their own negative behavior, because narcissism and egotism is running rampant in political parties, Congress, the White House, and throughout municipal buildings across this country.
Many elected leaders are out of touch with our country’s founding principles. Americans feel demoralized and helpless in the face of a variety of challenges. I am encouraged by the outpouring of new voters in this election cycle. However, our voice only has power when combined with sound understanding of those we elect. Echo boomers have surprised pundits and pollsters with a passion to participate in the process. Leaders in political parties, community, and government need to be swift to help them with becoming educated about the issues, and mentor them on how to make accurate judgment of character. It is time for our elected leaders to search deep within themselves, rediscover their original passion for service about self, and get back to the business of representing the best interests of their constituents.
