John Sheda

Isn’t the political scene interesting to say the least? Whatever your political persuasion is, you gotta admit that it’s anything but dull and boring. On the left, we have Hillary, who is probably in all kinds of hot water, (yet she still by and far is the candidate to beat). Far behind her is Bernie Sanders, a self-admitted “Democratic Socialist.” Don’t you just cringe at the word socialist? Then maybe Vice-President Joe Biden might just toss his hat into the ring. Now we’re talking fireworks.

On the right, it’s simply a “free-for-all.” Anyone out there want to toss your hat into the Republican Presidential race? Still plenty of time. How many are there now-seventeen, eighteen??? And look who’s leading the pack! Donald Trump. Right now no one is even close to him. Just close your eyes for a second and imagine the “dogfight” that would occur between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump, if they become our two choices.

I bet even high schoolers would start to take a political interest!! Wow! On their Government test, the first question would be; “Name the Republican candidates running for President in 2016.” Heck, how many can you name right now????

But here is the larger question. How in the world is Donald Trump leading by such a margin and more importantly why? It’s interesting that both political camps are enthusiastic about the possible winners. Democrats are rooting for Trump to be the nominee, (no way he can win, they say), and Republicans are rooting for Hillary, (she might be in prison, they say). Both camps so excited but for the other party’s nominee!! As Laugh-In’s Arte Johnson used to say–“Veddy Interesting.”

Ok, got off track there. Getting back to Donald Trump. Two years ago I hated this guy. Compared him on the right to Al Sharpton (refuse to dignify him with Rev.), on the left. Both just big blowhards that love the TV cameras, to put it mildly. However since Trump has entered the race, my thoughts have changed on him. Not Sharpton, but Trump. Why? Because like many in America today, we are upset. Ok, angry. Democrats and Republicans ask, beg actually, for our vote, making all kinds of promises. All kinds! One wins and heads to Washington and seemingly nothing changes.

Is our country better off than it was 20 years ago; 30 years ago; 40 years ago? If we aren’t, who’s fault is it? Well ultimately it’s ours-the voter, but often we have no choice, it seems. The great humorist Will Rogers once said, “We have so many great men in the country today, it’s a shame some of them don’t run for President.” The same could hold true for all the political offices today.

Think about this, if both parties are against higher taxes, inflation and huge deficits, why do we have them? Did any of you approve the Federal Budget? Me either. Only the President, (Democrat or Republican) approves and signs it. What do you think about doing your taxes? Complicated or simple? Do you pay enough or do you think you pay too much? Who made these decisions? I sure didn’t. Did you?

Here’s the bottom line: There are 100 Senators, 435 Congressmen, one President, one Vice-President, 9 Supreme Court Justices and around fifteen Presidential Cabinet members. Less than 600 human beings our of about 300 million of us, (regular citizens), who are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the direction of our country. And what do they do? They know the problem yet the just blame the other party, year after year after year. It’s not our fault. It’s theirs and someone’s got to call them out on it.

Enter Donald Trump. Love him or hate him makes no difference. He is challenging the status quo and has struck a strong nerve in the 300 million of us who are just tired of the “same old, same old.” In fact, many are downright angry. Trump is calling the politicians out. And for the first time, we are listening…..and hoping for REAL CHANGE IN WASHINGTON!

To be continued next week!! Let me know your thoughts at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640.

Love to hear from you.