Will there ever be a time when we can trust politicians?

Question

Why does it seem that we can only come up with shady used car salesman type persons to represent the people of this nation?

Answer 1

Has there ever been a time we trusted politicians? From the first days of this republic, politicians have been involved in shady affairs and conflicts of interest. The only difference now is that we know about it sooner.

Used car salesmen, lawyers, politicians; all just different names for purveyors of snake oil.

Answer 2

There are too many career politician in office who are only puppets and vote only along party lines. We need to create a system where those in office actually represent the voice of the people and not the party. One suggestion I had was to have a website from the government where citizens can comment on each issue, then after a period of time an equal number of members of congress from each party form a committee to discuss the options. If after a period of time they still can't agree due to partisanship or whatever, then they would be locked in a room and aren't allowed out (sequestered) until they reach a bi-partisan agreement stemming from the suggestions of the people. Ony then will it be put to a vote. Most politicians make hundreds of promises when they are running for office only to vote along party lines once elected. Until this changes, we won't be able to trust them.

Answer 3

Have you ever heard that used car salesmen and politicians are very much alike. No really....I think the vast majority of freshmen politicians go to Washington with nobel ideas,but because they carry so little clout.They have to go along party lines. Represenitives on both sides of the aisle. Have long lost the fact that they must work together for the good of the country,and its people. What has happened is.They only care about money,and getting re-elected.Im sure you know the way it was intended to work? Americans simply can not vote on every issue. Thats all we would be doing. So it was set up that an elected official from peoples district can go to Washington,and fight for the views of those who elected them. Off course they campaighn on this forum,but when they get there. Its all about You give me your vote,and I will help you. Even then when a bill does get passed......There are millions and sometimes billions of tax doller riders. Two things that Politicians have forgoten.......They represent our views,and the money they dole out for all this nonsense.Is not theres.Its ours. Somehow that concept has gotten lost.

Answer 4

The only time you can really trust a politician is when they have stopped breathing. Then they have stopped lying to you.

I'm afraid the era of the statesman has gone. There may be a few people who represent us who put the interests of the whole country ahead of some 'special' group or the party they are affiliated with, but none springs to mind.

Answer 5

Yes. The more people speak out and get involved in the process and the government the more honest we will force our politicians to be honest and trustworthy. There are honest people out there trying to make a difference. All you have to do is be involved and watch and you will find them. And once you find them get more involved and help them get out there and do the right thing. Once our leaders were honest, honorable men with the best of intentions. If we all get involved we will have many honest honorable men and women serving at the pleasure of the people for the good of the people.

Answer 6

It's a feature of the system. In representative democracy, a candidate wins by promising to give everyone what they want. Since he can't actually do that, lying and making sleazy deals become job requirements and the better he is at lying about his intentions, the more he will be able actually to implement what he honestly believes.

Answer 7

Unless you have a one term limit for a politician you can never trust them. I would assume they all start with the best intentions, making their area a better place. In order to get elected they have to get support and money from this person and that organization, they have to promise this to that person and this organization. They get elected and they can't do what they want really, they have to always keep in mind the people who got them elected. They do want to re-elected after all.

Answer 8

Its not the people who are corrupt its the system!!!
politican's have to many people to please, the public, business, public sector, foreign policies, party loans by businesses etc.
As long as all these things happen there has to be an eliment of corruption, everyone is pulling them in different directions so the have to be extremely biased towards the ones who help them or benefit them the most, have the most influence!
Politicans are the people who take the blame for all the **** that everyone else causes for them. Whilst in office they try(often not succeeding) to do the best jobs they can!!!

Answer 9

Every decent person won't go through the selection process. Decent people don't like to lie and don't do it very well. As an electorate, we are so judgemental and when bones are dug up in our backyard graveyard...its humuliating for decent folks. Everyone's got em, but we seem to love to be judgemental for political gain. So the people have to take responsibility for our election...we allow ourselves to be manipulated so you can't rape the willing.

Answer 10

Yes, as soon as they answer to the people again instead of answering to business.


REFORM! It worked before, it can work again. Huge reforms are what created the beaucracies and stopped the bribe system. That is outdated, it has been corrupted. Its time for another reform!