After the Election, Will You....
By mehale
@mehale (2200)
United States
November 4, 2008 7:54am CST
Will you keep an eye on the elected officials once their new term begins, or will you simply forget about politics and Washington until the next election year? There has been so much more excited and focused attention on this election season, that I can't help but hope that more people DO keep an eye on what the elected officials are doing, and complain when they don't do what they should or what they said they would! If more people would complain via email, snail mail, fax, and phone then maybe they would realize that the American people are watching them and do a better job.
I know I will keep one eye trained on Washington and one ear to the ground for new news long after the election is over and the next President is in office. We have let Washington tell us what to do, without so much as lifting a finger to stop them or complain and let them know we don't like what they are doing for so long, that if we don't pay attention to what they are doing, and things do get worse, it will be our own fault.
So will you keep an eye on what the new officials are doing after they are in office, or will you simply forget about Washington DC and politics until the next election cycle?
4 responses
@CherylsPearls (1269)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I try to keep up with what Government is doing all the time. Not just at the Federal level, but my state and local government, as well. I realize that a lot of people don't vote in non-Presidential elections, but I always do. My State government is just as important, sometimes even more so.
My state's office of governor is up for election; we will either have our first female governor ever; or only our 3rd Republican governor in the last 100 years! Pretty important!
I am pretty much on my representative's heels at all times. This election won't change that.
1 person likes this
@mehale (2200)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I always make a point of voting too, be it state, local, or federal level. And I do have to agree with you, sometimes the state and local elections are even more important than the federal ones - in fact most of the time! I wish more people thought like this and did let their voices be heard. If all Americans would wake up and start paying attention ALL the time instead of just during the campaign seasons, we might actually begin to make a difference here!
@CherylsPearls (1269)
• United States
4 Nov 08
You are exactly right. I have often wished that more people would take local and state elections more seriously.
1 person likes this
@chameleonsdream (1230)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I know that a lot of those who have hung on this election are like sports fair-weather fans - they lose interest when the contest is over. I think, though, that a lot of people have awakened out of their apathy, and they WILL be paying attention. I've never been much of one to follow national politics (on the local level, it's a little different), but I know that I'll be paying attention from now on.
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I believe as American citizens, we owe it to our country to remain aware of what is happening in our government.
1 person likes this
@mehale (2200)
• United States
4 Nov 08
Exactly. If we let our voices be heard all the time - if we are against or for a bill that is coming up to vote, we need to let our Reps know - then we can just maybe make a difference. I really hope that the people retain their interest in politics, though I am afraid that it will fade shortly after the poll results come in.
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
4 Nov 08
I am going to keep a close eye on not only the next president but also congress. More people need to get involve after the election. They need to keep up with what bill is up for a vote and then contact their congressmen to let them know how they feel about it.
Being involved in your government is not just showing up to vote. It is being involved everyday and making sure your voice is heard.
1 person likes this
@mehale (2200)
• United States
4 Nov 08
You are SO right! I really hope more people have this mind set this go round! It has been far too long since we have showed an avid interest in politics unless it is an election year. That is too bad, as the government is supposed to be by the people for the people and we have let it become by the government for the government with our silence. This has to stop and I truly hope that the interest and excitement this election has instilled in the American people lasts long after the elections! Maybe then we can really have true change.
