AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDo local issues get lost when there’s a national race?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Quick - can anybody tell me what local offices and initiatives will be on the ballot this November? Anybody? Bueller?
The late Speaker of the House of Representatives “Tip” O’Neill once stated that “All politics is local.” Unless we’re talking star power, then local politics can’t hold a candle to our fascination with the national players.
And that’s too bad because we get so caught up in the national races we neglect to find out enough about the people who will be affecting our lives on a day-to-day basis. Sure, presidential candidate X wants to lower your taxes with some plan that will need years to navigate the U.S. Congress, but local candidate X can actually do it in one evening with one vote.
The problem is that the national races seem more fun to watch and are easier to keep up with. National candidates have millions at their disposal, enough to hire a small army to make them look and sound good. It’s the ultimate reality show, but those things are for entertainment and election should be serious events for serious people.
It’s easy to get seduced by national politics. They are several press accounts of former President Bill Clinton and Democratic hopeful Barack Obama showing up at their individual rallies and having the affect of a rock star walking in. I’m sure they’re nice guys, but rock stars? Don’t think so.
I was talking to a friend last week and jokingly asked if he’d been watching the debates. In all seriousness he said he didn’t pay much attention to what was happening nationally - not near as much as his local city council and state legislature contests.
His point was that we get so caught up in the national races that we neglect to think about the quality of the candidates running our business. He said the way the presidential candidates scurry around, and the way the media pursues them, makes him wonder if they all shouldn’t feel just a little sheepish about their conduct.
I know it’s only February but wouldn’t now be a great time to find out what we should be keeping our eyes on right here in our own backyard? Who’s with me?
Anybody?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Jim Osterman
Comments
By Katie
February 19, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
DUH!! of course local issues get put aside, it’s a NATIONAL election and people are focusing on issues relating to the NATION!!
By GeezGuys
February 19, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Katie, you must live in Clayton County. If you don’t, it’s your kind of place.
By the truth
February 19, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Damn straight! That’s how problems start in government. People should have to pass a test to be able to vote. There are people that can’t raise their own kids and hold down a job. These are the same idiots that put democrats in office. Look at Clayton County. Politicians are not rock stars! Government power should be limited. Government NEVER solves problems.
By PPH
February 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
We better start focusing on local politics and now!!! Georgia has become the laughingstock of this country and if we do not make some changes REAL soon it will only get worse. Our schools are not run well, our Governor does not know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt and developers have WAY too much control. This is just a very small portion of what is wrong with our local politics. Please research and vote well, by this I mean, First, do not vote Democrat and Second, research what these people actually do or have done, not what they say they will do, otherwise, please stay home or, better yet, just leave so the rest of us and our children have a chance! I agree with the truth, Government power needs to be limited BIG TIME. But, until that takes place we all need to pay attention and vote well! Katie, you are one of the ones that should just leave. Sorry darlin’ but you are one of the many voters that has screwed it up for the rest of us because you have no idea what is going on around you.
By Anna
March 29, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
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By Anna
March 29, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
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