Time to put in the starters!
Football season is just around the corner, and many college football fans know the first few games are usually lopsided affairs. These early season games usually consist of a team from a large conference beating up on a team from a smaller conference. The game begins with the starting lineups filled with the best players on each team taking the field. However, within a short period of time the team from the larger conference opens up a huge lead. Once the outcome of the game is certain, the larger conference pulls all the starters out of the game and the second-string or third-string players are given the opportunity to play. These less gifted players are usually underclassman put on the filed to sharpen their skills and get some real game time experience without jeopardizing the outcome of the game.
In many ways this is analogous to how our election and political system works. When everything in the Country is running smooth it is acceptable to have a team of second-string leaders running our government. Because the success of the Nation is not in doubt, business is humming, and markets are thriving the people are not as concerned with the politicians they elect. During these times voters elect people based on qualities not essential to good governance, but more consistent with what they want in a friend or drinking buddy. However, when the fate of the Nation is uncertain our democracy relies on good leaders with the fortitude and abilities necessary for success.
There are many times in American history when good leaders were not necessary for the Nation’s prosperity and protection. During economic booms and times of peace, most citizens are in the active pursuit of the American Dream and are indifferent to politics much less politicians. The politicians elected during times of “plenty” are not selected on criteria that lends itself to effective leadership during the Nation’s times of “need.” Clearly, there are instances when leaders elected during times of “plenty” heroically and successfully answer the call to lead. Unfortunately, these leaders are usually ill-equipped and unprepared to lead in the challenging environment.
Currently there are serious problems facing Nevada and the Nation. Many current Members of Congress were elected during election cycles when problem solving abilities and a track record of strong leadership were not fundamental to the campaign. However, because of high name recognition and proven fundraising abilities these career politicians have become so entrenched that people vote for them simply because they are incumbents. During this election cycle voters need to evaluate candidates based on their abilities not their incumbency.
Current members of congress are responsible for creating and enacting policies that ultimately lead to the economic collapse. Harry Reid and Shelley Berkley are the very architects of our economic crisis and voters should not reward their failures. Nevada leads the nation in unemployment, home foreclosures, and bankruptcy; however, our third-string political leaders are unable to solve or even attempt to solve the problem. Even after spending over $3.7 trillion in bailouts Nevada’s unemployment and home foreclose rates continue to increase. Shelley Berkley has not authored one single piece of legislation that deals directly with the unemployment and home foreclosure crisis affecting Nevada. Berkley and Reid are unable to offer solutions, and the actions they have taken have resulted in further economic instability and dangerous debt loads.
Many of the leaders who have brought our Nation to the brink of disaster may be nice and caring individuals; however, today our nation needs real leadership capable of becoming the solution not part of the problem. Voters cannot keep electing the same people and expect different results. Sharron Angle, Dr. Joe Heck and Kenneth Wegner are examples of capable leaders that should be elected to replace those responsible for the financial crisis.
We may be losing but we are not defeated, we must now wake up and make some serious substitutions- it is Time to put in the Starters!
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