The Issues of Today

cmp.2008.06.10
ed.2008.06.10.02 (Concept Draft)

Every election I find myself baffled by the reaction of the current president of the United States of America along with the inaction of candidates who are currently serving in the senate or congress.

In every election, there are seemingly at least two candidates who represent the voices of the American people. In every case, these individuals promise to tackle the most signficant issues of that day. But, in every case, those issues that are considered relevant for today, are not actually and practically engaged until after an election or even years down the road.

But what about the current president? What prohibits a president from proposing the same solutions that the candidates are? If these solutions are really that important, why do we have to wait until the next president is elected? It seems that if the current president cared, they would take action immediately--especially in a state of perceived crises. Why does it always seem that during the last year of presidential office, the president never cares about any of the issues that the next candidates are trying to overcome?

For example, a gas tax holiday was proposed this election season by a candidate. Now, if the President of the United States cannot enact this now, what assurance is there that it could be enacted in the future? Furthermore, the candidate that proposed this "Gas Tax Holiday" is currently a senator and has the means to propose this legislation now, and without the help of the president. What gives?

Is it unreasonable to expect a candidate who promises certain changes to show efforts to make these changes now? Certainly running for the office of the President of the United States is not easy--on the contray, it takes extraordinary effort. So, why is it so difficult for a candidate to publish their proposed legislation beforehand? For some reason, it seems far less complex to bring legislation like this to congress than it is to run for president.

What if a candidate for the presidency, especially one already in office, presented their proposed bills to congress and to the senate before they were ever elected president? What kind of impact would this action have?

One, we would know that they were being faithful to the commitments that they have already made. Two, we would know that they were serious about the actions that they promise to take. Three, either through the rejection of these propositions, or the acceptance of them, an incredible dynamic emerges where that metaphorical "line" is drawn in the sand and we are allowed to see into the character of those who represent us in Washington.

But far be it for our president or our presidential nominees to take these issues to congress now. After all, as long as these issues are unresolved, then there are those who believe that these issues can be taken advantage of to secure for themselves a position in office. Truly, the test of selflessness would be to begin the process of change now, in a practical way--regardless of whether or not the presidency is ever attained. With the platform that a candidate has, it would seem reasonable that they would try to invoke as much change as they could. What happens to the aspirations and dreams of those voting for a candidate that never gets elected?