Beech Tree News Network

Our news sources regularly report political happenings. Thinking about our nation and all the recent political news, I decided to read some politics quotes. The following quotes (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/american-politics-quotes) are listed randomly. I’ve also shared some thoughts related to each quote.

-          “When the Constitution was written in 1787, there was this supposition that American politics would be above party. The people who would staff the positions in government would have the interests of the country, or at least their states and congressional districts, at heart, and so they wouldn’t form permanent political parties.” – H. W. Brands

Our political parties have become somewhat permanent, and the party leaders wield great power. I believe that due to party allegiance, some elected legislators may not always vote their conscience and may not always vote for what would be best for their constituents.

-          “A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Politicians may sometimes find it easier – and safer – to ‘ride the fence.’

-          “Hypocrisy needs to be called out in American politics, and the absurd has reached the point where it is just insufferable.” – Ana Navarro

Political hypocrisy may include pretending to be what you are not, pretending to believe something that you do not, or condemning another person for something you have done. I believe many political ads are hypocritical.

-          “The most powerful force in American politics is not anger, it’s nostalgia.” – Pete Hamill

Nostalgia plays a part in patriotism. It is a sentimental longing for a period or place with happy personal associations. I believe nostalgia influences our political affiliations and our stance on many political issues.

-          “The tax issue is the most powerful issue in American politics going back to the Tea Party.” – Grover Norquist

A discussion of a tax issue can quickly go from a thoughtful conversation to a heated exchange. Although we want public services, paying for them is hurtful. We don’t want tax increases, even when we clearly see the need for them.

-          “American politics used to be an amateur sport. But somewhere along the way, we handed over to professionals all the things people used to do for free.” – Bob Schieffer

I believe American legislation was intended to be for ‘amateurs,’ not for career politicians who serve for decades. I recognize that longevity in any job results in a skill set; but regarding legislators/lawmakers, I don’t think longevity was the intention of the Founding Fathers. Nonetheless, I also believe that those in office should be paid for their labor – at a reasonable rate, with reasonable benefits.

-          “The classic rules of American politics are dying, if not dead, if you look at the last two presidential elections. An African-American could never be president until one was; a TV reality star couldn’t become president until one was.” – Eric Garcetti

In the United States, it is difficult to predict who will win an election. ‘Classic rules’ might have to be defined for me. Yet, I have seen a change regarding the dignity traditionally associated with elected positions – on the part of the media and on the part of some elected officials.

-          “It is money, money, money! Not ideas, not principles, but money that reigns supreme in American politics.” – Robert Byrd

Money is indeed important in American politics. Initially, anyone could run for office; however, over the years, money became necessary to fund a campaign for office. I also believe money influences decisions made by legislators and other office holders – sometimes unconsciously.

-          “The appalling reality in American politics today is that, when ideology and money mix, truth is a mere inconvenience.” – David Horsey

Ideology, or a set of beliefs, mixed with money might not lead to ‘truth’ in any context. Who knows?

-          “The battle in American politics used to be for the middle. Now, it’s all about the building and the intensity of support on the far left and far right wings of both parties. And we have forgotten about the people here in the middle.” – Hamilton Jordan

I believe those people in the middle, having moderate views, might be the ‘silent majority’ – a large group of people who do not express their opinions publicly. I would like to see American politicians more often serve the interests of the people in the middle.

I enjoy reading what others have to say. Their thoughts help to inform me – whether I agree or disagree. Regardless of any difference in opinion, we can learn from others. And may God continue to bless the United States.