An Enduring

They are introduced as “Distinguished Gentleman and/or Distinguished Gentlewoman from.....>”

I look on in amazement as one by one they take their turns before the TV camera and microphone.

They read prepared words from a sheet of paper as they stand on the podium. Words often composed and written by a highly paid member of their professional staff. A few stumble over the prepared script despite an earlier rehearsal.

The Christmas tie worn by one astute speaker defied comment.

And i wonder, how did the American people ever decide on this diverse group of self-satisfied smug politicians to speak for them.

When did we stop researching qualifications rather than selecting from TV appropriate images to chose those who will make decisions affecting our lives, families and county.

The more I listened, the more I viewed the multiple cast of characters prancing for audience approval wrapped tightly in their self importance, the more I questioned our own choices.

Then the guilt set in.

When was the last time I seriously researched information and data about a name on a ballot.

When did I spend any amount of time researching the candidate I would cast my vote for.

Did I ever spend even a quota of the time I do streaming and watching foreign films?

Have I ever called my Congressman or woman’s office to request information or leave an opinion?

Of course, the answer is no. I presumed accuracy in what I read about anyone running for office.. I trusted even literature self produced was valid.

I am not that naive about other things. I investigate with vigor everything I buy on Amazon before adding it to my cart.

Yet, the man or woman who decides where my tax money goes, who decides what benefits our military heroes will receive, who will cast a vote about national health care, is relatively unknown to me. I have relied on image.

And for that I must apologize.

It is easy to watch the charade currently playing on TV and ridicule some, if not all, of the participants, but what is happening is really my own fault.

I have learned a painful lesson. Perhaps you have, too. And that may be the enduring consequence of the 2019 Impeachment hearings.