Russ's Ravings: You Should Never Be Happy With The President

I am purposely and deliberately writing this column before the 2020 general election. I have no idea what the outcome is going to be. But what I do know, is that no matter the results are, no one should be content with them or the candidates selected.

And here is why: there is no candidate that is currently in or has previously held any elected office that is perfect.

Certainly there are many that are noteworthy, even some that are praiseworthy, but never perfect or infallible.

So while we should certainly respect the office and efforts on our behalf we have to remember that no one is deserving or worship or fealty. Elected officials are put in office as part of our republic to represent us. They do not rule us. They govern us because we have chosen to give them the right to speak on our behalf. To make laws on our behalf and provide services on our behalf.

So we should always be critical of our officials.

Not about them personally, but of their work ethic, preparedness, policies and practices. And this should be done at every level of government.

When is the last time you looked over a school budget? In New Jersey, most of your property taxes are funneled there.

How about what your local governing body is doing to find shared services?

What is your congressional delegation are doing to help the Garden State get back more money federally than it ships off every April?

And this doesn't even mention personal issues like the environment or health care or small business support or any of the other issues you find important to you and your family. In theory, you selected a candidate that spoke to your values and it is up to you to honestly assess them and hold them to their promises.

And if a candidate that you didn't choose ends up in office, they still represent you. These people should be also be held accountable for their actions and you should work with them and pressure them where you feel it is appropriate.

This doesn't mean you need to serve on committees (although that kind of volunteerism is awesome and should be encouraged) nor does it mean you should practice slacktivism by bashing officials up on social media.

What this means is that you stay engaged.

In the past few years I have seen more people engaged in our political process than ever before. But where there is still drop off, is in participation after the election cycle has ended.

That will remain our challenge going forward. To continue to push the type of representation we want.

As Americans, we get the government we deserve. And there is much that can be done if we choose to stay involved.

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