Give And Take

To serve others is a calling for some and an hourly job for others. A few individuals aspire for greater recognition and responsibility. These people wish to lead with the altruistic goal of service to all. We call them politicians. I contend that those who are elected start their careers with good intentions. Soon enough they discover that money and power is the name of the game.

Just who takes from society and who gives? We all do. Politicos may wish to meet our needs. They listen to their constituents. They do so in order to understand how best to lie and manipulate us. In reality they perform acts and make speeches that make them appear to be making a difference. They want to please us, or at least, appear to be doing so.

Our politicians want to keep their jobs as much as the rest of us. They have to play the game to keep the money flowing. Some of it may actually trickle down to us. We pay our taxes ostensibly to allow us to take advantage of public services. I think we all know that many of these services are used by those who pay little of the costs involved.

We are no better as we try to get what we can. We cheat on our taxes. We lie to get what we want. Some might argue that the system is flawed. We have no choice but to fib when necessary if we are to get our needs met. There is too much red tape. We made the system what it is. We voted for it. We have no right to complain.

Who would we complain to anyway? Power corrupts and those who represent us are about as corrupt as they come. The only reason they spend so damned much on their campaigns is that they know they will make it all back... and then some! We give our vote and they take whatever their position and authority will allow them.

I have very little faith in our political system. What I do have faith in are the few individuals who really make a difference. They are the quiet ones who work behind the scenes. They do not seek accolades nor remuneration. You rarely learn their names but their deeds speak for themselves.

Life is all about giving and taking. Give what you can and take what is fair. Aspire to be like those special souls who work towards the betterment of all. It is fine to look out for your own best interests. Too few can be counted on to take care of us. In the meantime we can do what the politicians cannot. We can serve our fellow citizens. You who give without taking certainly have my vote.