Tom Kawczynski - Off the Record

Last night, I was at a meeting with a number of progressives.  Unlike many of the people whom I know, I try to actively consider viewpoints that run counter to my own, and am proud to have friends who disagree vigorously with me.  Debate and discussion is such an important part of the political process, and though I usually find myself arguing, I find myself learning more for the conversations that I have.

What I am learning that for as much dissatisfaction as exists on the right, the left is equally displeased with how things are going in Washington.  I talked to people who were angry about a President who ran a campaign promising transparency, ending a war, and helping the economy, and who saw either no results or outright lies.  They were angry, and much as conservatives felt betrayed by some Republicans, they were progressives who felt betrayed by the Democrats.

It leads me to wonder who represents the people.  It has almost become such that the political class just represents itself and the donors who perpetuate their success.  While money has always bought influence, it is hard to find any time where it was so blatant, unapologetic, and cynical as today.  We need reform.

Whatever your views, we need people to step up who are not part of the process.  I believe this can only succeed if we begin taking power back for ourselves as citizens.  Huge government allows for huge corruption, and whether you believe the state should be larger or smaller, I think everyone can agree that when politicians have to actually face and know their constituents, they will be held more accountable.

Decentralization of power is becoming ever more important in my mind, and I'm determined to help wherever I can to make this happen.