[Orinially published 3/29/2012]
We rely on a number of people to act honestly and fairly as our representatives in government. This is something we take for granted, but need we re-examine this faith in our individual government representation? There have always been those who look to game the system, to cheat and thereby redeem some type of profitability whether monetarily or otherwise. From our elected representatives we assume a sense of fairness and honesty. In the past we’ve held these elected representatives accountable by either reelecting them in the next cycle - or not. Perhaps there must be a greater point of accountability from our elected officials since the damage they can create by breaking the trust between constituents and those that they elect can only be remedied after the fact, after any such damage is long done.

I think that virtually all Americans would suggest to you if asked, that politicians, even those that they themselves have voted for are liars in general. Politicians will misrepresent, slant or omit certain facts in order to move forward their ideas or policy agendas. For the common man or woman, the constituents, this is an abomination of their trust. Their sacred right as an American to cast a vote and elect representatives of the majority is being dishonored by many of those same elected officials.

Most notably since the Reagan administration, accountability has become less (if ever it was) a virtue in politics and society in general.  This is part of the then new mantra, blame government, that vague, general boogie-man for all the ills of society and America.  "It’s not me, not because I lied and deceived the masses of the electorate.  It could never be my responsibility because… because it is the governments fault (even though I am a part of that same government)."