Which has better standing, who you are or what you stand for? In Forth Worth, Texas two gentlemen are vying for House District 97. One is a well know gentlemen throughout Forth Worth and has laid roots. Bob Leonard Jr. is a former lawmaker and a one time department store owner. The other is a newcomer to the block, Craig Goldman. Goldman is young and fresh, although he lacks lawmaking experience he has been around behind the shadows. He was an aide for former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. Although Leonard has identification associated with himself, Goldman has raised the most amount of money and an ample amount of supporters. Goldman is laying down platforms and picking sides to support based on current issues. Leonard on the other hand is standing by idle, waiting to see what moves that his constituents are going to make so he can then in turn make his. I think that you’re political platform is most important to voters when they go to the polling booth to make their decisions. Unfortunately our United States citizens tend to side with the most popular candidate. We identify ourselves with faces instead of the meaning behind the face. Leonard will most likely come out on top because he has created a name for himself in the city of Fort Worth. People are going to remember him for Leonard’s Department Store, instead of Goldman as the man that stood behind Phil Gramm. As the old saying goes, “It’s who you know, not what you know” that counts. Although Goldman may have the knowledge of the campaign, Leonard is the most popular.
http://www.statesman.com/search/content/region/legislature/stories/10/27/1027txrace.html
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Roots or Politics? I say neither.
I agree with the opinion stated in atexansopinion’s blog titled “Roots or politics?” To often in today’s culture we form opinions on others based on outward appearances. In the political world I image this problem to cause the most damage on a more local level. In an everyday Texas small town there are those who have the right last name and right resources to quickly push themselves to the forefront. Others face the challenge of surpassing the more well known candidate at election time. Also, if they are not independently wealthy they are forced to fight for contributions. After all, most are likely to donate to someone who they believe will win. They must also hope that their political platform impresses those in the community more than that of their opponent. The odds may be stacked against them, but they can overcome if people better inform themselves and make decisions based on principles rather than name recognition.
I believe this way of thinking goes beyond voting a person into office. Research should be done on anything prior to voting. The clichéd expression “knowledge is power” applies here. Before a proposition comes up for vote one should educate themselves on both sides of the issue and then make a reasoned decision on how to cast their ballot. As Texans and Americans we should demand our lawmakers be held accountable for their actions. Ask questions. Get involved. Never take anyone’s word and do not trust someone to have your local or state government in best interest just because of who they are or who they know. With Texas’s already low voter turnout rate, making an informed decision can only help to insure that democracy is practiced with the highest regard.
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