Defining “Representative”
“Representative” usually means one who is typical of the group and is chosen to represent them. Since most Americans are not millionaires it seems fair to assume that candidates who are voted into office with grassroots support rather than self-funded campaigns would be the most authentically representative candidates. The phrase “of the people, for the people, by the people” comes to mind.Â
So it is with concern that I watch so many campaigns being self-funded or paid for primarily by special interest groups instead of grassroots people power. I realize democracy does not mean “direct democracy” and that representatives do have room to exercise their own judgment rather than being completely beholden to their constituents, but it seems to me that democracy is best demonstrated when representatives are actually representative of their district. I think many people share this view. Here, a recent message I received from Jon Powers, candidate for NY-26, which I feel demonstrates the view most Americans have about representative democracy:
Friends
I want to share with you a letter one of my supporters recently sent to my father:
Bill:
I have never donated to a political campaign before, but I was incensed by the article that said how the other candidates were supporting their campaign with their own money.
It’s becoming impossible for anyone who is not wealthy to run for office. So, I’m sending a bit to help Jon.
Good luck to you all
Eileen McCallister
This letter sums up why I am running for Congress. I am spending my time travelling the 26th district and having a conversation with voters that no other candidate is having. I am listening to people like Eileen McCallister. She understands that $3.50 for a gallon of gasoline and the skyrocketing cost of health care is going to strain her family budget.
When we have presidential debates dealing with petty issues like stlo7 posted earlier today, when we have a current president who thinks this is a monarchy, when we have a county executive who puts party above people, it is letters like Ms. McCallister’s that remind us what the issues are about and who they affect. It’s about the people. It’s time we elect true representatives.
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