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Post by coolboy on May 11, 2006 2:10:44 GMT -6
As a society, we seem to always focus on the negative aspects of any situation. With so many issues in our LCG, state and federal governments, there is a lot to of negatives to fuel our converstations.
My question to you all: Is there any government official that is doing a good job or impressing you at the moment?
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noze
Junior Member
Posts: 91
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Post by noze on May 11, 2006 5:08:01 GMT -6
Lets see if I were a rich person with about 5 or 6 companies that have a lot of different names of ownership I would say YES, but the fact the rich just keep getting RICHER and the rest of us do not exist until it is ELECTION TIME. So my answer is I do not think there are any officials that care about the PUPLIC, it is all about the MONEY.
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Post by coolboy on May 11, 2006 5:25:06 GMT -6
Hello, noze. I can understand your frustration. The only people that run for positions in government are rich (or well off) people. Who are rich people going to take care of once elected? Rich people. Another sad point is that incumbents re-elected the majority of the time unless they embarrass themselves (see Tom DeLay).
Two politicians I used to look up to were U.S. Congressman William Jefferson, Cleo Fields, and Edwin Edwards. At this point, Cong. Jefferson is under investigation for a variety of misuses. Cleo Fields was in dealings with Edwin Edwards, and we all know where former Gov. Edwards currently resides.
I am not too enthusiastic with the way Louis Benjamin, Joey Durel, Kathleen Blanco, and President Bush are running OUR government.
But certainly there has to be someone doing a good job in government?
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Post by coolboy on May 11, 2006 5:26:25 GMT -6
Sorry, I said two politicians, then listed three. I had forgotten about Edwin Edwards. HA!
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percy
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by percy on May 11, 2006 8:13:13 GMT -6
One has to look up to Cleo Fields. How many people do you know that were caught on video tape accepting a bag full of cash as a payoff and not gone to jail for it? Where were the FBI, the IRS ?? How can this person, with a relatively new law practice ( how many times did he take the bar exam?) build a multi-million dollar mansion with a guard house in a very exclusive neighborhood in Baton Rouge. His neighbor is the president of the Shaw group, Louisiana’s only fortune 500 company. I would look up to this man too, shouldn’t everybody?
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jaguar
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Post by jaguar on May 11, 2006 8:30:09 GMT -6
On a state/national level, Sen. David Vitter impresses me with his job so far. Compared to Sen. Mary "I wanna punch Bush in the face" Landrieu, he looks especially statesman-like.
Locally, it's difficult to say. Though I voted for Joey Durel, I was disappointed in his work against allowing a vote for the fiber issue last year. Bobby Badeaux was my children's principal at Edgar Martin. I don't know what he's like as a rep for his district, but he's a highly regarded school administrator. I like Marc Mouton on the parish council. He's been in some tight political spots (widening of Verot vs northside frontage road), but he's used tact, diplomacy and integrity (as far as I can tell) to maneuver to a point of compromise. Plus, he hasn't threatened to go to fist city with a councilman while at the same time questioning his ancestry.
Wow ... is that the standard we now have around here? Sad, sad, sad ...
To be fair, I suppose there's no way we as citizens (especially spectator citizens) can appreciate the pressure these public servants experience in their jobs. I might act the same way, unless of course I'd already sold my soul and simply didn't care. So, it's quite possible that the crazy behavior is a) theatrics or b) they really care and want the best for their constituents and Lafayette Parish overall or c) they're emotionally arrested, self-centered, power hungry, knuckle-dragging neanderthals.
I chose to believe "b" with a little "a" thrown in at times. But, it's quite possible some or all could be "c"s.
The best we can do is stay informed, involved and hold our elected officials accountable. If you don't like it, start a petition like the fiber guys did last year. We as Americans still have that right and freedom. It boils down to us.
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Post by TBEAR on May 11, 2006 9:24:36 GMT -6
I look at it kinda like this and I dont know the percentage but I'll give it a shot.
Some people are born politicians and some people are made into policitians.
Somewhere along the way some, not all, of these people veer from their ethics and their concern for their fellow man. And some sincerely care about pleasing their voters and doing the best job they can.
Not being in a position of political power I can only assume that some politicians who start out with good intent may change under pressure from the rich who supported them in the campaign. And the rich get their way, even though it is not the majority, or they wont give money to support said politician for the next election.
I have the respect for any politician who accomodates the majority and not the minority. And the politician who does not push his ideas of what is right for the people in his own mind. Allow the people to decide on issues. But allow them to decide after being informed and dont try to cloud the issue by placing issues on ballots for low turn out elections. Its not rocket science figuring out that if you have only one ammendmant on a ballot for an election that it will receive low voter turn out compared to placing them on major elections. Many people are lazy today and will not turn out to vote on these small elections and policticans knows this, therefore pushing their issue to passage with alot of their followers.
No matter what way you look at it you cannot please 100% of the people so all you can do is try to balance the issues and suit what is best for the majority not the minority.
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Post by abbd on May 11, 2006 13:19:31 GMT -6
I know my duncilman very well and I like the way he votes SOMETIMES. He's a Democrat so I know what to expect from him, larger government and higher taxes, but lately he has had more of a conservative streak, and he actually voted against raising my property tax to fund another government entity(LITE), just as the supposed republican memebers voted for the property tax increase(anyone who isn't familiar with how this tax increase was passed, really needs to research it and you'd be amazed by what the administration did). We need to inform ourselves on how our duncilmen vote, but it's hard to do because our useless local media refuses to publish what REALLY happens at the duncil meetings. So I guess ignorance IS bliss and we countinue to live in a city that care forgot(or forgot to care) oops, it ain't new orleans yet but dee and joey are sure trying to make it that way. Abolish the consolidated government and rid ourselves of the present administration and duncil.
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Post by zoe10850 on May 12, 2006 11:35:18 GMT -6
I think it is fair to say that Bobby Jindal, Davis Vitter, Richard Baker are representing Loiusiana well. I think Mary Landrieu is trying, but just does not know how to get rid of her liberal agenda attitude and "just get along". I am disappointed with Dr Boustany, who I thought would be independent, not a strict party line typewhich he has become. Heard of Hurricane Rita Doc?
At the state level, I am less than proud of Ms Blankstare, our fearless leader. If she had half the ethics she claims to have, she would have resigned and stepped aside. She simply is not competent to do the job. I am especially ashamed of Mike Michot; he pretends to be one thing, but is really an old school tax and spend, good old boys person.
I save my real dislike for our local 'elected"people(with only 40% voter turnout, that is how they stay) ;assessor, sheriff,clerk of court, mayor, council. who the heck do these people think they represent ? I could go into a long tirade about the shortcomings of each.
I know there are pressures in each and every public job, and pleasing the people is not easy, but on the other hand, if you are not up to the task, step aside and allow others to try. One rule of thumb I judge by is how the politician lives now, and how he did before public service. Public office is not a place to get rich, IT IS SERVICE, and generally, should not be a career (Bill and Hillary). Many of these people (not all) have never worked in the real world, and simply cannot relate to problems we face daily; cost of gas for example. The taxpayers do not pay for me to get to work.
Work a forty hour plus job. All one has to do is drive by the courthouse or city hall any time. You will notice that the assessor, sheriff, clerk of court, judges, mayor generally are not there. I realize jobs sometimes require you to leave; meetings and such, but really. Does the public really benefit from the Sheriff's golfing skills ? The city marshall or judges? All of these guys are playing while we are working. Yes they go in on occasion, but go look yourself; thiose are the RESERVED parking spots by the courthouse and city hall. Maybe a little less time golfing,hunting, & fishing, and a little time spent earning those benefits would garner my respect, and that of others. I know many elected officials who put in extensive hours on the job, and it shows.
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Post by zoe10850 on May 12, 2006 11:44:25 GMT -6
Congressman Jefferson: every adult member of his family is on the public payroll somewhere. I am sure no influence was used. Hundreds of thousands of dollarsd in his freezer - adds a new meaning to cool cash. I am sure there is a valid reason.
Senator Cleo Fields: took approximately 12 years to pass the bar exam, and suddenly he is the most brilliant attorney in the state. He must be, he is building a mansion already. And why was he not indicted along w/Edwin E ? Caught on film, and never explained. I guess he cut the grass or something.
It is troubling to me when I see this double standard of "justice". I do not see a reason to walk on eggshells if the allegation is against a minority person. Theft is theft. No one (except Tony Soprano) keeps money in a freezer.
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Post by coolboy on May 14, 2006 8:45:31 GMT -6
Hello, Zoe. I think that Bobby Jindal is a great politician. He actually come down to Lafayette and gave a speech last week. I didn't vote when he ran for governor (I was overseas at the time), but I am hoping he goes for it next time around.
Dr. Boustany isn't someone I particularly watch closely, because I'm so busy taking care of what goes on with the LCG, which is a full-time job within itself. I will begin taking note of what he does in Congress.
As a side note: I just watched Tim Russert this morning and they referred to how Republicans are gaining a reputation of being crooked politicians. Someone on the panel then countered with "What about William Jefferson, the Congressman from down there in Louisiana? He's a Democrat." Now I'm not Dem. or Rep., but I was embarassed for my state, because the panel member threw in the mention of Louisiana. I am hoping that in the upcoming election he is voted out of office.
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Post by wmgrisham on May 14, 2006 9:47:20 GMT -6
Coolboy, I think David Vider and Bobby Jendel (our next Governor) are both doing an excellent job. Sorry to say the other State Senator is doing a sorry job. Taureau
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Post by wmgrisham on May 14, 2006 9:53:37 GMT -6
Coolboy, I guess you must think Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and Hillary are doing a great job. I thank God every day that Kerry is not the President and pray that Hillary never is. Bonne Journee, Taureau
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Post by coolboy on May 14, 2006 14:34:36 GMT -6
Actually Taureau, I have no fondness for any of the people you mentioned. Ted Kennedy was recently stopping a piece of legislation in Congress that would help control child predators just so he could latch on one of his bills. John Kerry changes his mind more often than my sister shopping at Old Navy. As for Hillary Clinton, I have no idea where she stands on any issue. She was against the Dubai ports deal while her husband was giving them advice.
Honestly, I wouldn't support Mrs. Clinton for president. Matter of fact, I have no idea on who I'd support at this point.
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Post by zoe10850 on May 16, 2006 2:27:29 GMT -6
interesting how Ted Kennedy is for clean air until his ocean view is affected; suddenly, air turbines are only for the plebians.
Hillary is for what the polls say she should be for, and the American Public, as fickle as it is, changes with the temperature.
Poor John Kerry. He is as useless as Al (internet) Gore. I am hurt that we get to pick from 50 contestants for Miss America, but basically only 2 for our president. It is a shame when "W" is the best choice.
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Post by coolboy on May 16, 2006 6:57:13 GMT -6
I'm pretty upset about this and I have to vent. www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/15/clinton.apologize.ap/The nerve of Hillary Clinton to say that young people today are lazy! My parents aren't rich. I had to join the military and fight a war in order to just have the opportunity to go to college. I received my degree while stationed overseas and I worked pretty doggone hard for that without ever asking anyone for anything. Every time I look at the deaths in Iraq, we always see soldiers that are between 18 and 23 years of age. I was in Landstuhl, Germany and had a first hand look at kids straight out of high school injured thanks to roadside bombs. It's enough to make you cry. Another thing, Bush just announed he is going to send the national guard to protect the border with Mexico. It certainly isn't going to be any of the older generation standing guard at 3 AM every night. How many times have you heard people say that this generation is probably the greatest in history? Quite often. God bless the young people of today is what I say.
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Post by TBEAR on May 16, 2006 13:16:02 GMT -6
Thats what happens when your out of touch with reality, and just think she wants to run for president some day.
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Post by zoe10850 on May 17, 2006 0:27:15 GMT -6
Hillary will only run if she has an extremely good shot based upon opposition. She is shrewd and calculating. I am afraid the Dems will turn back to Kerry or Gore, and I am ashamed that is the best the party can do. The Repubs ? McCain would be my current choice because he has well served this country. If not him , I have no guess.
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Post by Taureau on May 19, 2006 19:45:58 GMT -6
Zoe, Mc Cain is not our answer. He is too liberal and too unpredictable; sure he supported Bush during the election but.... Personally I would like to see the Sheriff Arpieo as our president. He would get most every ones vote except the ones locked up in his jail. We need someone like Arpieo; with his attitude towards the borders which is on everyone mind. Coolboy, sorry; the greatest generation was the men and woman of the World War ll Ara. Not yours and not mine.
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Post by coolboy on May 19, 2006 23:23:35 GMT -6
Hello, Taureau. I don't discredit any sacrifice any Americans make for their country. Personally, I would never say one generation is better than the other. I think the sacrifices made in WWII and and all wars by U.S. servicemembers shouldn't be compared, but honored. The point I was attempting to make was that politicians and Americans state that about today's military.
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