I have often wondered how it possible for so many of our elected representatives to pass policies that clearly violate our Constitution, the same one they took an oath to uphold and protect. The following work presents a possible reason that I have come up with in the form of a letter to the candidates; something that should be considered.

Because Americans are so good at pretending, I wrote this open letter to the imaginary candidates expressing a possibility they might encounter should they win their seat in Congress :

Lets pretend that You, the reader had just won by popular vote, a seat in the US Congress. At last, you will have your chance to represent the people in your state/district and make the differences you believe in and have campaigned about. Ideally, you support the Constitution and have sworn your dedication to uphold and protect it from all enemies because it is the Supreme Law of the land which has made America unique and prosperous. Accordingly, you intend to abide by and follow the procedures outlined in that document as they pertain to the position which the people have intrusted to you.

You arrive in DC flush with new ideas, eager to give voice to your constituents and confident of the difference you wish to make in this nation that is sliding into ruin. Quickly you discover that running the government is a bit complicated and quite different from what you had expected. While there are a few other faces new to Congress, the majority of your peers are the incumbents, many of them 'old timers' who have been re-elected several times and basically run the show.

Perhaps after a couple of weeks have gone by you begin to realize that Congress and the elected politicians, including persons in the executive and judicial branches of the government are not exactly in compliance with the Constitution and pretty much ignore the policies and procedures that interfere with what appears to be ongoing secret, or personal agendas. You may find this to a bit troubling at first but learn to kinda 'go with the flow'. Remember, you are the new guy and twisting a few rules seems rather harmless and in a way, speeds up the decision making process.

Because of your humble background and grass roots education, you weren’t prepared for the lavish lifestyle, the fancy dinners and parties exclusive for the politicians, most of whom are self made millionaires or kin to the political dynasties that have ruled in DC for years. But you adapt to the festivities rather well. The fabulous perks bestowed upon your position allows you to blend in and rub shoulders with the 'Powers That Be' and your old fashioned attitude begins to wane as you are being courted by most influential people in the nation/planet. The very same people that know you are in a position that will greatly benefit their cause if you vote in favor and will be very disappointed if you oppose their views.

The influence is hard to overlook but still you are determined to do the right thing, even though following the given rules oftentimes violates the Constitutional procedure. The people you represent, especially those of your same party seem satisfied with your performance and it is to your advantage that very few of them understand or have even read the Constitution. Even their knowledge of the Bill of Rights is somewhat limited and many of them don't seem to mind the restrictions and/or removal of these basic freedoms. That, plus the fact that they are a thousand miles away from your office in DC gradually dulls your intent to do the right thing. Many of your campaign promises have been forgotten, both by you and the people who voted you in, but you have learned how to keep them somewhat appeased by sustaining the rift between the “parties” goals. Simply putting the blame on the other side's decision will keep the people bickering between themselves, taking the heat away from you.

Life of a Congressperson is great since you have settled down to its realities. Already into your third year and what a thrill it was when your groundbreaking policy was passed into law. No doubt this accomplishment will win you another term and even greater fame. Surly you have become aware by now of the subtle corruption taking place in DC but luckily you have not been involved and have learned it is best just to look the other way. Sure, you have caved in to the demands of a lobbyist or two but, no big deal. The cash bonuses you got for your vote will come in handy and you have learned the ropes in covering for yourself so nobody will find out.

It happened one night when you were still in your office mulling over a major decision that would affect this country in very negative ways. The pressure for a yes vote has been overwhelming on the 300 page bill sitting on the desk in front of you. The voting on this bill will occur in a special session taking place within the hour, leaving you little time to fully understand its contents. You know in your heart that this bill is not in the best interest of America's people and will further deteriorate the Constitution. This time, your yes vote is crucial for its passage and in spite of that you must follow your good conscience and vote against the measure. A knock on your door startles you but you invite the visitor to enter. Its Frank, a jolly good fellow that regularly attends the glitzy bashes in DC, but you somehow detect this isn't a jolly visit.

Frank quickly announces his purpose by tossing down three bundles of brand new one hundred dollar bills, $30,000 all total on your desk, politely thanking you for your upcoming yes vote. Suddenly you realize that corruption you have avoided and denied is now standing in your face. Somehow you find within you the guts to stand up and tell Frank, no thanks, “I will not give my approval for this bill,” and you push the bundles back to him. Frank breaks a smile and chuckles before reminding you of the choices in the matter. “Considering the continued safety your family enjoys and the future of your position may help with your decision,” he responds with a twinkle in his eye. The warm, friendly smile returns as he pushes the bundles of money closer to you, “keep the money, it's yours to spend on whatever pleases you.” Frank turns away and exits your office.

Dear future pretend Congressperson, I want to know what you would do if given that choice? Are you going to pretend that this is just a drama like you have seen on TV? That the story ends with the 'good guy' Feds busting in at the last moment, collaring Frank on a bribery charge and getting you off the hook. Or you going to make the choice that will keep your family safe through your second term?

End of letter. I included the following post script as this blog was intended to be posted on a different forum. I don't believe these comments apply to the members here...but then...it does add to my intent to wake the masses.

Most likely, I believe most of you will laugh and curse at yourself for wasting the time it took to read this far. Go ahead and finish your kool aid, put your pajamas on and go back to sleep. The same goes for the few that will sit down and fire off their post using the same familiar insults and name calling that we are all used to. Never-the-less, this is how corruption works whether in a Mob or the Mafia or in government! The politicians you vote for are merely puppets under the control of the money masters who have planned to take control of the world. When people finally stop with the republican, democrat, right/left wing, conservative/ liberal arguments and band together on one side, these crooks and their plans can be defeated. So go ahead and eat, drink, and be merry as you keep pretending that everything will get better as soon as so and so gets elected/re-elected. Expect a repeat performance by the vote manipulators who need to keep the present 'pretend president' in office so to complete the 'changes' you don't want.

Never mind taking the time to compare Hitler's rise to power and his evil Nazis with what has been happening here in America. Perhaps realizing there are no allied forces waging war, on their way to save us from evil dictatorship will finally wake you up! Pretending is an elementary school pastime and not for responsible adults who should know better.