It is time to clean house, both houses of Congress that is. Public opinion approval of Congress is currently below 20%, and America’s confidence in our elected officials has hit rock bottom. All the back room deals to buy votes for the health care reform bill have offended Americans. The constant obstructionism from the Republicans and the blatant ignoring of the public by Democrats has disenfranchised voters. The constant scandal that seems to follow our elected officials has embarrassed the American public. It is time to bring back prestige and admiration to Congress that our country deserves. Come November, the best thing that American voters can do is to vote for every challenger, regardless of party, sending a clear message to incumbents that their actions are unacceptable.

The backroom deals that have been prolific throughout the year long health care bill fight have brought to the forefront the ‘what is in it for me’ attitude of congress and the complete lack of leadership of its members. From the ‘Louisiana Purchase’, a $300 million grant from the federal government, to buy Senator Landrieu’s vote to the ‘Cornhusker Kickback’, a deal for the federal government to pick up the Medicare tab of Nebraska, to purchase Senator Ben Nelson’s vote; our elected officials are putting their own self interests before the interests of this country. Earmarks have long been used to sway votes in congress, but the sheer volume and size of the payouts the country is now witnessing in congress is offensive. It is time to elect representatives who can vote based on the values that embody their character rather than the spoils that can be brought back to their state.

The falling approval numbers congressional members and being shouted down in their own town hall meetings, should have been a heads up those in congress that the American people are unhappy with the direction of the country. The lack of transparency throughout the passage of the health care bill, the ongoing push for global warming legislation, and the failure to keep social security solvent has shown America that our representatives are more concerned with their own agenda rather than the peoples. The future of America can no longer afford to be led down a path that does not follow the will of the people. It is time for the people to lead themselves, rather than let those lead who do not know where they are going.

There was a time when the men and women that occupied congress were role models to our children; regrettably that time has seemed to have passed. Scandal after scandal has rocked every form and branch of our government. Nevada Senator John Ensign resigns as Chairman of a Policy Committee after
admitting he had an affair with a campaign worker. Senator John Edwards from North Carolina initially lied then admitted to fathering a child during an affair with a film producer. Governor Sanford of South Carolina was almost impeached for traveling to Argentina to have an extra-marital affair. Countless public officials have paid for the services of the D.C. Madam’s prostitution ring. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office on conspiracy to commit mail, wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. Mississippi Judge Bobby DeLaughter was found guilty of lying to the FBI in a recent case and sentenced to 18 months in prison. The list goes on and on of elected officials who has shown blatant disregard to their duty to the American people and to the office they occupy. The votes of America can once again place men and women of admirable character into public office. It is time to give our children public servants that are worthy to be looked up to.

Those that will be elected into office this November will represent America to the world and reflect our values to future generations. This is America’s chance to take control of the direction of the country and project the image that accurately reflects our values. The actions of congress have shown that there is a clear and monstrous disconnect between the American people and our elected representatives. The reform needed in the financial industry, healthcare, immigration, and education starts with reform in Congress. As unlikely as it would be to defeat all incumbents in Novembers election, to do so would send a clear message to Congress, that enough is enough. It is time.