Our government: The Greatest Show on Earth

As Undergraduate Student Government election time heats up again, I started hearing people say the same thing they do every year:

After being involved with USG for three years, I took these questions to heart.

So, I decided to take a closer look around at the other governments that affect me each day, hoping to learn a little about leadership and representation.

First I looked close to home. Ah, the State College Borough Council -- obviously some professionals, after all, they are running a large town with a lot of different concerns.

So I attended a meeting thinking, maybe they can help me learn how to be a real representative. Unfortunately, this is what I saw.

"Let's kick students out of town!" someone said.

"Wait -- isn't that 70 percent of our population?"

"Yeah -- but they're dirty."

"Ok, motion passes."

Ah, but maybe I was biased, so I waited for their next decision to be made.

"Let's build a maze of roads and traffic diverters north of campus, after all, just because we bought a house next to a road doesn't mean we want a lot of traffic!"

"But wait, won't that cause a huge traffic snafu?"

"Yeah -- let's do it anyway."

"Okay, motion passes."

But this can't be what government is about. Maybe if I just hung out a little longer . . .

"Let's buy a $30,000 pig!"

That's when I left.

Finding no solace in my local government, I decided to check out my state government.

So I drove to Harrisburg and couldn't believe my luck. That day was Penn State University's budget hearings.

I thought, maybe the fine representatives of Pennsylvania will take a stand with University President Graham Spanier and I can learn about leadership.

"What about that group you wouldn't let get started on campus, Spanier? Why should we give you money if you don't value FREE SPEECH or the CONSTITUTION?" one representative shouted.

"Well," Spanier said, "We'll look in to it."

"And while you're at it, look into that artwork. I have never seen it, but it really offends me as a Catholic -- you might not get funding unless that's taken down."

"Well, what about . . ."

"Don't give me any of that free speech bull, Spanier -- that doesn't apply here."

Alas, my state government gave me no help; maybe I should turn my eyes to Washington, D.C.

"Newt Gingrich lied to Congress," the Democrats said.

"Bill Clinton took illegal campaign funds," the Republicans replied.

"Wait, let's just forget everything so we can all keep our jobs."

"Deal!"

As exaggerated as these situations may sound, they are true nonetheless.

In a country where we have the right to choose who represents us, it is sad that government doesn't attract the best or the brightest.

At what point will we take a look around at the people out there and hold them accountable?

Where will we start?