Perspectives on Politicians in Washington

I’ve come to think that Washington is home to three types of politicians: patriots, pigs, and traitors. It sounds harsh, perhaps, but when you observe the dynamics in Congress, these labels seem fitting.

Patriots are those who see public office as a responsibility rather than a reward. They acknowledge that the Constitution imposes necessary limits on government powers and respect the freedoms we hold dear. These individuals uphold the rule of law and recognize that the American public is their employer, not merely subjects to be governed. They may have differing views on taxes, spending, immigration, or foreign policy, but healthy disagreement doesn’t strip away their patriotism. What’s crucial is their willingness to prioritize the nation over their own interests.

Sadly, I worry that there aren’t enough patriots in the mix.

Next, we have the pigs. This term is chosen intentionally to describe the attitudes of certain politicians regarding public service. They often treat Washington as a buffet of benefits. Initially, they might arrive with promises of reform, but soon enough, they become seduced by the allure of power and prestige. For them, retaining the position takes precedence over fulfilling their role.

They quickly learn the ins and outs of pleasing key donors, the influential committee assignments, and the safest political stances to take. They may passionately preach about fiscal responsibility while also supporting spending that they’d criticize if proposed by the opposition. Promises of transparency fly out the window when it becomes inconvenient. Principles? Those can be adjusted. Reelection? That’s a non-negotiable.

The issue with these pigs is not only their hunger for power; it’s their tendency to rally behind whoever seems most powerful at the moment. They monitor polls, donor sentiments, party leaders, and shifting political trends before determining their stance. If capitalizing on the Constitution’s defense is trending, they’ll defend it. If sacrificing freedoms makes political sense, they’ll find a way to justify that too.

This brings us to the most concerning group: the traitors.

I’m not talking about those simply at odds with others over policy differences. I mean those aiming to undermine the constitutional republic they are sworn to protect. Among them are radical socialists and communists advocating for a complete overhaul of our free market system, calling for the abolition of vital institutions like the United States Senate, and seeking to rewrite the very foundations of our government. This can’t be brushed off as mere adjustments; it’s about transforming America into something far removed from the founders’ vision.

It’s even more alarming when some elected officials pursue these radical goals while taking an oath to uphold the Constitution, which their agendas threaten. They seek powers that surpass constitutional boundaries, support laws that flout Constitutional protections, and endorse systems that would swap private ownership for government control. While there is a rightful way to propose changes to the Constitution, using public office to sidestep those boundaries while attempting to dismantle the system is an entirely different matter. I believe the American people are justified in seeing that as a betrayal.

This is where these three categories become dangerous together.

Patriots may stand their ground, while those aiming to weaken constitutional limits press on, but the self-serving politicians, the majority of pigs, will be watching to see which side seems likely to maintain power. As the political landscape shifts, so will their votes, abandoning previously held beliefs if it’s no longer convenient.

This reality underscores the importance of character among those in Congress, just as much as the policies being discussed. A constitutional republic cannot thrive on politicians who find their principles only after checking the latest opinion polls. Moreover, if voters excuse behaviors from their party that they’d find unacceptable in another, it threatens the system’s integrity.

We need to ask tougher questions of those seeking public office. Are you willing to defend the Constitution, even when it’s unpopular within your party? Which spending will you resist, even if it aids your constituents? Will you uphold the freedoms of speech and religion for those who disagree with your views?

These inquiries reveal far more than any campaign slogan could.

America needs representatives who recognize public office is not their personal domain. We need leaders who view the Constitution as essential and acknowledge that our nation’s future matters more than their own political ambitions.

Ultimately, we are the voters who place these individuals in power, and we’ll have to endure the consequences of their actions on our country.

So, who will you be casting your vote for this November? Patriots, pigs, or traitors?