by Rep. Mary Moore
Our country was founded on the principle that government should be “by the people, for the people”, yet our political leaders today often lose sight of that foundation. During the formative years of the United States, many people were disenfranchised; however, most people were content that their leaders held at heart the best interest of the masses.
Today our government runs much differently. Although everyone in the United States has the ability to vote once of age and under regulations, it can be argued that the interests of American citizens are disregarded by their elected officials on both the state and national levels.
Alabama citizens are not adequately represented by their legislators. It is the responsibility of legislators to vote on behalf of their citizens and act in their best interest. However, the past Legislative Sessions proved many representatives’ true intentions.
The Alabama Accountability Act is a prime example of how the people in Alabama are misrepresented. The Accountability Act was marketed to the Alabama population as a bill that would help children in failing schools. This is not true. Once parents and students started reading about the bill as well as the bill itself, they became outraged. Constituents began flooding the phones and emails of their representatives asking their representatives to vote no on the bill, yet their pleads were ignored by the Republican representatives. The question many are pondering is why?
The Republican Party makes all the decisions for their legislators. Republican officials are taking orders from their party leaders and party bosses instead of heeding to the needs of their constituents.
Major decisions that affect every person in the state are often made by the leaders of the Republican Party. The Accountability Act was one among many made this year. Other legislation, especially legislation regarding Medicaid, Medicare, and women’s health is rarely discussed amongst officials and is passed or killed based upon the party’s platform.
Discussion and debate was off the table in the past legislative session. Instead of hearing what Democrats had to say on the part of Alabama citizens, Republicans simply evoked cloture and stopped debate, immediately sending the bills for an immediate vote.
Alabamians cannot afford to have a small group of people make decisions regarding nearly every aspect of their lives. How can Alabamians trust our elected officials when some elected officials ignore the needs and pleadings of their constituents?
The key word in this question is “elected”. Citizens must stop electing these individuals who take orders from party leaders in office.
As a Democrat, I will stand up for my constituents and their needs. I have promised the people of my district and the people of Alabama that they come first. I will vote in the favor of my people and will stand up for their rights no matter who is against me.
The United States is a country that was meant to embody true representation. Alabama officials have fallen behind this standard. For true representation to be obtained, the citizens of Alabama must choose men and women that will fight for their rights and needs. We must change the Alabama government to be a government “for the people”, not a puppet for the Republican Party.
