How Long Must We Wait for the Wise Men?

Ivan Potter


How Long Must We Wait for the Wise Men?

Modern Kentucky gubernatorial elections are becoming exercises in cultural and political frustration. Kentucky voters have sought political reform and change from the last two governors. Neither Fletcher nor Beshear performed as they promised or bettered the state’s ability to cope with the future.

Many voters’ day-to-day lives are testimonies to economic survival where usually both parents have to work to make ends meet. Their world is becoming a bitter and frustrating existence where food and the costs of living leap upward month by month. 

Add to this frustration is the feeling of helplessness in dealing with large monopolies delivering public services for electrical power, telephones, television, internet, and water.

Hidden fees and new rate structure for these services put at risk Kentuckians’ ability to complete in global marketplaces.

Corporate welfare for large companies promising to locate in Kentucky is robbing the ability of Kentucky state government to help small business create new jobs or stay in business.

Kentuckians’ fears have been born in part, from the stench of public corruption where highly respected state leaders sold out to big business and special interests. The common agenda with these groups is to make sure government gives them the best deal possible to ensure a strong bottom line.

The poor, the weak, the women have had no champions in the modern office of governors. They have been told that they are sacrifices upon the altar of economic development.

Many fear that in this climate of voter disgust and distrust of their elected leaders, apathy has put Kentucky on a dark road of political self destruction where the rich get richer and the middle class and poor class survived from hour to hour and day-to-day.

Government defined by fear and apathy will self destruct by its own inability to protect or help its citizens cope with problems. Elected leaders have a responsibility to work with good men and women in this state to forge a better future. We, as citizens, have a responsibility to keep them on task and not be seduced by the dark side of greed politics for short term personal; gain at the expense of long term society or community gain.

Now, with this election, as has been asked in the past, in Kentucky, mothers, their daughters and sons, must keep asking the question, “How long must we wait ‘till the wise men show up and take charge of our broken government?”