Political Stewardship

[Karyn Gill &lt;KarynGill&gt;</li>]

I just returned from a trip to Yosemite National Park.  I'd like to make a connection between campaign finance reform and our beautiful national park system.  

When politicians are seen as merely brokers of our country's resources---environmental, fiscal, educational/social---then the highest bidder truly owns the riches of America.  Everything is for sale.  And there can be little commitment to the future of a political system that is so divorced from the needs and values of the majority.

When politicians are seen as stewards of this country's resources, then the long term interests of its citizens can be nourished and protected.  Unlike a broker, a steward has a different perspective on his/her ultimate responsibility for allocating precious resources.  

This different perspective means that a steward cannot be "bought"---and resources cannot be "bought"---by those with tremendous wealth.  I also believe that it is crucial for the purchase of politicians to stop if our democratic system of government is to survive.