Politics?

What exactly is politics? I remember the subject being taught in school, perhaps as history or social studies. The politics I encounter after getting my voter registration card is no where close to what I was taught. For example, "every vote counts", but seriously does it? We have super delegates who decide who runs. Then in actuality if they wanted to they could decide against the populous vote. How is that making my vote count? Or what about party affiliation? Is he/she a Republican or Democrat? Do we really have "Republican" and "Democrat"? I think they intertwined, in their beliefs and their politics. What this country was founded on is no longer true. It has been stretched and distorted to fit the politicians and governments needs. We have lobbyist, who essentially buy votes, and Politicians who are power hungry. I just do not understand the separation of the government? Are they not there for us? How about the distance between "we the people" and the "politicians". I can bet none of them are single parent families holding two jobs trying to make ends meet people. How can they represent what they do not experience? I see legislatures take weeks upon weeks off a year. Is that what the majority of citizens have? We pay for them to have health care, it is a pretty damn nice package, but what does the majority of Americans have for health care? I see them taking trips for....well who knows what, but I know they cost a great deal. Then I look at people in need, and where is the "neighbors" or money to help? When a disaster hits overseas we are there in a day, and here its is sometimes days getting help within our own nation. Our nation is foul, our society is broken. So to fix it what do they do? The government will create some outlandish laws that take years for them to "perfect". Then attorneys will spend years twist the laws making money off it so that the politicians can spend more time reforming the law. Where is the accountability? Society is so busy in their own lives that the ones we have left our country to are destroying it. The only way for me to learn this rather complex system is to attend tons of meetings and ask even more questions and hope I get an accurate answer. We live in a small town atmosphere, and have access to larger city news. However, how many times do you see listings of "how to Politics" Is there a book out there, Politics for dummies? We might be free but we are totally out of touch with how the United States of America is run, and in actuality our votes do not make a difference.

Mecca in Barry County

"Here's a potential topic. We have a new attempt starting about "economic development" (BCF, etc.). You could post the details from Bonnie.My spin is that Hastings could become a mecca for people of retirement age. Everybody else is trying to attract the yuppie crowd and the competition for their big bucks is fierce.If you read the cut-n-paste in last weekends Reminder, you know that the folks who benefit from misinformation are still trying to convince us old folks that we are about to slide down the slippery slope to death.In fact, most people over 65 are in great shape and are going to live longer than their parents without searching for a nursing home.Convincing people that they need a financial advisor to help accumulate the vast sums of money with which to retire is another myth perpetuated by insurance companies.I could go on and on and on, but start a post and I'll comment." Author El Grillo.

Cricket this is the best I can do. I will have to admit I am not any where near the knowledge level I should be on this topic. I will however enjoy learning what you may have to share. Please do!

PS Although I may not be highly educated in the mecca of Barry County, I do possess some computer skills, hence the ability for my eèëé s

Pennock Hospital threatens to move so Hastings caves

Years ago I recall our local hospital buying up homes and swamp to expand their facility. They put in the lot on the South side, the physician center, and Pennock Village. That expansion created some tension then. Now here we are again. They are claiming no room to expand. Here I am once again saying ........what? When the supposed expansion of the hospital was needed back then why did they not expand using the land they had wisely? I have never seen any other hospital that "needed to expand" use their precious expansion space for a village, which currently is at this time not at capacity (I did notice the hospitals State Street sign advertising openings). Even if the Pennock Village was badly needed why not build it on the South side, and then expand the hospital to the North? They do own front to back Green Street to State Street. Move the Pennock Village, relocate the Urgent center (the mini me hospital which seems like a waste of space) and EXPAND! I get so tired of businesses and the tax breaks, and threats of moving. So because they have no vision or future planning abilities we are going to lose a park? Or as they say they are going to utilize the park space. Even though we will lose a pond, a house, a field, trees, and various other objects that will have to be destroyed, but hey we will not notice the change?!? I guess the City believes we are ignorant. First verbal abuse, and a public apology for....well nothing, and now we will not notice the hospital expansion into a park. I also dare to say that with them already getting approvals that this is more than just in the idea stages. We have little to do in the town area, I guess losing part of a park that will not be noticed should be ok....right? What are your opinions?