Why do leaders become unpopular so quickly?

Published 10:09 am Wednesday, October 14, 2009

It seems every national election now brings a “revolution” of sorts.

More and more people are deciding to be “independents,” instead of Republicans and Democrats.

I read more and more blogs daily from folks who claim they will never vote for the same person twice again.

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Just as soon as our President is sworn in, his poll numbers begin to drop, and hardly ever recover.

Obama’s message of “change we can believe in” was the perfect slogan to get elected in these times.

The reason for these now constant “vote out the incumbent” successes is simple: A lack of, and constantly losing to other countries, “Joe the Plumbers” jobs.

Even in relatively good times, this country has been bleeding jobs to other countries by the thousands. Decent paying jobs with benefits, in every imaginable industry, continue to leave the U.S. daily.

While some would argue that education and re-education are the answer, it is not the answer for everyone. Not everyone is cut out of the same cookie cutter. Not everyone desires to be a lawyer, doctor or teacher.

Some were more than happy to build the country’s trucks, cars and furniture. Some were happy to make our clothes, shoes, dishes and electronics. Some were proud to be plumbers, welders and brick masons.

These are the fine folks that I believe are the ones that are creating these “little revolutions” in our elections.

They want their jobs back, their benefits, their pride and dignity. Their “American Dream.”

Our leaders would do well to recognize this and start acting on behalf of “the rest of us.”

If not, “little revolutions” have a way of becoming much bigger and more than just voting out incumbents.

Michael Campbell is a former Lawrence County resident who now calls Statesville, N.C., home.