Fixing the finish

Recently, a number of athletes have been getting in trouble over the issue of rigging the outcome of a game.  Rigging the outcome does not always involve making your team lose, it can also involve making the score favorable to those who have placed wagers, or bets, on how close the score is. 

One of the bleakest moments in Major League Baseball history was the Black Sox Scandal during the 1919 World Series, when people decided to try and predetermine the outcome.  There are similarities to what we are we are seeing in politics. Fixing the finish seems to be more important than solving the issues today.

Rising prices, lower aggregate wages, job losses, higher tariffs, wars and military actions around the globe are just a few of the issues of our day.  There are domestic and international issues that need addressing, and all we seem to talk about are the distractions.  This is what contributes to the idea that there is a break in the system of government.  When the discussion of the real issues that affect our life is done in secret then we lose confidence about the things discussed in public.

Immigration is a hot button subject that has needed correction for decades, and should be, but when the rules that govern our laws designated to protect citizens gets citizens deported, then there are things that need correcting rather than fixing.

Even our state and local landscapes raise questions that make people wonder if we are solving problems or fixing things for just a few rather than all the people.  The weakening of the voting rights standards have political parties openly discussing gerrymandering, rigging, putting in the fix, so that elections are determined by how districts are drawn rather than by the will of the majority of the people. This approach still leaves the majority of the people underrepresented.  No matter which party leads this effort, it is no different than point shaving.

The voting public has tremendous power and influence but still leaves their voice unheard when, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, the voter turnout in Georgia is barely above 50% in 2024 for all the population and the gap between white voters and others continues to grow.  When your voice is best heard by voting, and you can, then by all means show up and say something. Marching in March will not matter if you don’t get people to show up in November.  Those who desire to control the outcome love when the people do not show up to vote.

If we despise higher taxes, new fees in every bill, price gouging, inflated healthcare costs, gas prices going up while the cost of crude oil goes down, and point shaving in our sports, then why should we accept this in public policy? Take someone to the next public meeting you go to.  Speak about the concerns you have with your elected officials. If they do not wish to show up for public meetings then send them an email or note.  They are not expecting you to turn out for voting in this years election.  Amaze them by making your voice heard at the ballot box.