Dr's In: Throw the Bums Out!

I remember a couple of decades ago there was a Tampa group that led a movement to “Throw the Bums Out.”  Ray Steven’ s wrote and sang a song “Throw the Bums Out.” It received a lot of attention.  The logic suggested that whoever was in office D, R or I, they should be voted out when their election cycle came up. New blood was needed to lead the country and the mantra continued, “THROW THE BUMS OUT.”

I laughed when I saw the signs, heard the speeches, and listened to the song suggesting the exodus of all current office holders. What a great piece of Americana, like baseball, football, or a day at the races. Certainly, no one should take it seriously.

My work allowed me many opportunities to go one on one with elected officials of both parties and I was genuinely impressed with the hard work of State Legislators and Congressmen (and women). Although I took exception at times with what they voted for, I never doubted their passion and commitment to America, the US of A, the home of the free and the brave.

Until what I consider “W” Bush’s stolen election, I had great respect for elected officials. The lobbyists and other special interests were out there but enacted legislation on all levels generally worked well for the needs of the American people.  Something went haywire when “W” started his presidency and the schism grew to the current state of dysfunctional that pervades our politics now.

Today, while driving to the clinic where I volunteer as a physician, I started humming the “Throw the Bums Out” song that Ray Stevens made so popular. I had flashbacks of the groups shouting, “Throw the Bums Out” with visions of the bumper stickers recommending the same.

Sadly, this time I wasn’t laughing.