Nancy Pelosi, A Media-Created Celebrity

Over the years, the United States, like other nations, has experienced changes in its structure and its system of government. Some of these modifications were helpful while others have not been favorable. It was felt that the advent of television would be beneficial for our society and to a certain extent it has been. But it has also exacerbated differences in social and political opinions.

When the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, states became less independent and the Federal government took over some of their powers. But the Framers of the Constitution never intended for the Federal government to become as powerful and controlling as it is today. Although the Constitution placed no limits on terms of Congress members, it was intended that elected officials would donate a few years to Congressional duties, retire, and resume their private lives. Congress members were paid a modest per diem allowance for actual time spent working in Washington; looking after the needs of citizens.

Being a member of Congress is no longer a temporary affair but a lifetime career during which countless Congressmen use their legislative connections to acquire personal wealth. Television appearances enhance their already bloated egos, and favorable media coverage can give the appearance of success where there is none.

Nancy Pelosi is a classic example. As the first female Speaker of the House, Pelosi is fawned over by the media and her Speaker-ship is depicted as exceptional regardless of the absence of any accomplishments. She placates the national media while doing nothing for her constituents.

Rep Pelosi's California district is one of the dirtiest, unhealthiest districts in the country. It includes the once celebrated city of San Francisco whose streets are now littered with trash, discarded drug needles, rats, and human feces. During Pelosi's years representing this district, its hazardous conditions have consistently worsened. But well aware that national media will never fault her regardless of her actions or inactions, Pelosi ignores the worsening conditions in her district. She has chosen the support of the National Press Corp over the welfare of her constituents.

Today, a Congress person's salary is $174,000 but being House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi is paid over $223,000; four and a half times the income of the average American family. Ms. Pelosi decides on her own whether to leave her lavish ocean-side mansion and return to Washington to do her job. She receives her hefty pay check whether she shows up for work or not; a pay check which American taxpayers fund.

In the glare of television cameras and with an arrogance that knows no bounds, Speaker Pelosi ripped up President Trump's State of the Union speech. With this childish stunt, Pelosi trashed “decades of tradition, decorum, and civility.” Although her gaucherie incurred minimal criticism from media, and no punitive consequences, large segments of the public were repulsed. Many viewed it as an attack on American values; values that Pelosi and the Left dismiss as the worn-out ideology of dead White guys, the Founding Fathers.

With media spin in her favor, Pelosi is not concerned that Heartland America doesn't approve of her petulant partisan politics. The media even refuse to criticize her botched impeachment efforts and other failed attempts to eliminate President Trump. As a result of these fiascoes, the president's approval ratings actually increased. Although Pelosi's missteps continue, it is unlikely that she will be removed as House Speaker any time soon.