Last weekend I went to Las Vegas. I had a fantastic time. Being an adult and with a group of people who have respectable incomes lends itself to having fun in Vegas. While I was in sin city, it occurred to me (on a slightly inebriated elevator ride) that being in Vegas is an awful lot like being in politics.
For example, when you first show up in Vegas it’s bright and shiny and exciting. Much like politics where, at first, everything is new and different and you really believe that you can make a difference. After a few days, you come to realize that, during the day, Vegas is literally hell on earth at a dry, dusty, miserable scorching 104 degrees. Politics also can be a hell on earth, with endless meetings, presentations, lobbyists, caucuses, committee meetings, people who want favors, people you already owe favors to, press conferences, and did I mention meetings? It is no wonder that most politicians not only don’t write their own bills (clearly that work is done by their highly underpaid staffers), but they don’t usually read the whole 1,000-2,000 page bills that they vote on.
Also, in Las Vegas, as I just discovered last weekend, you have the potential to win big or go home a big, fat loser. My good friend taught me how to play and bet on blackjack, and by the end of the weekend I came home with extra money in my pocket! It was amazing! It’s exactly the same in politics. When a politician is first elected, they (theoretically) have the political capital to win big. Of course, if the bill or program that they propose goes down in flames or ends up being an economic drain then they too can go home angry and defeated, maybe even losing their reelection.
Don’t forget that Vegas (and politics) costs money to get there! Plane tickets to Vegas are among the only flights whose prices have not gone down during the current recession and forget about how much it costs to stay in a hotel on the actual Vegas strip. You also must factor in the fact that us girls have to take cabs to get anywhere (we definitely aren’t walking in our four inch stiletto heels), drinks will cost you an arm and a leg (or your first born whichever you’re more willing to part with), and if you’re going to gamble then you should pretty much be prepared to kiss all that money good-bye. This is just like running for office! McCain and Obama spent outrageous amounts of money in the last election: $333 million and $730 million, respectively. It’s not as if they can use that money for anything other than gambling on themselves in the presidential election. Historically speaking, he (or she) who spends the most money wins and gets to keep playing. (www.opensecrets.org)
Just like someone in Las Vegas, politicians must maintain their composure at all times. Girls: you must look great at all times, and wearing dresses that short means you can’t get too drunk otherwise you may flash everyone at the party on accident. Guys: never, ever run out of cash or you too may get caught unable to buy your girlfriend of the evening a drink (or a cab ride back to the hotel), also, don’t freak out when you lose all your money gambling. We expect our politicians to keep it together constantly. You think you’re getting away with that extramarital affair? HA! Our presidents must be tough on terrorism, but compassionate on human rights issues; politicians must not be seen as flip-floppers, but are forced into compromise by the very nature of their positions; they must be good to their families, but should spent almost all of their time working for their constituents.
So, like I was saying, being in politics is a bit like going to Las Vegas. Exciting and glamorous (and expensive) at first, but after a little while you become jaded, calloused, and are totally broke.
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You make a good point. I wonder why people keep coming back to Vegas and Politics? In too deep? The chance of still making it big? Or maybe, once the way you perceive the world goes to Vegas, it stays in Vegas.
ReplyDeleteSoooo many true statements.
ReplyDeleteBut Andrea...What about staying in the West Wing? We expected so much. I mean, 1800 Pennsylvannia here we come right? We were in one of the highest rated hotels on the strip, 26th floor (I think...Those "slightly inebriated" elevator rides threw my equilibrium), etc etc. So much hype. Yet falls a little flat. As you said, politicians gamble so much on themselves and that big white residence but once they move in they are stuck with an old home and constantly surrounded by the troubles of America. Congratulations here is the weight of the world for your shoulders. Good news, you don't have to go it alone. We're providing a group of people out for their own good (aka...Senators). Good Luck!
Lastly, I really question "The more the merrier" idea of politics and Vegas vacations. The more people, the more opinions that have to be addressed. So many bright and shiney things to do in Vegas or on the senate floor. Do I vote A or B? Do I gamble or go to the pool? Show, no show? And once you do decide on activities then you still have to decide where to hold them. California or Kentucky? Wyoming or Nebraska? NY, NY or Bellagio? So many decisions to make. It's no wonder Americans have ADD. Who can concentrate?
MONEY IS POWER.
ReplyDeleteI think that may be why some people go to Vegas, hoping to become rich and powerful and, I'm sorry to say, some also go to Washington and to a lesser extent state capitals.