Growing up in east Texas, far removed from a large metropolis, it was standard operating procedure to perform outdoor yard work under the hot Texas sun on any given weekend. Always present was my grandfather who was all-too-familiar with the operating functions of a lawn mower, how to remove brush from a clearing, and the proper parts needed for an efficient diesel engine. Years prior, he had made a living as a roughneck, an oilman who’d done hard work on rigs throughout the state; this provided vast amounts of real world experience alongside well-weathered hands that had seen their fair share of labor. Among his advice on how to get the best looking lawn, he would often tell stories of his days in the oilfield, and in particular, how it was vital to hold those accountable who had given promises and commitments: keep a close eye on those entrusted to hold up their end of the bargain.

Lessons from years past come back front-and-center when one examines the current climate of wayward assurances and oblivious guarantees personified by elected officials. Now, more than ever, the public is growing weary of politicians who promise to take on the political establishment – to bring about meaningful and substantive change – then all-too-often become part of the system and morph into the very thing they once opposed. How often have we heard prospective candidates claim that they will rid government of waste and corruption and then watch as spending and regulation increase during their term in office? The longer someone holds office, it is often the case that they become susceptible to its trappings and corruptive influences.

Most recently, here in Texas, a state representative was caught double-dipping: using his campaign expense account for lavish hotels, airline tickets, and costly meals, then billed the state for the exact same expenses. First his campaign paid for the goodies, then the state reimbursed him 100 percent. State Representative Joe Driver has been in office for 18 years and I have no doubt that his original intentions 18 years ago were genuine and sincere, wanted to represent his constituents as best he could, but in the past five years alone he has taken at least $17,431.55 from taxpayers; not exactly carrying out the will of the people.

This is not so much a commentary on the occurrences of a single Texas politician, but more so the importance of having an active electorate that remains engaged and committed to holding elected officials accountable. For a healthy democracy to survive and progress, it is imperative that there remain an active populace involved in current political affairs. The day after the election, when campaigning stops, those who voted need to remain alert and attentive when candidates become incumbents. A sharp message has to be understood that once in office, their actions will be watched and closely monitored; if they step out of line – whether raising our taxes our double-dipping from taxpayer funds – we’ll find someone to run against you next election. Our officials work for us and need to be kept aware of this fact.

Around the country, establishment figures are dropping like flies: Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania and Bob Bennett of Utah, two longtime senate incumbents both lost in primaries, didn’t even make it to a general election. Just yesterday, long shot Joe Miller was beating Republican incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the Alaskan Senate Republican primary. Miller was once an afterthought, not taken seriously, Murkowski had millions on hand and by all accounts a shoe-in to win, now her campaign is reduced to hoping for positive absentee ballots to eke out a win.

What’s going on? Around the country a once-dormant public is getting more and more actively engaged, serving as watchmen over our elected officials and holding them accountable: a harsh but realistic counterbalance to an out of touch cadre ramming an agenda against the interests of American voters. Many in the media and in Washington are downplaying these events, giving short shrift to Tea Party activists, standing in disbelief that the public would oppose their utopian statist agenda.

The election is only a few months way, but we need to keep this momentum alive and well through November and well-beyond. Regardless of what the elite is spewing from their ivory towers, an active and engaged citizenry is what took this country to great heights and accomplishments and it is exactly what is needed for a return-path to greatness.