On Saturday mornings I work as a cashier at City Limits, a popular novelty gift store in the Old Market. Occasionally when business is slow I am able to enjoy a little “light” reading with my fellow associates to pass the time. On this particular Saturday, I was blessed with the opportunity to read “The Quotable Douchebag: A Treasury of Spectacularly Stupid Remarks.”

Amidst the hilarious celebrity quotes and the entire section devoted to David Hasselhoff, I was alarmed when I noticed that this book included way too many quotations from U.S. politicians.

Then I came to a very obvious and painful revelation: most politicians are idiots. Immediately I was overcome with a great and terrible urge to question my fellow Americans as to why we let this happen and what we could all do to change this problem.

The only solace I can take away from these ridiculously offensive statements is the fact that these quotes range from a wide variety of politicians on either end of the political spectrum. But this fact really isn’t too comforting after reading some of these examples.

Democratic mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, made himself look like an idiot by stating “I resent your insinuendos,” and he was in a position of power from 1955-1976.

Former Republican President George W. Bush offensively stated “Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNS are unable to practice their love with women all across this country.” This quotation I find incredibly irritating.

One of my favorites, however, is from Louisiana state Representative Carl Gunter explaining his opposition to a bill from 1990 that would allow abortion in cases of incest: “Inbreeding is how we get championship horses.” For the love of all that is holy!

I am well aware that these quotes do not reflect all of the decisions made by these particular politicians. It is incredibly likely that, despite the obscene remarks that many of the politicians included in this book have made, they have had a positive impact while in office.

However, regardless of your political affiliations, I urge you all to be informed about local politics and to vote in as many state elections as possible.

Also, because of the upcoming presidential elections, I urge you all to extensively research your chosen candidate to make sure to avoid voting for someone with a terrible track record of making obscene and offensive remarks because it is probable that these remarks give some insight as to what kind of person a politician may be.

Despite the apathy and discouragement that many young people experience with politics, please know that we can all make an impact in our country and play a role in choosing who is representing us.

For more ridiculous quotes please visit http://quotabledouchebag.com, or stop by the shop and pick up your own copy.