Politicians

I could fill this page with humorous quotes and editorials about politicians and their perceived shortcomings. But rather than stoop to that level, I would rather suggest (in a spirit of kindness and benevolence) that, within each one of us, we possess both the knowledge of what is right, and the propensity to do just the opposite; to make bad choices and, at times, submit to the inclination towards stupidity. That, however does not disqualify us from the political arena. (some might suggest that it would in fact qualify us for that pursuit - oops, I promised I wouldn't do that?!)

"The time is always right to do what is right."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

_I believe that a political leader has an obligation to the constituency to conduct themselves in an upright manner and, if an indiscretion should occur, a humble recognition of the error of ones ways and a conscious commitment to some accountability is most appropriate.  This can go a long way to re-establishing respect and trust.  Politicians are sore-fully mistaken if they believe that just because no one is saying anything to them that indicates a lack of respect, they can rest assured that people are talking about it.  Author, Edward W. Howe said it well when he stated that "What people say behind your back is your standing in the community"

H.L. Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, magazine editor, and satirist, who was known for his controversial ideas and critical views.  Although I disagree with much of what he wrote, I believe he was correct when he said, "Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule - and both commonly succeed, and are right."  I am disappointed and frustrated when one political party fails to give credit to the other party for an admirable idea or action.  Instead, they work hard to create an angle that will cause doubt or skepticism about the intent and draw attention to the shortcomings of the decision.  When they disagree with a policy or direction that a government is taking, they attack the other party rather than presenting a better solution, and if they do come into power, they spend much of their time and energy blaming the past government for "getting us into this mess".  Someone has said that George Washington is the only president who didn't blame the previous administration for his troubles.  Get it?  George Washington was the first president; that's what makes that statement funny and, unfortunately, probably true.

And often, we, as citizens are no better.  In our short-sightedness, we vote for one person or one party and then before they can accomplish anything, someone else promises us something 'better' and we jump on board!  No matter what side of politics a person is on, we need to give a political party enough time to carry out their mandate before we start to get restless and call for a change.

There's Politics, and then there's "politics"!

Some say that in democracy, politics is a necessary evil (and some would question whether it is even necessary?!), but I would like to believe that politics is an integral and valuable part of the system.  We cannot all make decisions on every matter, nor can we all devote the the time it takes to oversee a democratic society.  And so we elect men and women to represent us - our interests and our well-being . . . as they work together for the common good of all.

But then there's the politics - the grandstanding, the game-playing, the posturing, the compromising, the back-room deals ... that is the part I could do without.  Say what you mean, and mean what you say, and at the end of the day, you can stand up and know that you have done the right thing.  Too many times, we see a person excited and passionate about getting into politics to make a difference, only to see them, a few years later, disenchanted by the 'politics' or sucked in and actively participating in those same practices they got into politics to oppose.  Unfortunately, politicians are seen as people more concerned about protecting their own jobs and seeking after their own agendas, than representing the issues that concern their constituents.

Politics and Common Sense

"Why is it that politicians seem to be so intelligent and so in touch with the people and the world around them until they get into office; and then, as if by some kind of corrupted magic spell, they appear to lose all common sense?  Is there asbestos in them thar walls, or what is it that causes this loss of logic and practical thinking?"

It would be great if politicians were required to take a regular 'leave' from office, or at least incorporate into their schedule some regular time to be 'out in the field', 'on the ground', 'in the trenches'; not picking up a shovel for a photo op, but actually doing the work, so that they experience first-hand the impact of the decisions they have made.  They would return to office with a renewed sense of reality and a stronger fervour and conviction about the issues facing the people whom they represent.