Politics is like in-line skating. We watch someone else do
it and we say, That’s easy. Even I could do that.” Of course it’s not, easy that
is.
It strikes me lately how much politics has become personal
to so many. By personal, I mean that, for many individuals, it has become all
about them. This seems so much more prevalent on the “left-side” of the political spectrum.
On the right, they seem to take the position that, if one simply accepts the
platform, all will eventually end to one’s satisfaction.
Many on the left, though, seem to want to be right more than
they want to win. This is a normal feeling during normal times. The problem is
that these aren’t normal times. While one is busy being “right,” the ones determined
to do what we consider “wrong” are staying unified, amassing power, and winning
elections. People who win elections tend to govern us.
What seems to be lost in this situation is a basic misunderstanding
of politics, and the complexity therein. Perhaps this is symptomatic of a
society that is losing its grip on the basic belief in a rigorous and demanding
education. Further, it results from a growing segment of society that would
rather watch an old TV show on a cell phone than read Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds. Getting
our news from those with whom we agree on Facebook compounds the problem.
My contention manifests itself in the current flap over
keeping open our United States government, the government, by the way, of those who
stormed ashore at Normandy or were beaten and lynched for demanding to vote, wanting
a decent, safe, and sanitary job, or seeking a good education.
Much of the anger over the current situation derives from the
fact that an interim legislative solution didn’t offer what some individuals
wanted. It wasn’t at all about the millions of fine people who were without
paychecks while inferior people squabbled. It wasn’t about America’s standing
(once at the pinnacle, now near the bottom) in the World at Large. It wasn’t
about stability, honor, or responsibility. It was only about “winning” and not “caving.”
I’m not a political expert, but most people who post on
social media make me feel like one. Let me therefore, offer an insight.
Winning elections isn’t about your ego. Winning elections
isn’t about how bad the other side may be. Winning elections isn’t about
whether your candidate was the nominee or not. Winning elections isn’t about “making
a statement.” Winning elections isn’t about your feelings. Winning elections is
not about being right. Winning elections isn’t even about being good. And
winning elections is not about the fact that someone in government pissed you off
once and you want to "show them a thing or two." Winning elections is certainly not about rioting or stopping traffic on an interstate highway.
Winning elections is about votes.
Votes flow from solidarity of purpose, and support for a
body of principles that will benefit the health, safety, and welfare of us all,
even if we don’t agree with every single principle involved. Votes flow from
the tacit support of those who haven’t joined us but are watching our every
move. Yes, votes are about money, and yes, bad people are pouring
vast amounts of money into influencing our elections for greed and power.
Sitting elections out is not the best way to address that disadvantage.
Winning elections is about voting. Why do you think one side is working so hard to keep people
from doing it?
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