Politics is Universal 

Politics is Universal

The State Representative is a person who we ask to speak on behalf of the whole district. The way in which we vote indicates a lot about who we are and where we're heading. Each voice that is heard from must be convincing enough to earn our trust not just by their words but also by their leadership. As George Stephonopoulus writes, “There is an undeniable union between leadership and trust. There is no truth more thoroughly established then this virtue which results in the duties and responsibilities of a good politician.” In essence, it is politicians who must carry forth a “social contract” to engage in honest policy which, when achieved results in public prosperity. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “No man is worth his salt in public life who makes on the stump a pledge which he does not keep after election.” This agreement should be an elected official's obligation, as too, it should be our responsibility to be educated and informed voters who hold our politicians accountable.

In the film The Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear police lieutenant, Leslie Nielson, while pursuing a murder crashes through a zoo wall, allowing all the animals to escape. That evening at a cocktail party, the police commissioner reproaches him,

“Do you realize that because of you this city is being overrun by baboons?”

“Isn't that the fault of the voters?” says Nielson's character.

Nobody knows all the facts on every candidate, hear the candidates' platforms and decide then who would be best for the job. Hopefully, through such things as open debate, we might gain insight into the issues and where each candidate stands and actually make an educated, independent choice rather than rely solely on the influence of others.

Tip O'Neil's book, “All Politics are Local” may be looked at to help get elected and stay elected. One must reach out to the local citizens understanding their concerns and providing respect, harmony and peace. One must understand and appreciate a real sense of community by being sensitive and familiar with local associations from Lion's Clubs to Little League from church groups to parent-teacher organizations. A successful politician should be down to earth while also being an effective leader and strong communicator of ideas.

The districts' demographics or statistics of the people are vital so that one may grasp which problems need to be dealt with and in which pervading order. For example, if you live in a town with a high percentage of school-age children then a strong educational agenda would be important. We must appreciate that in an elderly community they would be concerned about Medicare, Medicaid or even handicapped access. The politician must be willing to campaign hard while keeping in mind people's needs. This of course reveals a real sensitivity towards the community. To identify with the people is to be accepted by them. To be voted in is to be given a unique opportunity to make a difference in many lives and that is the most rewarding reason to run for any seat in government.

Within my small town, I began to recognize many familiar happenings, in other places, similar to my own. I noticed that people have Fourth of July fireworks, veteran's day parades, rallies, protests and evening concerts on the common. At all these events, the politician could be found hoping to gain support by being actively involved and taking time. That's all that any of us can ask of those that wish to engage in civics, that they take the time and become involved.

Politics is universal and the doorway begins to open when you and I begin to address what is working and what is not working. The story of my family is hopefully a fun, humorous political satire. Reflecting the passion to serve the community by staying connected and grounded to ones beliefs. Although, these beliefs often may change from time to time if not the truth, this always remains, that as long as there are two or more gathered there will always be laws to govern.