Once again the silly season is reaching full bloom. We will now all hear how great some guy is and how awful the other fellow is.
All those involved in the various campaigns are by definition politicians. If they have campaigned more than once they are “professional politicians.” Some will run on the notion that they can turn back the clock to better and happier times. Some will run on the notion that happier times are just around the corner. It is never as good, or as bad, as one candidate says about the other candidate or the future.
The overall direction of the nation is not determined by one person, or a group — even if that individual is the president or the group is Congress. People acting as volunteers do more to determine the direction of the nation.
Today our “leaders” do not truly lead but rather follow and try to estimate the direction of the nation and keep themselves out front. Leadership by those willing to take an unpopular position, inspire the nation to achieve a greater good, seemingly are long gone. These days a statesman is just another name for a dead politician.
Often we hear a great many campaign promises that are simply empty. They really can’t put a chicken in every pot. Do you really want to hear what they can do? They can go to many committee meetings, wade through a lot of detail and try to make an informed decision. Decisions about really important stuff like: whether we as a nation support the effort to enhance or eradicate whatever from wherever. Name your passion or your poison; boll weevil control, limitation of the interstate transport of used widgets … the list goes on. Remember, the leaders of today will know your hot button and what to say to get your attention. If they can say it in 10 words or less you should stop and think it over. Ever had a politician actually deliver a chicken?
To have better leaders we need to be better citizens. Go online and take U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ sample citizenship test (http://bit.ly/mse5s). Did you pass? I believe passing this test should be a requirement of high school graduation.
Citizenship is a birthright, but intelligent thought and participation require effort. Sadly, more effort than most are willing to put out. If it doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker, it ought not be said?
We must demand more than a bumper sticker mentality. Ask the hard questions: “Can you really do this?” “How will this be paid for?” “Who will support you to make this happen?”
Better yet, be a better citizen. Get involved in your community. Attend meetings of your school board, taxing district, city council. In this way you will help to determine the direction of the nation, as surely as your informed vote will put an end to the silly season.
Michael Ashley served on the Snohomish County Council in 2001. He lives in Silvana.
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