Saturday, July 27, 2024
Politics is all about posturing. The word “politics” itself is neutral and refers to the art or science of government and political principles. However, it can carry a negative connotation when associated with activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like for the last 20 or so years the dishonest practices seem to far outweigh the “artful.”
Public perception of politics can vary widely. Many Americans have a highly negative view of politics, citing feelings of exhaustion when thinking about the political climate and process which they believe is dominated by special interests and partisan warfare. While politics can be a source of frustration and contention, it is also a necessary part of societal governance and can be a force for positive change when conducted with integrity and a focus on the common good. Many times, the perception of politics as negative can depend on one’s view of human nature and the potential for political systems to improve or deteriorate.
One of the recent political ploys that has been utilized by more and more politicians on both sides of the aisle, is the “resolution.” This is a called vote taken by a government body, expressing a position about a particular political matter. For example, it might be a motion for the school board to express an opinion whether it disagrees (or agrees) with a mandate created by the legislature. A motion is made, the resolution is read, and the board members vote. The resolution itself has no authority or power. It does not change the status of any perceived injustice, nor does it affect any change. What it does is allow the proponents to use the resolution as a “talking point” on the campaign trail. I can hear the candidates preaching, “I voted in support of the resolution to end the mandate made by the legislature.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? Seems like a candidate is showing where they stand on an issue. The problem is the “resolution” itself is meaningless. It does nothing but blow hot air at an issue and confuses the unknowing voting public into thinking something is being done, when it is not.
The fact that the motion has no demonstrative effect, except for publicity, is what makes the entire process so meaningless and such a waste of time. For example, if the school board passed a resolution saying it believes all registered voters should be allowed to vote in the next election, the motion would have no effect. State law and certainly parts of federal law ensure that all registered voters are allowed to vote in an election. So why would such a resolution be made in the first place? I suggest for some politicians it is so they can state to the voters, “I supported the resolution stating all registered voters be allowed to vote in the next election.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t support a candidate who is in favor of free elections? The point is the right for registered voters to vote in an election already exists. A resolution by the school board or some other political board - whether it be the housing board, water board, or the library board has no authority or jurisdiction to make any changes in existing law regarding voting rights. The resolution is an act by “politicians” to make a gullible public believe they are actually doing something. The truth is they are simply creating fodder to be used on the campaign trail.
Instead of having all these resolutions decrying a certain political position, why don’t the politicians get to work and do those things that are within their power? Why don’t they work to affect positive change instead of spending meeting time on pomp and circumstance?
There is an old cowboy saying that refers to a city dude who moves to Texas and buys a cowboy hat and attempts to get people to believe he is a cowboy. This sort of fellow is described as “all hat and no cattle,” meaning he may have the trappings of being a cowboy, but when all is said and done, he has no cattle and would not know what to do with a herd if he had one. So it is with a bunch of our politicians. They have the “hat” of office holder but not a care or concern about affecting positive change for the benefit of the public. They view their role as being about posturing, spin, and perceptions.
Let’s drop the resolutions unless there is one for office holders to start working together, to serve all the people in their constituency, and to take action that makes the citizen’s life easier, safer, heathier, and happier. Now I can support that!
Thought for the day: “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 they are right” H.L. Mencken
Until the next time…I will keep ridin’ the storm out!
