For those who call Wyoming home, our way of Life is either as simple or as complicated as we make it. But leaving a legacy–your stamp on the timeline–isn’t about the business of politics. It is very much about that way of life, and how it is genuinely served and lived.
And Life is in a state of constant motion. The ocean is a perfect example in observation of powerful waves and breakers, turbulent undercurrents, ebbs and flows, silently rising tides with forces that can flow into unyielding rushing rivers..and with over 70% of the planet covered by water, it is a power that is often underestimated.
I think that many were unprepared for Hurricane Trump. Whatever side (or middle) of the political spectrum you’re on, it is not difficult to ascertain that the cause and effects have been beneficial for a few, but devastating for the unprivileged many who are drowning, suffering, dying, or trying to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. Yet, every election year, no matter what the state of disaster, there is a consistent power of its own that reveals itself…
The Power of the Voter.
Once again, as we deal with all the propaganda, sign and billboard pollution, grandstanding, name-dropping, mudslinging, crabs-in-a-barrel mentalities, the barraging social media campaigns of candidates tooting their own horns…the power of the vote still remains in the hands of We the People. And it can be very difficult to swim through the soup, drown out the noise, and try to reach the shore with an educated vote that we hope won’t compromise our lives, liberties, and pursuits of happiness. You have to choose the right people to do the right things for the right reasons.
But who are the right people? What are the right things? The election year circus is on the road, and my approach this year is to act as my own ‘ring leader’ and ask myself: What is my criteria for a candidate who is vying for my vote?
Here’s my own list; let me know if yours might be similar. These are not typical questions a political panel moderator might ask…it’s more like a job interviewer. But these are things that are important to me as one who holds the power of the vote. (And this is my short list!)
- Do they make statements or promises during campaigns, then excuses once they’re in office…pass the buck and do the blame game? I really don’t know how much more gaslighting this country can take.
- Are they honest, trustworthy, and accountable? Why should I trust them with the keys of the city, the county, the state, the nation? Are they fiscally responsible, or do they play the shell game and rob Peter to pay Paul? Do they steal ideas from others and call them their own? Do they take undue credit? Do they listen to gossip and hearsay? Do they spin the truth?
- Do they manage their time wisely? Do they know the demands of the job? Time management is important; do they meet deadlines? Are they present or absent? Do they account for their time wisely, or create more bottlenecks by dropping the ball because of the lack of preparation? Do they table important issues and let them slip between the cracks, hoping they’ll go away and/or unnoticed? Do they have answers or report their findings at the next meeting, or did they make excuses for lack of due diligence? Do they have any foresight, or just fly by the seat of their pants? Or do they just float along with the status quo?
- Are they transparent? Communication is key. Do they make decisions behind closed doors, then pass edicts and decisions that affect an unaware public? Do they omit important information that the public has a right to know? Can they admit if they’ve made mistakes, and do their best to rectify them…or do they deflect? Does the left hand know what the right hand’s doing?
- Are they accessible to their constituents? Do they manage their communications effectively…answer their phones, return messages, answer emails? Do they follow up?
- Do they pander to their political affiliation? Do their party cohorts, friends, family, colleagues, etc. influence or do the thinking for them? Are they genuinely considerate and listen, or are they distracted elsewhere and can't be bothered? Are they team players, or dismissive of We the People? Do they objectively base their thoughts and decisions on facts or mere opinion?
- Are they above the law? Do they think the law doesn’t apply to them, and hire attorneys and fixers to save face? Contrary to this nation's declining state of integrity…character, morals and values still matter to me. A lot.
- Are they hypocritical? Do they practice what they preach? Are they two-faced? Matthew 23 says it all. Look it up.
- Are they wise? You can be intelligent, but not very smart. You can also be smart, but not very intelligent. With experience comes wisdom, and with that comes an understanding about the people you serve. Do they consult with those who might be more wise and experienced?
- For the re-elected: Are they resting on their laurels? If they are, maybe it’s time for them to go home.
- Are they sober-minded? Effects of alcohol on the brain include: Impaired judgement and decision-making, slow reaction time, poor coordination and balance, memory problems, and mood changes. Even if one might say they’re moderate or a “social drinker” it doesn’t take away from the lasting effects that alcohol has on critical thinking skills. I had friends that would joke around about being “functional” alcoholics. Really. Functional? Does that include the hangover, associated headaches, and lack of motivation the next day? I remember my drinking days, and quite honestly, I would’ve called myself anything but functional!
I know, this is quite a wish list, and believe me, I’m not looking for superhumans here. But I’ll tell you right now, I would have more respect for our elected officials, regardless of political affiliation, if I knew that these were the qualities they hold.
And, at the same time, there is a responsibility that We the People have in order to hold our leaders accountable, long after the elections are over:
Can we accept the outcome of the elections and move forward, not back?
Do we show up at city council or commissioner meetings? Do we show up to the relevant committee/sub-committee meetings? If the public isn’t present to comment for the record, what is it we expect?
Do we really understand the issues, and call out our elected officials if they are doing something untowards? Do we take the time to communicate with them, or write letters to the editor?
Are a part of the problems, or the solutions?
If we aren’t doing our due diligence, we have no room to talk when the rains come, streams rise, and winds blow (Matthew 7: 24-27) We do more damage playing armchair politics in front of our glowing screens, pointing fingers, complaining, throwing out misguided opinions, thinking we’re experts and authority on any given subject, splashing misinformation in the mudpuddles of social media.
What kind of legacy will your candidates leave? Once in office, our leaders need the ability to take the helm and steer, even through uncharted waters and storms that lie ahead. Not an easy job! Help them to be better, do better. Hold them accountable, so when they go home at the end of the day...or the end of their term...they can know that they were that right person who did the right things for the right reasons for the People who cared enough to believe they could.
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