In my opinion, two of the greatest threats to politics is the lack of education about government and civics and how they work. This, I believe, spans the ideology that 'all politicians are corrupt'.
Corruption, for me, involves an intentional dishonesty, which plenty of people in high places in ANY field(including real estate) can be tempted or even encouraged to be for the sake of results.
However, I do not believe all of any profession are corrupt. I believe that mostly the corrupt of all professions are reported about in media, which causes a skewed and faulty perception which unfortunately fed this last election.
I also think there is a sensationalized element that puts forth the idea of 'political promises' when there can literally be no such thing, unless it is a promise to TRY, which I also believe most politicians try to do. Thing is that no politician is an island to themselves who can magically to single handedly make things happen, because we have no dictators. Politicians can only put forth ideas and try to accomplish them, but they can only do as much as the hundreds of other politicians in government come to a consensus to do.
I believe, depending upon who is judging or perceiving, most politicians can have plenty of promises that, through consensus, end up being delivered on. Its an odds game. the more of those promises they make, the more likely that some of them will end up bearing fruit.
For this, I wish it was more important to people that politicians displayed
1. understanding of the constitution
2. how to be diplomatic in furthering global relations
3. understanding of and concerned with the struggles and obstacles of the least among us
4. interested in setting some standard of integrity, decency, and intelligence for all the people who are watching them as the head rep of what Americans are and what we stand for.
5. some history for civic service to others during their lives
6. A sense of consistency
7. An ability to work well with people, even in the face of disagreement
8. Some history of work in and therefore knowledge of politics, and the constitutional framework,duties, and boundaries of the positions within.
I still see none of this in the current POTUS. And though I empathize and understand those perceiving this choice as a 'refreshing change'. I do not believe that change for change sake is refreshing. And I feel many (of course not all) of those who have stated that as the reason for their vote are being dishonest with themselves. I can name a dozen people who are not politicians, and therefore would be a 'change', but still would not have received the vote.
these are just my priorities for a politician though, especially a President. I know they will 'lie' because the term has come to only mean they will try and fail to achieve, which I think all of us do.
Edited by
msharmony
on Sun 04/22/18 09:47 AM