Sympathy for a Politician
Posted: Monday, October 27, 2008
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
Politicians are people Americans love to hate. Much of their negative public perception is well-deserved. However, I do feel sorry for them in a way because, sometimes, they just can't win.
When they change their mind, they are called flip-floppers. But if they refuse to do so, they are called closed-minded, rigid, and dogmatic, and are perceived as unwilling to compromise or reach across the political aisle.
If they openly talk about their religious beliefs, they are said to be mixing religion with politics and forcing their religion down the throat of the voting public. But if they keep silent about religion, they are viewed as too secular and out of touch with a nation whose majority claims to be religious.
If they voice their support for certain wars, they are called warmongers. But if they oppose those wars, people say they would make weak leaders and accuse them of not supporting our troops.
If they attract large crowds, they are compared to empty-headed celebrities and accused of thinking they are God-like. But if they don't, they are criticized for lacking charisma and not being able to excite their base.
If they are specific about what they want to do when they are elected, they are called policy wonks. But if they are not, they are accused of being evasive or "lacking a plan."
If their campaign is about change, they are said to be too risky of a choice. But if it is not, they are criticized for being just more of the same.
If they travel abroad, they are accused of spending too much too time out of the country and not taking care of domestic affairs. But if they don't, they are criticized for their "lack of curiosity" about the outside world.
If they believe in free trade, they are accused of running up the trade deficit and sending American jobs offshore. But if they don't, they are called isolationists.
If they are willing to sit down and negotiate with our enemies, they are called capitulators and are said to be caving in. But if they are not, they are accused of taking too hard a line in the world.
If they are pro-choice on the abortion issue, they are accused of acquiescing to the murder of innocent children. But if they take a pro-life stance, they are criticized for wanting to limit a woman's right to choose.
If they want to raise taxes, they are called socialists and are criticized for adding to the burden of the American taxpayer. But if they want to lower them, they are accused of being friends of the rich and are said to be in the pockets of corporate America.
And so on and so on.
Of course, in retrospect, I guess we shouldn't feel too much sympathy for politicians. They chose that line of work -- no one forced it on them. They knew the constant criticism came with the territory and are apparently willing to pay that price. More power to them.
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Terry, great article. Definitely a good reminder to keep things in perspective. I wonder how politics would differ today if "spin" didn't exist.Rob, I've often wondered about that as well. Thanks for you comments.
Yeah, and that's why I am voting for Jesus :-)Great job!!
Excellent Terry!I am with Teresa and that is why I am voting for Jesus also. Besides, the end result is in God's hands and all we can do is the footwork.
Man, Terry, you've got me feeling so sorry for politicians. You make a compelling case for understanding the dilemmas and catch 22s that politicians often face. Thanks for your article. ~mogama~
Most politicians lie so much they would have to take a deep breath and think for a moment, as preparation, if they ever wanted to tell the truth.Did you know all members of congress get free unlimited health care? That means the taxpayers pay the insurance premiums, and the entire bill for any medical services rendered to a member of congress.Did you know that all members of congress get a 100% pension for life after they leave congress?: That means if they make $150,000 a year when they are actively employed, they receive that very same amount annually for life after they leave/retire/get voted out, etc.Lying pays pretty well in congress, don't you think?
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